BACKPACK SAFETY
With the first day of school just around the corner, many children have already begun their annual end of summer tradition of back-to-school shopping. Whether it is the transformer notebook, twilight movie folder or Sponge Bob Square Pants eraser, many children are looking for latest and greatest school supplies. One of the essential back-to-school items is of course the backpack. Choosing a backpack should be about proper ergonomics, function and fit instead of “what’s cool”. Backpacks have the potential to cause a lifetime of back and neck ailments for your child if not chosen and worn correctly. Not all backpacks are created equal. Here are three important components to making sure your backpack won’t affect your child’s posture and health.
Backpack Features
Adjustable Shoulder Straps - Adjustable shoulder straps are important because they help align the backpack properly. It also takes unnecessary pressure off of your child’s back and neck.
Wide and Padded Straps - Straps that are wide and padded help to dissipate the weight of the pack over a larger area, creating less pressure points.
Padded Back - A padded back will provide increased comfort and also will protect your child from being poked by sharp edges on school supplies (pencils, rulers, scissors, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack.
Multiple Compartments Within the Backpack - A backpack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. It also helps prevent items from moving around which will affect the biomechanical stress put on your child’s back and shoulders.
Abdominal and Chest Straps/Buckles - These help to distribute the pack’s weight evenly on the back, waist and hips and therefore take some of the stress of the shoulders.
Reflectors or Reflective Fabric – This feature will add visibility to children when walking to and from the bus stop at dusk or dawn.
Wheels – Can the backpack be wheeled? This is a great feature if used that can help students by allowing them to wheel their supplies instead of having to carry them.
Proper Fit
Backpack Size – The bottom of the backpack should align with the curve of the lower back, and should not be more than 4 inches below the waistline. Last year’s backpack may not be a good fit this year. Plus over time backpacks get worn out and should be replaced as needed.
Shoulder Strap Size - A backpack’s shoulder strap anchor points should rest 1 to 2 inches below the top of the shoulders.
Comfort – It is important that the backpack feel comfortable to the child. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child's back.
Proper Use
It does matter if you have a backpack that fits properly and has all the bells and whistles if you do not use it correctly. Wearing a backpack properly is vital in preventing injury. It is important to use both shoulder straps, not just one. Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, low-back pain, and poor posture. Using the belt and chest buckles will also help distribute the weight properly. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed farthest away from your child's back, and place the heaviest items (text books) closest to the body. Finally and most importantly, a backpack should NEVER weigh more than 15% of the child’s weight. If possible, less than 10% of the child’s weight is ideal. A child that weighs 100 pounds should not carry a backpack of more than 15 pounds. Do you know how much your child’s backpack weighs?
Through the month of August, Dr. Rosner is offering complimentary backpack analysis. If you would like to have your child’s backpack checked for proper fit please give his office a call at 810-632-5252.
http://livingstoncounty.mi.newsmemory.com/default.php?pSetup=livingstoncounty_moms
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