This may seem like an unusual fact, but according to an occupational therapist at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, approximately 6,000 children are injured each year due to wearing a backpack that is inappropriate for them.
As our children head back to school and look forward to choosing a new book bag with their favorite superhero or Disney character, make sure they have a bag that is appropriate and will not cause them injury or harm. Their bag needs to carry all of their necessary supplies and books, but not so large that your child will overload it. If backpacks are too heavy or not properly used, they can cause pain, strain, and injury to your child.
Here are five tips for backpack safety and proper use:
• Actually use a backpack. The muscles in the back are the strongest muscles and can support the bag better than shoulder bags and other types of bags. Pick one that is the right size for your child — not too big. It should fit him between the shoulder blades down to his waist.
• The bag should be lightweight, have two shoulder straps that are wide and padded, and have padding on the back for additional comfort and protection.
• Don’t overload it. Your child should not be leaning forward from the weight. Be sure to place the heaviest books in the back of the bag for best muscle support.
• Have your child wear the backpack on both shoulders and make sure the straps are snug, but not too tight.
• For his personal safety, avoid writing the child’s name on the outside of the backpack.
It’s exciting for kids to pick out the “coolest” book bag to show to their friends at school, but it’s more important to provide them with a bag that will be safe and not cause pain. But don’t worry, there are plenty of superhero and princess options that meet these criteria!
Alexa Bigwarfe is the mother of three young children, one in elementary school and two in preschool. All three have their own strong opinions about backpacks!
