5 Ways to Ensure Backpack Safety for Your Child

Although children are extremely resilient, an injury caused by a heavy and improperly packed and carried backpack can create issues that may creep up as they grow. Let’s help them have a bright and healthy future!

Follow these simple backpack safety tips:

1. Choose a backpack that fits your child properly. The top of the backpack should not extend above the shoulders, and the bottom of the backpack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waist. The wide, padded straps should be adjusted so that the backpack fits snugly against the back.

2. Pack heavier items closer to the child’s back, rather than at the front of the backpack where they can pull the child backward. It’s also a good idea to use all of the pockets and compartments in the backpack to distribute the weight more evenly.

3. Ideally, a child’s backpack should not weigh more than 10-15% of their body weight. If your child’s backpack is too heavy, it’s important to remove some of the items from the backpack to lighten the load.

4. Use both straps when carrying a backpack to distribute the weight more evenly and reduce the strain on the child’s back. Using the waist strap can help to further stabilize the backpack and reduce the risk of injury.

5. Finally, it’s a good idea to encourage your child to take breaks when carrying their backpack. This can help prevent muscle imbalances and reduce the risk of strain and injury.

By following these simple backpack safety tips you can help protect your child’s spine and prevent back pain caused by carrying a heavy or improperly packed backpack. Remember, a properly fitted and packed backpack is an important investment in your child’s spinal health. And if you yourself are a backpack user, protect your back too!

Is your child in need of a spinal checkup? Are you? We’re here to help! Book an appointment whenever you’re ready.