The Best Backpacks for Elementary School Children
Backpacks could cause your child back, shoulder and neck pain if it is packed too full and carried for more than eight hours a day, according to WedMD.com. School children are also at risk of injury from falling when a backpack is too heavy. Buying the best backpack for your child not only makes for more comfortable carrying, but could prevent injury as well.
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The Facts
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The best backpack for elementary school children is one that isn't overloaded with books and other school supplies. A WebMD article suggests a backpack for a 50-pound elementary school child should weigh no more than five pounds. Both shoulder straps should be worn when your child carries a backpack and it should be adjusted to her comfort. Use the pockets equally to spread the weight over the entire backpack.
Types
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Traditional backpacks typically come in two styles --- a single strap backpack which crosses the chest or a double strap backpack that goes over both shoulders. WebMD recommends using a double strap backpack to distribute the weight across the shoulders. The single strap backpack "pulls the shoulder down and can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain," according to pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Hennrikus. Thicker padded straps are beneficial to prevent the backpack from cutting into the shoulders.
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Considerations
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To ease the stress on the back, neck and shoulders, consider buying a backpack with wheels. Be sure to check with the school before going forward with this since a backpack with wheels might not fit into the locker or cause problems on the stairs. Consider buying a backpack with nylon or synthetic fabric, which is studier. Buying a backpack with a little bit of bright color might make it easier for your child to find among the backpacks of other elementary school children.
Preventing Injury
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As your child grows, consider a new backpack to fit her changing body. According to the online backpack website best-backpack-guide.com, decisions for a child's backpack should be based on "construction, usable features and safety aspects." Buying a backpack that has a chest strap as well can stop the backpack from moving excessively when your child walks or bikes. Adding reflective patches to the backpack, according to best-backpack-guide.com, might help make your child more noticeable to motorists.
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References
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