The Backpack Blog
While most people understand that incorrect use of a school backpack can result in your child suffering back pain, neck pain and headaches, not everyone understands what to look for when fitting your child with a new pack. As a way of making your school bag selection a little easier, listed below are some helpful hints regarding features to look for when correctly fitting your child’s backpack.
Recommended features of any school backpack:
- 2 adjustable straps with shoulder padding
- Adjustable waist strap
- A padded back with supportive bracing
- The height of the back pack should be equivalent to the distance from the top of your child’s hip to the base of their neck
Putting the backpack on
We advise you take the time to teach your child the importance of wearing their backpack correctly from a young age.
- Put the backpack on a flat surface, at waist height
- Slip the backpack on, one shoulder at a time
- Adjust the straps to fit comfortably
- Remember when lifting the backpack, to lift using your arms and legs and to always bend at the knees
The correct way to use a backpack
- The weight of the back pack should be no more than 10 to 15% of your child’s body weight
- Heaviest objects should be closest to the spine
- Pack only what you need
- Weight should be evenly distributed between the 2 shoulder straps
- The pack should fit snugly against your child’s body
- Never wear a backpack on 1 shoulder regardless of how little may be in it
- Waist strap should always be used to increase stability but also help distribute the weight
If you have any questions regarding your child’s school bag or any concerns regarding their musculoskeletal well being, please don’t hesitate to ask any of the Chiropractors at Walkley Chiropractic Group. Every one of our musculoskeletal professionals has experience in treating patients of all ages and in particular children.
We are here to help you in any way we can.