Back to School Backpack Safety

School is starting soon, so when you stock up on school supplies, take a few minutes to size up your child and his or her backpack.  The right sized backpack should be no larger than the child's back. Simply take two measurements from your child's back and use those for the maximum height and width of the backpack.

Find the maximum height by measuring from the shoulder line to the waist line and add two inches. The shoulder line is where the backpack straps will actually rest on the body, about half way between the neck and shoulder joint. The waist line is at the belly button. The backpack should fit two inches below the shoulders and up to four inches below the waist so adding two inches to our measurement will give you the right size.

Girls have been found to carry more than boys do.  Researchers vary on the maximum weight that should be carried, but the average recommendation is 15% of their body weight.  Many people are not aware that children get back pain too.  Several Studies have shown that between 18-27% of children aged 11-14 have experienced back or neck pain.