Backpack Basics

Your child’s backpack is one of the most important items on your back-to-school shopping list. For your child’s safety and health, prioritize proper fit and comfort over price, urges the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Wearing a backpack incorrectly or carrying one that’s too heavy can lead to falls, discomfort, fatigue, muscle soreness and pain in the lower back and shoulders. It can also cause poor posture. To help prevent this:

Find the correct size. The backpack shouldn’t be wider or longer than your child’s torso. A full pack should never be lower than the child’s waistline.

Be strap smart. Wide, adjustable straps with padding help protect the shoulders from excessive pressure.

Pick for pockets. Go for backpacks with pockets, slots and dividers to help evenly distribute weight. Place heavier items closer to the child’s back, within the pack.

Limit weight. A packed backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 15% of a child’s total weight. To reduce weight, help your child determine what is necessary to carry. If it’s not essential, leave it at home.

Double up. Slinging a backpack over just one shoulder can cause neck and shoulder aches and pains. Encourage your child to put a strap over each shoulder to evenly distribute the weight, promoting better posture and fewer back injuries.

When you’re doing back-to-school shopping this year, observe these backpack basics to keep kids healthier and safer this school year.