Guide to Kids' Backpacks For School

Amongst multiple problems caused by backpacks are back pain, strained shoulders and neck, poor posture, numbness and weakness in arms and hands. Mostly these problems are caused by too heavy loads of school supplies that kids carry around all day. It is recommended that school children should carry no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight in their backpack.

When buying a backpack for your kid or teen parents should carefully consider the backpacks construction and look for the following:

1) backpack should be light, avoid leather or other heavy material backpacks, that add a lot of additional weight to your kid's load.

2) backpack with padded back will provide comfort and protect the child's back from being poked by sharp objects (edges of rulers, books, etc.) inside the bag.

3) some backpacks have a waist belt, though it might not look cool, it surely will help to distribute the weight of the backpack more evenly across the body.

4) shoulder straps should must be wide and ergonomically designed, because too narrow straps will dig into shoulders. Also look for padded shoulder straps that are not too stiff.

5) multiple compartments will help with even weight distribution.

After you have bought the backpack it is important to teach your kids to use it properly.

The first and most important thing you can do is to teach your kid to lighten the load. No mater how well the backpack is built doctors and therapists recommend that children carry no more than 10% to 15% of their weight. Parents must look after their kids so that they do not overload their backpack with unnecessary items like CD's, laptops and videogames when going to school. Tell your kids to use their lockers more frequently instead of hauling all the days worth in books all the time and only the books needed for homework or studying should be brought home. You can also choose to buy paperback books since they weight less than hardcover books and in the backpack heavy books should be put closest to the center of the back.

Secondly make sure your kids use their backpacks properly. That includes the use of both shoulder straps and tightening the straps so that the backpack sits 2 inches above the waist and close to the body. Make sure that the weight in the backpack is distributed evenly.

By choosing the right pack a lot of health problems can be avoided. A good backpack and proper usage will make your kid feel better.

 

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