As parents flood the stores to prepare for the new school year, new backpacks for their children are likely on many shopping lists. There are many factors to consider when choosing the most appropriate one.
When shopping for a backpack it is important to find one that is no wider than the child’s chest, has adjustable and padded straps, includes a waist strap, is made of lightweight material and has several compartments. “A backpack that is adjustable helps bring the weight closer to the upper part of the back, where the body can more efficiently carry the load with larger muscles of the back,” said Robert Cho, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Los Angeles. “A waist strap helps to distribute the load to the lower body and legs so that the shoulders do not bear all of the weight.”
It is also helpful to make sure a child is only packing what is necessary for the day and to distribute these items evenly throughout the compartments, with the heaviest objects placed closest to the child’s back. It is recommended that kids carry no more than 10 to 15 percent of their bodyweight in their backpacks.
“Too much weight in a child’s backpack can lead to muscular strain and back pain, which can limit physical functioning and can even lead to poorer overall health,” said Dr. Cho. “I recommend either minimizing the amount of textbooks carried in a backpack, or using a rolling backpack, if allowed by the child’s school.”
Placement of the backpack is also important. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the best place to carry a backpack is between the neck and curve of the lower back – not far below the waist, as is often popular among the kids.
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