Issue Date: September 27, 2009
Prevent backpack injuries to your child
Those heavy books and binders that kids carry to school every day can affect their posture and even lead to an injury. When a backpack is too heavy, it can strain muscles and joints and cause back pain and tingling arms. The American Academy of Pediatrics shares these backpack tips:
Cushion the load. Shoulder straps should be wide and padded, and kids should wear both of them. A padded back also increases comfort.
Buckle up. A waist belt helps support the load kids tote.
Lighten up. A packed backpack should weigh no more than 20% of a child's body weight -- but the less it weighs, the better.
Get plenty of pockets. Multiple compartments will help to distribute the weight.
Roll it. Get your kids a book bag with wheels if lugging around a backpack causes them too much pain.
For more information, check out KidsHealth.org.
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