Parent and Baby

In the old days, satchels which are leather bag with a long shoulder strap, were the usual means of carrying school materials. The downside of this bag is that the imbalance brought about by carrying the bag on one arm on one side made the hips sore and caused the student to walk unevenly.

The satchel is the forerunner of the modern backpack. More and more students are opting to use the backpack because it is very handy as it can hold almost everything one need while leaving both hands free. Regardless of the usefulness and convenience of the backpack, more than half of the students that are using it complais of chronic back pain.

When buying a backpack choose one that is appropriate for the childs age and size. As a rule of thumb, the backpack’s total packed weight should not be more than 15 % of the child’s body mass. Here are some guidelines when buying backpacks for your kids:

• Buy a backpack that has padded and adjustable shoulder straps. A properly fitting backpack with padded straps minimizes blood vessels and nerve constriction while keeping the child comfortable.
• Choose one that has several pockets to organize things better while spreading the weight equally for easier carrying.
• Find a backpack with a waist strap to help distribute the weight more evenly.
• If there are too many books and things to carry and there are no available lockers at scholl, it will be wise to get a bag that has wheels instead.
• Some backpack models has back support. Choose these models to relieve symptoms of backpack-related stress like backache.

When packing the backpack:

• Use all the bag’s compartments to help organize the things inside at the same time distributing the weight evenly.
• Place the heaviest items closest to the body and arrange them so that there will be minimum shifting of the things inside.
• Pack and carry only the necessary things. Choose paperback books instead of hardbound whenever applicable.
• Clean out your backpack regularly. Wash or wipe regularly to make it look and smell better and last longer.

Proper wearing of backpack:

• Always wear both shoulder straps. Slinging it over one shoulder can cause children to lean and be uncomfortable.
• Padded straps should be soft and comfortable and should not dig into the shoulder.
• Adjust the straps so that it will fit snugly against the back and fasten the waist strap if it has one. If the child tends to lean forward, the straps are not snug enough or it is too heavy for him.
• The bottom part of the backpack should rest in curve of the child’s lower back. If it is more than 4 inches below the waistline, it is already too low. Adjust the straps properly or take out some of the things.