Choosing the Right Backpack for Back to School

As summer comes to an end, it is time for many parents to engage in the time honoured tradition of braving  the “Back to School” sales in an attempt to prepare your children for the coming school year.

It seems as time goes on students are expected to transport more supplies too and from school each day. With this in mind an important thing from a health and safety point of view will be deciding on what type of backpack/book bag to get your child.

A few things should be considered when selecting a backpack for your child.

1. The most important thing to consider is the size of your child: Ideally you should choose a pack that has a back compartment that will fit on your child’s back (not hang down below their waste or extend over their shoulders when the straps are snug). Ideally the pack with have a padded back compartment and padded straps that will adjust over your child’s shoulders so that the back compartment fits snugly on their back.
2. The size specifications their school suggests: The school will have lockers etc for the children to store their backpacks so  you want to be sure your child’s backpack will fit into the storage space.
3. Weight of the back pack: Your child should not be carrying a backpack which weighs more then 15% of their body weight when full. You should work with your child’s teachers to ensure you are only putting in the supplies necessary for the school day in order to help limit the weight of the backpack.

In addition to things to consider when choosing a backpack there are also things to look at with a sense of perspective.

1. Marketing materials (i.e. cartoon characters etc) that may be used to try to sell a specific backpack: It is important to realize the pack you choose for your child is more then a toy, it serves a purpose. It may be that your daughter wants a “Dora” pack while your son may want a “Transformers” pack, but it is more important that the pack fits your child properly.
2. Fashion preferences are not to be taken too seriously: Many over the shoulder courier type bags are being sold today. These bags may be “cooler” then the traditional two strap backpacks but they can lead to many musculoskeletal injuries. Extended use of the courier style bags, especially when loaded with all your child’s school supplies, can lead to neck and shoulder injuries as well as chronic headaches.
3. Avoid trying to find a pack that will suit your child for more then one school year as your child will likely grow out of a pack within a school year. It is more important and healthier for your child to have a pack that fits them properly.

By keeping this information in mind when choosing a backpack for your child you will help to ensure your child stays healthy through the year.