Backpacks:

Beasts of Burden

Would you ask your child to walk to school carrying a box of rocks, a bowing ball or a bag of sand on his or her back?

Unfortunately, that is how heavy student backpacks are getting. Backpacks are not only used to carry textbooks and binders but also water bottles in line skates, laptop computers, CD's, gym clothes, shoes, cell phones, coats, lunches and beverage containers. A number of problems can occur if backpacks fit improperly, are too heavy or are worn incorrectly. The following information will help you to safely select and use a back pack with your child:

Common Mistakes:
Purchasing a backpack that is too large for the child
Overloading the backpack
Improperly loading the pack
Not wearing the pack correctly

Things to watch for:

• Complaints of aching in the shoulders, neck and back
• Red marks and creases on the shoulders
• Complaints of tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
• Hunched over posture with the head down or jutting forward leaning over to one side
• Awkward walking, tripping or stumbling, difficulties going up stars or small inclines
• Difficulties with balance when walking or riding a bicycle
• Signs of hard work or exertion...heavy breathing, noticeable flushing of the face, slowing down, complaints of tiredness or feeling weak

Proper Fit

The backpack should fit comfortably between the top edge of the shoulders down to the lower part of the back. A good way to locate where the bottom of the backpack should sit is to find the top of the hipbome and then follow this line around the backbone. The backpack should sit along this area, not the top of the back or lower on the buttocks. The shoulder straps should be well padded and shaped so they are wider over the shoulder and narrower as they pass under the arms.

A wide hip belt will help distribute the packing weight better than a narrow one. A hip belt also keeps the weight closer to the body and helps to steady the load.

For students carrying a lot of textbooks, binders, look for backpacks that have a foam-padded panel that goes along the centre of the pack. This will prevent sharp edges and corners from digging into the child's bakc. If the load is consistently greater than 8 to 10 pounds, consider purchasing a backpack that has a basic internal aluminum frame.

For children who are younger (between the ages of three and 11 years of age) who are smaller, child sized versions of backpacks will give a better more comfortable fit.

Further suggestions:

• Do not over pack
• Place heavier items on top and along the back of the pack
• Use your larger leg muscles when picking up your backpack to prevent back strain
• Use both straps
• Fasten the hip belt
• Keep it simple. Pack only the items that are absolutely needed