It’s about that time for all the kids to go back to school! Are you wondering how you can make better changes in your child’s belongings? A good place to start is the backpack. A lot of children often express concerns about how they carry a heavy load in their backpacks, or they wear them incorrectly. This can lead to severe shoulder, neck, and back pain, as well as posture problems.

The first thing you want to make sure is to select the right backpack for your child. It is important to have features such as two wide shoulder straps, a padded back, a waist strap, and of course the coolest design! To prevent injury when using a backpack, make sure your child uses both straps of the backpack to rest on their shoulders. Tighten the straps to keep it closer to their back to help with posture and prevent slouching. Pack lightly and make sure the heavy items such as binders or textbooks are placed in the center so that carrying these items will not affect the child’s balance. When picking up the backpack from the floor, lift properly by bending the knees.

Some tips for parents that can ensure their child’s safety is to have them express concerns of any pain such as any discomfort in their upper or lower body. Before attending school, have the child test out the backpack weight and see if they have any struggles with it. If so, remove some of the heavy belongings and suggest that they carry it. If the backpack load gets overwhelming for the child, then it is important to discuss with the teacher of what can be left at home or school. By following these guidelines and tips, it will make a huge difference for your child’s safety and muscle/joint health.