Backpack Security – familydoctor.org

Youngsters carry rather a lot of their backpacks: homework, books, lunch, jackets, sports activities tools. However absolutely loaded backpacks include dangers. Backpacks not worn appropriately or which can be too heavy can damage your little one. Harm to their backbone in addition to sore backs and shoulders, complications, and even a change in the way in which they stroll could be due to heavy backpacks.

Many youngsters carry greater than they need to of their backpacks. They need to not carry greater than 10% of their very own physique weight. For instance, in case your little one weighs 80 kilos, their backpack shouldn’t weigh greater than 8 kilos. Use your rest room scale to weigh your little one’s backpack when it’s absolutely packed.

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Path to improved well being

When looking for a backpack in your little one, take them with you. Let your little one attempt on backpacks. Be sure the backpack isn’t any wider than your little one’s physique. Additionally be certain that it doesn’t grasp greater than 4 inches beneath their waist. These tips will assist be certain that the backpack isn’t too huge.

Additionally search for a backpack with these parts:

Two broad, padded shoulder straps
Padded again
Strap that fastens across the waist
A number of compartments to unfold out the burden
Fabricated from light-weight materials

As soon as your little one begins utilizing the backpack, there are numerous steps you may take to verify they aren’t carrying an excessive amount of in it.

At all times be certain that your little one is carrying their backpack with a strap over each shoulders, as a substitute of simply carrying it on one shoulder. This ensures that the burden is evenly distributed, placing much less pressure on muscular tissues and joints.
Tighten the shoulder and waist straps in order that they’re comfortable towards the physique.
Be sure the backpack rests in the midst of your little one’s again. This places the backpack over the strongest muscular tissues within the again and stomach. Encourage your little one to solely carry what is critical for college.
Place the heaviest gadgets within the backside of the bag.
Train your little one safely decide up a heavy backpack. Your little one ought to bend on the knees and raise with the legs. This protects the again and shoulders.

Issues to contemplate

Preserve a detailed eye in your little one and the way they carry a backpack. The backpack could also be too heavy if:

Your little one complains about ache or numbness within the again or shoulders
You see purple marks on the shoulders
You discover your little one is slouching or leaning

If the backpack is simply too heavy, take every part out of it to see what’s in it. Think about whether or not any of the gadgets could be left at house or faculty and never carried within the backpack. Encourage your little one to make frequent stops at their locker at college.

Questions in your physician

How can I deal with my little one’s ache already attributable to a heavy backpack?
Are rolling backpacks a good suggestion?

Assets

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Backpack safety

National Safety Council: Backpack Safety: It’s Time to Lighten the Load

This info offers a common overview and should not apply to everybody. Speak to your loved ones physician to seek out out if this info applies to you and to get extra info on this topic.