Did you know that there is such a thing as Backpack Awareness Day? Apparently, tomorrow, September 19 is Backpack Awareness Day and Real Simple Family gives parents tips on how to load your child's backpack and what to look for in a good backpack:
• Select a pack with well-padded shoulder straps. The shoulders and the neck have many blood vessels and nerves that can cause pain and tingling in the neck, the arms, and the hands when too much pressure is applied.
• Never let a child carry more than 15 percent of his body weight. This means that a child who weighs 100 pounds shouldn’t wear a loaded school backpack that’s heavier than 15 pounds.
• Check what your child carries to school and brings home. Make sure the items are necessary for the day’s activities.
• Both shoulder straps should always be worn. Wearing a pack slung over one shoulder can cause a child to lean to one side, resulting in pain and discomfort.
• Adjust the shoulder straps so the pack fits snugly against the child’s back. A pack that hangs loosely from the back can pull a child backward and strain muscles.
• Use the waist belt if the backpack has one. This helps distribute the pack’s weight more evenly.
While backpacks themselves do not cause damage to children's chiropractic health, using them improperly can. For more tips and information, visit the Real Simple Family Web site.
Photo via Educational Gifts
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Different kind of backpack safety: Never put your kid's name on the outside of the backpack.
view snot's profile
tomorrow's also talk like a pirate day :) just thought you should know.
view gleek's profile
we have a pretty cool backpack, but i would love to have a bladder to go inside. where do you get one of those?
view kelli co.'s profile