With the new school year just getting started, it’s important to know if you got your child the right backpack. As children progress in grade school, their workload will accumulate and so will the books in their backpack. Wearing the wrong bookbag can ruin posture and tense up the muscles in the back. It’s especially important that children are wearing the right backpack because their muscles are still developing and damaging them early on can lead to future problems. Follow these tips when buying your child their new backpack:
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Always go for two straps - There are book bags that are made with one strap that either go on the side or across the body. This leads to muscle strain because more weight is being pulled on one side of the body and that weight is not being evenly distributed. Backpacks with two straps are best for your child’s spine and it’s the most comfortable for long-term use.
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Choosing the right size - Getting a backpack that is too big or small can be strainful on your child’s back. The golden rule is that the bottom of the bag rests on the curve of their lower back. The straps should be adjusted where the bag fits closely to the upper body and evenly distributes the weight of the backpack.
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Proper padding - Your child’s spinal health should be a priority when choosing the right backpack for them. The shoulder straps should have proper padding to avoid neck and shoulder strain. Small changes like this can lead to better muscle growth.
Teaching your child how to properly load their backpack will also help their spinal health. The backpack should not weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of your child’s body weight, and if it does, ask them if there’s any way to downsize it. Children sometimes are tempted or feel like they need to bring everything home from school; if your child’s backpack is too heavy, see if you can downsize. It’s important to talk with your children or to their teacher about what’s necessary to bring home.
If your child has experienced any spinal issues or back pain as a result of too much heavy lifting, contact us to speak to a specialist.