Most children use backpacks for school. However, they can cause back pain and problems if certain guidelines aren’t followed. Remember the tips mentioned here so your child is comfortable throughout the day!

Look For Features That Reduce Back Pain

There aren’t a lot of studies that agree on the features that backpacks should have to reduce back pain. But parents can look for the following backpack features to ensure that the product won’t hurt the child’s back: 

• The material used for the backpack should be canvas, which is the lightest material. 
• The back should be well padded so it sits comfortably on the child’s back. 
• There should be several small compartments inside so everything stays organized. 
• New backpacks often have wheels and a retractable handle so the backpack can be wheeled around. 
• If your child has a laptop, consider using a separate bag so they don’t need to have too much weight on their back. 

Teach Child How To Wear And Load 

Buying a backpack with the proper features will usually help the child avoid problems. But wearing and loading the backpack correctly ensures they will stay comfortable. Some tips include: 

• The child should use both straps and wear it on their back, not slung on one shoulder. Putting too much weight on a single shoulder can lead to discomfort and pain over time. 
• Put the heaviest items in the bottom of the backpack so the weight is distributed evenly. 
• Make sure the straps are snug on the child’s back so the load doesn’t move around as they walk. 
• The child should lift the pack with their legs. Bending over to pick it up can injure the back. 

When Is The Backpack Too Heavy? 

Even if you choose an ideal backpack for your child, there comes a time when the bag may be too heavy. Some doctors recommend limiting the weight of the pack to 10% of their body weight. 

If the child weighs 100 pounds, they shouldn’t carry more than 10 pounds. Of course, these rules are often ignored by parents and students. But students who carry the heaviest backpacks are often the ones who complain of back pain. 

Here’s a helpful graphic that shows what a heavy backpack can do to a growing child’s back and neck. 

The good news is that even if the backpack is too heavy, it probably won’t cause long-term damage. But it’s uncomfortable, so that’s a good enough reason to keep the weight and size down. 

If it seems your child carries a lot of weight every day in the bag, talk to their teacher about how to reduce the load. Perhaps you can keep an extra copy of heavy textbooks at home, etc.

Be Proactive About Backpack and Back Pain 

If you remember the tips highlighted above, your child should have a comfortable backpack void of discomfort. 

However, it’s important to check in with your child often to find out if they are dealing with any back pain from their backpack over the weeks and months. 

Also, remember to help the child select the smallest backpack that is large enough to fit everything they need each day, but not so big it hurts the back. 

You also should talk to teachers to find strategies so the child doesn’t need to carry a lot of heavy books every day. Perhaps having a set of books in class and heavier ones at home might work. 

Some parents scan copies of pages from books and assignments for home use, so not so many need to be carried home every day. 

Your child probably needs a backpack for school, but remembering these guidelines will ensure their back doesn’t hurt all day.