How much does your child’s backpack weigh when they head off to school in the morning?
Do you know?
It’s okay if you don’t. The truth is that most parents don’t know but you need to. A backpack weighing more than 15% of your child’s body weight can damage their developing spine. However, it is not just the weight of the backpack that is essential to backpack safety. How you fit a backpack on your child’s body will either set them up for success or failure. The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. has created a simple 3 step process for how to properly fit a backpack.
- PACK IT – Utilize different compartments and pockets to distribute weight. Place heavier items closer to the back center of the backpack, and lighter items in the front of the backpack.
- PUT IT ON – Teach your child to pick up the backpack by bending and lifting in the knees instead of the waist to prevent back injury.
- ADJUST & CARRY – Always use both shoulder straps to prevent injury. If available, be sure to adjust the sternum (chest) strap and secure the hip belt. The backpack should rest snugly against the back.
- WATCH – Be aware fo the warning signs that the backpack is too heavy, including:
- Difficulty when putting on or taking off the backpack
- Pain when wearing the backpack
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
- Red strap marks over the front of the shoulders
- And change in side to side posture while wearing the backpack
As you and your child begin preparing for another year of school, follow Dr. Keen’s top 5 recommendations for backpack health.
- Every Sunday empty out your child’s backpack and review what they have stuffed inside. You would be surprised what items accumulate inside that add unnecessary weight. If this is a teenager, find out if they need to carry all their books all the time, or is their schedule Monday, Wednesday and Friday different from Tuesday and Thursday?
- Check the backpack straps fro proper shoulder placement, making sure that the bottom of the backpack is two inches above the waist and resting in the curve of the lower back
- Continue weekly reminders that wearing the backpack on both shoulders prevents postural problems.
- Weight your child’s backpack once a week to determine if it is within the safe range of 15% or less of your child’s body weight.
- If you child is not under regular wellness chiropractic care, check your child’s shoulder and head level at least once a month to determine fi they are showing early signs of repetitive stress on their growing spine. A Family Wellness Chiropractor who is trialed to detect the early signs can perform this exam. Like dentistry, early detection and correction is key to better health.