In just a few days the kids will be back in the classroom – have you already grabbed your little (or not-so-little) ones a new backpack for the school year yet? While it’s tempting to buy a backpack with a great aesthetic design or the one at the most cost-effective price point, there are more important factors to keep in mind when choosing this kind of gear that will influence your child’s spinal and shoulder health well into adulthood.
Here’s a little Backpack 101 for you:
Did You Know…
- Kids shouldn’t carry a physical load more than 10 to 15 per cent of their body weight
- Evenly spreading the load will reduce strain on the back, neck & shoulders
- Wearing backpack straps on just one shoulder can result in negative changes in posture and walking habits – be sure your child wears both straps at all times (let them know this could affect their sport performance, then they’ll listen!)
Dos for Buying Backpacks:
- DO ensure that the backpack straps fit close to the back for proper balance
- DO make sure that the straps are padded to relieve neck and shoulder pressure and improving comfort
- DO select a backpack with multiple compartments for packing efficiency and a more even weight distribution
Don’ts for Buying Backpacks:
- DON’T buy a backpack that’s too big because it can carry more
- DON’T buy a backpack that’s wider or longer than your child’s torso
- DON’T buy a backpack that hangs more than four inches below the waist