Smart hacks for starting kindergarten – from mom influencers Mim & Pia!

Starting kindergarten can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming for little kids and grown-up parents alike. Mim & Pia, the duo behind @mamabear.hacks, share their best advice, clever lunchbox tricks, and tips on gear that can make the transition easier.

With little children at home, Mim & Pia know a thing or two about what actually works in everyday life. That’s why they’ve tested Beckmann’s backpacks and accessories, and are sharing their very best tips to make starting kindergarten both simpler and a little more fun.

A new everyday life—with big (little) needs

Starting kindergarten marks an important milestone in a child’s life—and for parents too. Suddenly, there’s a lot to remember, a lot to pack, and many new routines to establish.

“We clearly remember how overwhelming it felt that first time. There are so many little things you don’t know you need—until you suddenly do,” says Mim, who together with Pia runs the popular account @mamabear.hacks.

There, they share clever hacks for life with small children, from lunchbox solutions to organization and kids’ gear. For starting kindergarten, they have some clear favorites when it comes to routines and equipment.

Urban Mini or Classic Mini?

One of the most important choices before starting kindergarten is the backpack. It’s not just about picking a nice design—it needs to be comfortable, durable, and practical. Ideally, it should also grow with your child.

Urban Mini – for the very youngest

– The kindergarten backpack, Urban Mini, is perfect for 1–2-year-olds. Especially for those who still often sit in a stroller. It’s lightweight, easy to put on, and the chest strap keeps it from slipping off small shoulders. We also love the rain cover in the bottom –it’s worth its weight in gold!

Urban Mini is made from recycled materials and combines clean, Nordic design with thoughtful details: chest strap, rain cover, dedicated bottle holder, and a reflective figure on the front. It easily hangs on the stroller and weighs only 360 grams.

 

Classic Mini – for the more independent child

– When your child is more independent, walks to and from kindergarten, or often goes on outings, the Classic Mini is absolutely brilliant. It has a hip belt that transfer the weight onto the hips - just like a hiking backpack. This makes it much easier for kids to carry their own gear. 

Classic Mini comes equipped with a chest strap, hip belt, and good padding. It features a rain cover in the lid, reflectors on all sides, and a dedicated wet mesh - perfect after a trip to the woods or a rainy day. The 12-liter volume offers plenty of space without being too big.

 

Lunchbox-hack that works every day

The lunch pack doesn’t need to be fancy, but it doesn’t hurt if it’s smart. Mim & Pia share one of their favorite hacks:

– We use small silicone molds or muffin liners when we want to split the lunchbox into even more sections. For example, you can put some fruit in one part, slices of bread in another, and maybe some pasta spirals in a third. It makes lunch a bit more exciting for the kids—and very organized for us!

Beckmann’s lunchboxes are divided into compartments, making it easy to pack a varied meal without everything getting mixed together. They come in matching designs with the backpacks and are dishwasher safe. You’ll even fit a yogurt cup in them!

It’s easy to fall into the habit of packing the same lunch every day, and imagination can start to fade. That’s when Mim & Pia offer some great tips for what you can add alongside bread and the classics:

• Banana pancakes, preferably with beans or lentils
• Pizza rolls
• Whole grain waffles with grated carrots
• Out bars or nut bars
• lunch muffin or egg muffin
• Smoothie cubes
• Whole grain crescents
  

 

– We’ve tried many water bottles that have leaked in the bag or broken after just a couple of weeks. Beckmann’s bottle has stayed leakproof and intact - and that really says it all.

Beckmann’s drinking bottle is made from durable Tritan material, is BPA-free, and odorless. It’s easy to open for small hands and can be safely washed in the dishwasher. Pair it with a backpack and lunchbox from the same series for a complete kindergarten kit.

Water bottle-hack for kindergarten

On hot summer days, you can fill the bottle halfway with water, lay it on its side in the freezer overnight, and top it off before heading to kindergarten. This way, your child will have cold, refreshing water with them.

Safety and mastery

– For us, a good backpack isn’t just about practicality. When kids have a backpack they like and recognize, they get a sense of ownership. Our kids have learned to pack for themselves, grab their things, and have become more independent. It’s a great way to create a sense of security in new situations, says Mim.

With thoughtfully designed features, high quality, and ergonomic comfort, Beckmann’s kindergarten backpacks are made precisely for this: to be a reliable companion—for both children and parents.

Se the full selection of kindergarten backpacks, lunchboxes, and bottles

More smart tips for everyday kindergarten life

• Name tag on the outside: We use large name tags with the child’s name on the outside of the backpack, and smaller name tags with a phone number inside. This makes it easier for both children and staff to find the right backpack
• Spare clothes in a bag: We always put an extra set of clothes in the tote bag that comes with the Classic Mini backpack. That way, it’s easy to change clothes when needed, and the used bag can hold wet clothes.
• Designated place for lunch box and water bottle: We’ve taught the children that the lunch box should always be in the main compartment, and the water bottle in the side pocket. This creates a routine and reduces mess.
• Prepare the night before: We often make the packed lunch the night before and keep it in the fridge. It saves time in the morning.
• Freeze the water bottle: We fill the water bottle halfway with water and put it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, we top it up with cold water. This keeps drinks cold longer on hot summer days.

For more clever tips and hacks, follow Mim & Pia på Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamabear.hacks/