BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACKS AND BAGS
Every day people are putting bags over their shoulder or on their backs.
Travel bags thrown over the shoulder as you take off for a holiday. Struggling with chair bags for the beach. Handbags and shopping bags filled with an abundance of bargains scored in the latest shopping spree or sales…
Today I want to focus on the kids backpacks as they go back to school. But don’t stop reading. The following tips also relate to ANY bags you might be putting over the shoulder or on your back too.
Choosing the Right Backpack For Your Children Going Back To School
Do you know how much your child’s school bag weighs?? The backpack should weigh approximately 10% of the child’s body weight. Carrying a heavy school back that is too heave on such a young spine can lead to some serious issues that may continue through until later in life.
Position a backpack over both shoulders rather than on one of the shoulders alone.
Make sure there is padding on the shoulder straps and back of the backpack.
Buy a smaller backpack . This encourages organisation and promotes carrying less weight.
The backpack should be no wider than the chest and no longer than the small of a child’s back.
Packing Your Child’s Backpack
Place the backpack straps over the back of a chair to pack it more easily. Start by putting the heaviest items in, so they sit close to the spine. Items like laptops or big and heavy books.
Next, add lighter files or books.
And then the lightest items such as a pencil case and lunchbox toward the front of the backpack.
Personal toiletries or sunscreen can go into the smaller pocket areas, and a drink bottle into side holders.
Keeping the heaviest weight close to the child’s spine is the safest way to carry a load and reduce strain.
Best Way For Your Child To Pick Up A Backpack
My biggest tip here is to start to pack a backpack by hanging the straps over the back of a chair instead of on the floor. This will mean when the child puts the backpack onto their back, they are not having to bend, reach down to the floor or strain their back to lift the backpack onto their shoulders.
PREPARE YOUR CHILD’S SPINE FOR BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACKS
It’s always a good idea to take your child in for a ‘back to school’ back check with your chiropractor. This will identify any postural changes that may be required before they become severe. Children are growing so quickly, so what was ideal at the end of one year may not be so good for them a few months later.
A check will help to encourage safe carrying of your child’s backpack and keep their spine safe and healthy.
“Aligning the world, one spine at a time”
