Choosing a Safe Backpack for a Child

Keeping Children's Spines and Muscles Strong and Healthy

Aug 20, 2009

Backpacks are necessary for children to carry their books and supplies but they can also be dangerous for young, growing backs unless the backpack is fitted properly.

Backpacks for school have become a necessity for children of all ages but it is important to choose the right style and size for a child’s growing body. If a backpack is too large or too heavy, it can lead to injuries of the muscles and soft tissue in the shoulders, neck and back. For a growing child, years of carrying an ill-fitted and heavy backpack can lead to chronic back pain, sprains of the back and even fractures and contusions. The good news is when fitted properly and by lightening the load a backpack can be safe as well as useful.

Proper Features for Backpacks

The safest style of backpack for a child is one with two padded shoulder straps and a waist strap. The shoulder straps should be wide, at least two inches, in order to distribute the weight properly. Padded straps are best so that they rest comfortably on pressure points. A waist strap also helps alleviate a lot of the weight off of the spine and onto the waist and hip muscles. When fitted properly, this type of backpack will place less stress on the back and decrease the chance of back pain.

The backpack should also be lightweight and have a padded back. The padded back will lay more comfortably on pressure points and will also deter books and other items from poking into the back when the pack is full.

Chest straps are also a good addition to keep the backpack balanced. They will keep the backpack from slipping around and help to keep the child’s posture straighter.

The Size of the Backpack

A backpack should never be larger than the child’s back. Make sure the pack rests one to two inches below the shoulders and is no longer than four inches below the waist. Resist the urge to buy a backpack the child can grow into. A loose backpack can shift the weight around on the child’s back and cause injury.

What about the sling style backpacks? This style fits over the child’s shoulder and rests on the back and hip on the opposite side of the body. These are safe because they also distribute the weight evenly. Make sure the shoulder strap and back of the pack is padded and that the weight in the backpack is distributed evenly. Packs such as duffle bags or book bags that are carried on one shoulder should never be worn by a child to carry heavy books.

Wearing a Backpack Safely

Children should always wear the backpack on both shoulders (unless it is a sling style) so the weight is distributed evenly. It should fit snuggly against the back but not so tight that it is cutting off circulation. The goal is to make sure the pack doesn’t slide around on the child’s back and continually shift the weight from side to side.

A child’s backpack should never carry more than 15% of the child’s total weight. For example: An 85 pound child should never carry more in his pack than 12.75 pounds. Less is always best, so try to lighten the load in the child’s backpack whenever possible.

When packing the child’s backpack, try to spread the weight around evenly. Heavier items, like books, should be placed closest to the center with lighter items placed on the sides or in compartments. This will protect damage to the child’s spine from continually leaning to one side.

Teach children to not bend over at the waist while carrying a backpack. Instead, they should use both knees to squat in order to pick up a dropped item. Children should also not sit on the floor or ground while wearing a backpack. It is best for them to take it off and put it back on then to continually get up and down with it on.

Signs a Child’s Backpack is too Heavy

If a child is struggling to put on or take off the backpack, is leaning forward while walking to compensate for the weight of the backpack, or develops redness or a rash where the shoulder straps sit then the backpack is too heavy. Other signs are complaints of back pain, stooped posture, numbness, or tingling sensations in the arms and hands. If back pain continues, consult the child’s physician.

A backpack can be a useful tool for children during their school years as long as they are wearing it safely. By following these tips, children should be able to wear a backpack and grow up with a healthy spine and pain free back and shoulders.

The copyright of the article Choosing a Safe Backpack for a Child in Kids Products is owned by Deanna Lynn Sletten. Permission to republish Choosing a Safe Backpack for a Child in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.