Everything gets loaded into them: textbooks, binders, folders, pencil case, lunch bag, and sometimes even a laptop and a bottle of water, too.
And once loaded, a backpack can top thirty pounds, wreaking havoc with your child's back, shoulders, and neck-posture, too.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that, when filled, a backpack should weigh no more than 10% to 15% of your child's weight.
In other words, if your child weighs 60 pounds, the bag should not top nine pounds; if 100 pounds, it mustn't weigh more than 15 pounds.
All the more reason to shop wisely--and don't count on a backpack with wheels.
They're only useful in one-story buildings, and, even then, they can be quite unwieldy in crowded hallways or when carried onto a school bus.
Best bet: make sure the backpack itself is lightweight and look for .
.
.
o Wide, padded/air filled straps which distribute weight more evenly and won't dig into your child's shoulders.
o Hip or waist straps for more stability.
o Quality craftsmanship: no frayed fabric, loose threads, or uncovered zippers.
o Various pockets to divvy up the weight.
o Reflective tape, so your child is visible walking to school or the bus stop and back home.
In addition, the bottom of the backpack should match up with the curve of his lower back and should fall more than four inches below his waistline.
Meanwhile, you might also want to take into account the recommendations of the experts at Consumer Reports who tested countless backpacks to find the best, such as Nike Core and Under Armour Varsity.
Also, check out Good Housekeeping's reviews of kid-tested backpacks; coming in first was North Face's Borealis.
Then, decision made, your child shouldn't have to lean forward to tote her filled backpack.
A too-heavy one can lead to back, shoulder, and neck problems, while also affecting balance and posture.
Therefore, insist that she not hang it from one shoulder--even if that's how "everyone" does it.
Instead, it should sit squarely on her back with both shoulder straps firmly in place; the waist/hip strap should also be secured.
And remember: heaviest items should be loaded so they rest against the middle of her back.
After that, it's all about lightening the load.
Inquire at school about the possibility of a duplicate set of textbooks for home.
However, that's usually not an option, so consider purchasing used copies.
And remind your child to bring home only the books and materials he'll need each evening to do his homework and leave the rest in his locker.
And once loaded, a backpack can top thirty pounds, wreaking havoc with your child's back, shoulders, and neck-posture, too.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that, when filled, a backpack should weigh no more than 10% to 15% of your child's weight.
In other words, if your child weighs 60 pounds, the bag should not top nine pounds; if 100 pounds, it mustn't weigh more than 15 pounds.
All the more reason to shop wisely--and don't count on a backpack with wheels.
They're only useful in one-story buildings, and, even then, they can be quite unwieldy in crowded hallways or when carried onto a school bus.
Best bet: make sure the backpack itself is lightweight and look for .
.
.
o Wide, padded/air filled straps which distribute weight more evenly and won't dig into your child's shoulders.
o Hip or waist straps for more stability.
o Quality craftsmanship: no frayed fabric, loose threads, or uncovered zippers.
o Various pockets to divvy up the weight.
o Reflective tape, so your child is visible walking to school or the bus stop and back home.
In addition, the bottom of the backpack should match up with the curve of his lower back and should fall more than four inches below his waistline.
Meanwhile, you might also want to take into account the recommendations of the experts at Consumer Reports who tested countless backpacks to find the best, such as Nike Core and Under Armour Varsity.
Also, check out Good Housekeeping's reviews of kid-tested backpacks; coming in first was North Face's Borealis.
Then, decision made, your child shouldn't have to lean forward to tote her filled backpack.
A too-heavy one can lead to back, shoulder, and neck problems, while also affecting balance and posture.
Therefore, insist that she not hang it from one shoulder--even if that's how "everyone" does it.
Instead, it should sit squarely on her back with both shoulder straps firmly in place; the waist/hip strap should also be secured.
And remember: heaviest items should be loaded so they rest against the middle of her back.
After that, it's all about lightening the load.
Inquire at school about the possibility of a duplicate set of textbooks for home.
However, that's usually not an option, so consider purchasing used copies.
And remind your child to bring home only the books and materials he'll need each evening to do his homework and leave the rest in his locker.
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