August 20, 2020 // by Dr. Stacy Kitchell, D.C.
It’s back-to-school time. And with school comes backpacks!
Backpacks can get heavy and be carried in ways that are not healthy for children’s backs.
I put together this checklist to help. Follow these backpack safety tips to help keep your children’s backs healthy!
Keep these quick tips handy so you and your kids are reminded daily.
Backpack Safety Tips:
- Always use both straps
- Keep your backpack close to your body
- Tighten the straps
- Don’t let the bag swing or hang
- Clean out your backpack regularly
- Keep the backpack weight light (only put the most needed items in the pack)
- Put the heaviest items up against your spine
Backpack Reminders for Parents
Backpacks should not hang low, swing, and move around on your child.
They also should not weight more than 10% of your child’s bodyweight. For example a 50 lb. kid shouldn’t carry a backpack that is heavier than 5 lbs.
In the photo above the child wearing the yellow shirt is carrying her backpack correctly. The other two children shown are examples of how children should NOT to carry a backpack.
Additional Resources
- You can find additional information in this article “Backpack Safety Tips” posted by the American Chiropractic Association.
- Did you know that chiropractic care can help children maintain better health? Chiropractic care has been shown to help with bedwetting, ADHD, common colds, and ear aches. Learn more about our chiropractic services for children. Learn more about our Pediatric Services!