It’s back-to-school time and that means lots of items being toted around in backpacks. Packs get even heavier then the snow flies due the addition of boots and extra winter gear. Here are a some tips to help reduce the chance of back, shoulder, or neck pain in your kiddos:
- As a general rule, it is recommended that kids carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight in their pack. If a child weighs 80 pounds, the backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 8-12 pounds. A pack that is too heavy will cause the need to lean forward, creating strain on muscles.
- Use both shoulder straps to keep the load balanced. Using only one strap causes you to lean to one side, creating muscle imbalance and posture changes.
- If using a messenger type of bag or a computer case with a strap, carry the bag across the body to evenly distribute the load.
- Tighten the straps enough for the backpack to rest evenly in the middle of the back; no sagging packs down to the butt.
- Pack the heaviest items closest to the body, lightest items farther away from the body; this will reduce the strain on the spine.
- Leave what you can at school. Is the same hardcover book being carried back and forth by your student from school to home without being opened?
- Check the pack frequently and unload unnecessary items to keep the weight of the pack at a minimum. You may be surprised at the treasures you find adding weight to the pack.