Backpacks and book bags – is your child safe? This is a growing concern for many parents. With the heavy load of books that children carry around, it is no wonder that backpack and book bag safety is becoming more of an issue. Because muscles are still forming throughout childhood, it is important to choose a backpack that will carry the weight of the books rather than put stress on your child’s back. Here are some tips to help you choose and use backpacks and book bags:
Choose a backpack that is designed to carry a heavy load of books without stressing out your child’s body. Buying backpacks with wide straps helps to even out the weight and avoids the straps digging into your child’s shoulders. For younger children, a waist belt helps to even out the weight and runs less risk of putting too much stress on the back.
Choose lighter weight materials such as canvas. Leather backpacks are very nice looking, but they weigh a lot more than typical canvas bags, which are washable and more kid-friendly.
Backpacks with compartments in the middle or on either side of the bags are a good choice. Have your child utilize these compartments to spread the weight out evenly, instead of having it centralized in one area.
Wearing a backpack properly is very important. Both straps should be on the shoulders. Older teens will sometimes sling the backpack over one shoulder. While this may be convenient for them, it is bad for their posture as well as shoulder and neck muscles. The weight will be unevenly distributed and can strain the neck and shoulder muscles if worn in this manner.
Check the backpack or book bag’s weight occasionally, when it’s full. It is recommended that the weight of the full backpack should not exceed 10-15% of your child’s body weight. Carrying more than that can result in nerve compression as well as deformed back growth such as rounded shoulders. It can also tire out and strain the muscles quickly.
When it comes to keeping your child safe, you are the expert. It’s up to you make sure their backpacks or book bags are safe and used properly. Keeping these backpack and book bag safety tips in mind and instilling their importance in your children will help to ensure that your child’s back, neck and shoulders will not suffer any damage.
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