General tips to protect young backs:(1)
1. Put BOTH arms in the straps!
2. Center the pack above the waist and below the shoulders. Tighten the straps to keep it in this position.
3. Don’t over-pack! Keep the weight of the pack at 10-15% of body weight.
Can you see below which backpack is the right size and fit, and which needs attention?
Preschoolers: At this age, children don’t need to carry much in their backpack. The pack mainly serves to create good habits for the future. Still, it is important to have the right size and fit. If a snack or show & tell item is heavier than usual, have an adult assist.
Grade School: A bigger size will be needed almost every year as they grow. And they normally wear them out during the year anyway. The books will get bigger and heavier, as will the lunches and water bottles. So be aware of these changes through the year and at the beginning of each year. If the pack becomes too heavy, have your child hold some books in the front of them for balance.
Middle School: Wow. Bless them! They will want to look cool more than to protect their backs. Hopefully the trend will continue to use both straps. A little (or more) reminding may be necessary. They will also have lockers to change out heavy books, but may not be used to planning ahead. Plus, there are instruments and sports equipment added to the mix. Having them hold similarly weighted objects in each hand or in front of them while wearing their backpack is ideal.
High School: Bigger and heavier and more. If possible, have their heavy books kept at home. The instruments and sports equipment will still go back and forth at times. Hopefully lockers are available. If so, make use of them, all of them.
College: Their habits are all their own. So are their books, devices, and computers. Other books are digital, so only need the reading device for many books. If some textbooks are necessary for class, have them investigate on-campus lockers. Otherwise, lighten the load by planning each day.