Is It Time For a New Back-Pack?
Recent studies show that over 60% of children complain of back pain at some point in their lives. A contributing factor to some of that pain is the incorrect use of backpacks. Most children come to school carrying their own backpacks as young as 3 years old. It is important to consider the style, size, fit, and weight of your child’s backpack, even at this young age.
Style—Most experts advocate using a backpack with 2 shoulder straps. The two straps will distribute the weight more evenly across the body when compared to a backpack with a single strap. Wide padded shoulder straps will distribute the weight of the backpack more evenly. Hip straps are a good idea, as they keep the weight of the back pack close to the child’s body, reducing the workload of the spinal muscles. Some back packs also come with a strap at the chest. This helps to keep the back pack from moving around and keeps the weight of the load more symmetrical.
Size and Fit—The backpack should be about the same size as your child’s back. For an average 4-5 year old the back pack should be about 11-12” high and 6-6 1/2” wide; however, each child is individual, so trying on the backpack is your best bet. The straps should be tightened so that the top of the backpack falls an inch or two below the top of child’s shoulders. The bottom of the backpack should fall no more than a few inches below the child’s waist. In this way the hip muscles, not the spine, are supporting more of the weight of the backpack.
Weight—A back pack should weigh no more than 10-15% of the child’s body weight. For a 40 pound child, a filled backpack should weigh around 4-41/2 pounds.
