How to Shop for Back to School Backpacks

When it's time to buy a new back to school backpack, young students are usually most concerned with what is popular and trendy, but parents should consider functionality when shopping for a new schoolbag.

It's a fact: A poorly designed backpack can strain muscles and joints - and may ultimately create long term neck and back ailments. A shocking number of backpack-related injuries (like strains and sprains) are treated in emergency rooms each year.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Select a backpack that is appropriate for the student's age and size. Choose a smaller pack for a smaller back to ensure that the pack can be positioned properly (in the middle of your child's back). Ideally, the bottom of the backpack should fall about two inches above your child's waistline, and should never reach past the end of the lower back.

2. Look for a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps. Straps that cut into the shoulder will cause pain and restrict blood circulation to the arm. Instruct your child to wear both straps of his/her backpack to evenly distribute the load. Also make sure the shoulder straps can be easily adjusted so that the backpack fits snugly against the back.

3. Find a back to school backpack with a belt that clips at the waist. This will also help to distribute the weight more evenly.

4. Choose a backpack with reflective material so your child will be more visible to vehicles in parking lots, or when crossing the street.

Tips & Warnings

• Always load the heaviest items closest to your child's back to help distribute weight evenly. Even if a backpack is lightweight, your child can still experience back or neck strain if the bag is not packed properly.
• A backpack shouldn't weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of your child's body weight.