How to Choose a School Bag
Every child needs a sturdy school bag to transport books, homework papers and other necessities back and forth from home to school. School bags should provide organizational compartments, have great straps and be made to handle the heavy loads that today's school kids carry. When choosing a school bag, follow these steps.
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Instructions
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How to Choose a School Bag
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Opt for a backpack. Backpacks are great because they are made to distribute the weight of the load over the strong muscles of the body. Bags with one strap can cause injury to the shoulder area from repetitive lifting and carrying.
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Look for a backpack with wide, padded straps. Padded shoulder straps and a padded waist belt can help to distribute the weight of the bag more evenly. Using both straps and a waist belt can help to better support the load and reduce the risk of injury to the neck and low back.
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Look for a backpack with compartments. Compartments will help to keep your child organized and able to keep track of smaller items.
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Choose a lightweight backpack that is small enough to hold everything your child needs. Having a bigger bag may encourage your child to pack more than he needs.
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Pick a bag that is a good fit. Avoid packs that are wider than your child. Be sure that the backpack rests against the back of your child and doesn't hang too far below his waist.
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Look for good workmanship. Opt for backpacks that have good quality zippers and fabric. Nylon is a popular choice for backpacks.
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Tips & Warnings
Encourage your child to use both straps to prevent injury.
Accordint to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should carry no more than 10 to 20 percent of their body weight in a backpack.
Wearing heavy backpacks can cause injury. Encourage your child to only pack what he needs.
If your child has neck or low back weaknesses, use a small, child-size, rollaway luggage bag on wheels.
