FIVE WARNING SIGNS A BACKPACK IS TOO HEAVY:
Child struggles to put on or take off the backpack.
Pain when wearing the backpack.
Tingling or numbness in shoulders, arms of hands.
Red marks on shoulders left by shoulder straps.
Noticeable changes in posture.
BEST BACKPACK FEATURES:
Multiple compartments so weight can be distributed evenly.
Hip and chest belts to transfer load from back and shoulders to hips and torso.
Two contoured and wide, padded shoulder straps to reduce pressure on torso and shoulders.
Padding next to the child's back to reduce pressure and enhance comfort.
Backpack should match the length of a child's torso and width of a child's back. Measure the back's width from one shoulder to the other. Measure back length from the shoulder line to the waist line and add five centimetres.
PROPER WEARING, PACKING:
Put heavier items at the bottom or close to the back.
Pack flat items where they will rest on the child's back and bulky items away from the back.
both shoulder straps. ? Use
Tighten shoulder straps so backpack hangs slightly below the shoulders with no more than 10 centimetres below the waist line.
waist and chest straps. ? Use
Consider separate, smaller packs for different activities to avoid over-loading. Source: Harris County Hospital District.
