Backpacks can be a safe way to carry heavy loads. When used correctly, your child should be able to carry his books and supplies without causing problems to his neck, shoulders and back.
What kind of backpack should my child use?
Choose a backpack made of light material, such as canvas or nylon. Be sure it is the right size for your child. Look for wide, padded shoulder straps, a padded back, a waist strap and multiple compartments.
How do I pack a backpack?
Always pack the backpack so that most of its weight rests low on your child’s back near the waist. Pack the heaviest books closest to the body.
Your child should:
- Bend his knees to pick up a backpack
- Clean his backpack often to take out things he does not need.
- Put things in his locker so his backpack is not heavy.
- Take only what is needed to school.
How much should a backpack weigh?
Backpacks should not weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of your child’s body weight. This means a child who weighs 100 pounds should have a backpack that weighs no more than 10 to 15 pounds.
- If your child needs to lean forward to support the weight of his backpack, then it is too heavy.
- Use backpacks with wheels and handles if your child needs to carry more than 15 percent of his body weight.
How should my child wear the backpack?
Your child should wear it so that it puts weight on the strongest muscles in the body, the back and stomach.
Choose a backpack with padded straps for your child.
This means:
- Your child should wear both straps over his shoulders.
- Adjust the shoulder straps so the backpack rests in the middle of his back.
- The backpack should fit close to his body.
- Secure the waist strap.
- This helps distribute heavy loads evenly.
- Pack items in compartments.
- Make sure the bottom of the backpack rests in the curve of the lower back.
- Check the height of the backpack.
- It should extend from waist level up to about 2 inches below the shoulders.
- The backpack should never sit more than 4 inches below the waistline.
Watch Hope and Will as they get organization tips with our Mom Bloggers at The Container Store.
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