Kids Backpack Safety Tips: We've Got Your Back

Back to school is an exciting time in a kid’s life – it means a whole new grade, new teacher, catching up with friends after Summer break, new clothes, supplies and… a backpack! 

Carrying a backpack is part of the school routine and sometimes gets taken for granted. It’s something we’ve all pretty much done growing up and can be a tremendous help – especially when you have a lot to carry! Afterall, they are designed to distribute the weight of a load among some of the body’s strongest muscles. However, if used incorrectly, the backpack can be damaging, especially for kids and their still-growing bodies. 

Not quite sure if your child is wearing their backpack correctly? Don’t worry parents, our team of chiropractic professionals are here to help! With the right tips and tricks, your little ones can comfortably wear a backpack and you can rest assured. Follow these steps:

Choose the Right Backpack

The best backpack for a child is an ergonomic one, designed to help ease the burden of a load. 

Look for backpacks that:

• Are the right size for your child. It shouldn’t be wider than your child’s chest, worn no higher than the base of the neck and no lower than 3 inches below the waist
• Have shoulder straps that are both padded and adjustable so that the backpack’s weight doesn’t stress your child’s shoulders
• Have padding on the back that prevents items in the backpack from hurting your child’s back
• Feature compartments that help distribute weight better by spreading out the items in the pack

Pack It Correctly

Children will likely fill up all the space available in a backpack if allowed. The more they fill it with however, the heavier and more unwieldy it becomes leading to a higher potential for damage to their growing bodies.

Instead, go through items with your child and help them decide what is essential and what can be left behind. Those things that don’t need to be hauled can be kept in their locker, their classroom or at home. While you are packing it together, show your child how to distribute items between compartments so that weight is more evenly distributed.

Use the Backpack Smartly

Teach your child how to wear the backpack in a way that isn’t harmful to them. Check to ensure shoulder straps are the right tightness for your child’s body. It should fit closely to the child’s back and not dangle from the shoulders.

Emphasize the importance of using both straps to carry the weight. It can be tempting for kids to simply swing the backpack onto one shoulder and go! This can cause troubles with muscle pain as well as contribute to posture issues. Likewise, chest and waist straps should also be used to help the body bear the load more easily.

Check your child’s backpack regularly and encourage them to practice proper backpack use as needed.

Is Your Child Experiencing Back, Neck Or Shoulder Pain? 

If your little one complains of pain in the neck, shoulders or back, consider pediatric chiropractic care. The experts at Holistic Vitality Center can offer specialized chiropractic care designed to help improve your child’s quality of life. 

Our holistic approach to chiropractic care will improve the entire function of your child’s body. For more information about our pediatric chiropractic services, contact our team online or call us directly at (919) 848-3333 today! 

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