Does your child have the right backpack?

Q. How do I choose the right backpack for my child?

A. Can you believe that we already have to start thinking about back to school? Backpack safety is becoming more and more of a concern and parents are asking questions on what to do. There is so much information out there, it’s hard to sort what to do and what not to do. Choosing the right backpack for your child is just as important as getting their spine checked, yearly physical, exercise and nutrition habits. Having a poor backpack can lead to a number of back and posture problems that may not be recognized until later on in life. The habits your children develop now will affect them the rest of their life.

The good news is that the answer is very simple; it just needs to be followed. Here a few simple and easy things to do to help your child. 

Step 1: Choose Right. 
Choosing the right size backpack is the most important step to safe backpack use. Tip: The bottom of the pack should hit right at the belt line.

Step 2: Pack Right. 
The maximum weight of the loaded backpack should not exceed 15 % of your body weight, so pack only what is needed. Tip: If the backpack forces the wearer to move forward to carry, it's overloaded.

Step 3: Lift Right. 
Face the Pack -Bend at the Knees - Use both hands and check the weight of the pack. - Lift with the legs - Apply one shoulder strap and then the other. Tip: Don't sling the backpack onto one shoulder

Step 4: Wear Right. 
Use both shoulder straps - snug, but not too tight. Tip: When the backpack has a waist strap - use it.

Step 5: Have them get their posture checked by a Chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained to analyze posture and perform scoliosis checks. This does not mean they will be put under “care” just have them checked to make sure their posture is ok.