September is fast approaching, and that means back to school! A major back to school purchase for your child will be a backpack. When buying a backpack for your child, remember to keep your child’s health and safety in mind.
Here are some great tips to find your child the perfect backpack:
- The best backpacks will have wide, padded straps, and a padded back. The straps should be adjusted so that they fit snugly over your child’s shoulders and the backpack is sitting close to your child’s body. A waist belt and sternum strap can also help in distributing weight evenly.
- Teach your children to use both straps, and not sling their backpack over one shoulder. Children should not be using messenger or single-shoulder backpacks. Using both straps distributes the weight of the backpack evenly, avoiding injury. Single-shoulder bags may look “cool,” but could cause back strain.
- Backpacks with more compartments can help distribute backpack weight more evenly, and help children not lose items inside their backpack. As well, backpacks with zippers that 2/3 of the way can help children remove items without emptying the entire backpack.
- Choose the smallest possible backpack possible for your child. The backpack should not be wider than your child’s torso, and should rest against your child’s back, but not more than 4 inches above their waist.
- Avoid leather backpacks for children, as they are heavier than other materials, and may retain water if they get wet. Lightweight materials such as nylon or canvas are the best choices for children’s backpacks.
- For older school children who may have no choice in carrying a heavier load, backpacks with wheels are an option; however some schools do not allow this type of backpack. Check with your child’s school before purchasing this type of backpack.
Once you’ve chosen a backpack for your child, teach them the proper way to wear it. Explain to them that wearing a backpack on only one shoulder can cause shoulder and back pain, as well as tingling and numbness in the necks, arms, and hands.
Teach your child to pack lightly. Their backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 15 percent their body weight. For an elementary school child, this translates into no more than 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Pick up your child’s backpack on a regular basis so you can check its weight. If you notice your child is putting more than 10 lbs in items in their backpack, ensure your child is only carrying necessary items. You may also need to work with your child and their teacher to lessen the amount of school work they are bringing to and from school.
To learn more, here are some great links to help you out:
Kidproof BC Lower-Mainland 