The wrong type of backpack at school can put unnecessary strain on your child’s back, neck and shoulders. Choosing the best school backpack for your child’s health will help with their posture and comfort as they go about the school day, carrying all those heavy books from one class to the next.
Here’s what you should look for when choosing the perfect schoolbag for your child:
Top Tips for Choosing Your Child’s Backpack
The right fit: The right schoolbag must be the right fit for your child’s body. Don’t buy an overly large bag that your small child can “grow into”; this will be uncomfortable for them to carry, and they will also tend to overload it when packing. Rather start with a smaller bag, and replace it with a larger one as your child grows.
The right placement: You can tell if your child’s schoolbag is the right size by looking at where it sits on their body. The centre of the bag should be at waist-level. This means the pelvis and legs will carry the weight of the bag, rather than the spine and shoulders. An adjustable waist belt can also make the bag more comfortable.
Adjustable buckles: Schoolbags don’t come with a “one-size-fits-all” design. Look for a bag that has adjustable buckles, which will allow you to adjust the length of the shoulder straps as needed.
Straps: The shoulder straps of the bag should ideally be quite broad, with added padding for the shoulders. This helps with weight distribution and comfort.
Storage: Choose a schoolbag with multiple compartments, including pockets, slots and dividers to help evenly distribute the weight of the contents.
A tip for smart parents: Get your child involved so they can choose a backpack they really like – this will encourage them to take better care of it in the long run.
A Guide to Safely Packing Your Child’s Schoolbag
Once you’ve chosen the right schoolbag for your child’s health and safety, what is the smartest way to pack everything in? Here are some handy tips:
- Pack the heaviest items (like books) in the back of the bag, closest to your child’s back.
- Other heavy objects like pencil cases and tablets should go in next.
- Pack books securely so they won’t slide around inside the bag.
- Keep all the essential stationery secured in the pencil case.
- Pack the lightest items at the front of the bag.
- Regularly empty and clean out the bag with your child, to make sure they’re only carrying the necessities.
- Distribute the weight evenly by having your child wear both straps of the backpack. Wearing just one strap can cause uneven weight distribution and muscle strain.
With the best school backpack to fit their needs, your child will enjoy a healthier and happier school year ahead!
Sources:
How to Choose the Right School Bag for Children. Retrieved from: https://whatparentsask.com/how-to-choose-a-right-school-bag-for-children/
How to Pack a Backpack for School – The Safe Way. Retrieved from: https://www.firelands.com/blog/how-pack-backpack-school-safe-way
Tips for Packing Your Child’s Backpack for School. Retrieved from: https://youaremom.com/children/childs-backpack/