Did you know a backpack should weigh no more than 10% of your child’s weight?
Wednesday, September 21 marks National School Backpack Awareness Day.
This observance by the American Occupational Therapy Association informs physicians, educators and students to help avoid the pain and injury that can come from carrying heavy backpacks and bags.
Learn how to correctly choose, pack, lift, and carry backpacks.
Be sure your child:
- Packs heaviest items in the back of the backpack
- Bends down and lifts from the knees when picking the backpack up
- Uses both shoulder straps, sternum strap and hip belt to even out weight
- Lastly, be sure the backpack does not extend above a child’s shoulders or below the hip bones
If your child shows signs of back or neck pain, tingling or numbness in the arms and legs, or changes in posture, see your child's pediatrician.
Courtesy: Guidelines from Campbell Clinic