It’s that time of year again, parents! Back to school. Back to early mornings. Back to routine. And back to backpacks. My five-year-old is starting kindergarten this year and he cannot WAIT to pick out his backpack. I can just imagine him standing in front of a giant wall of crazy colored backpacks riddled with superheroes and movie characters carefully examining each one before making his selective decision. I suspect it’s going to take way longer than it should. 

The colors and fun secret pouches are the only things on his mind, but momma bear is thinking about how it’s going to fit. It sounds goofy, but backpack safety is a legit thing. I’ve researched it, and it’s completely fine if you’re taking the Hakuna Matata approach to the whole backpack thing, but at least hear me out. 

What’s The Big Deal About Backpacks? 

Many don’t think about it enough, but backpacks that are too heavy can wreck a kiddo’s posture. In fact, it’s recommended that backpacks are only 10-15% of your kiddo’s total weight. So, what issues can backpacks cause when used incorrectly.

• Neck strain
• Shoulder strain
• Back strain
• Poor posture
• Tingling/Numbness in Arms
• Nerve interference 
• Imbalanced walking/Tripping hazard

I Got 99 Problems But A Backpack Ain’t One

I’m a WAHM (work-at-home-mom) with two boys under six years old. Life is an adventure and completely crazy at times. Think American Ninja Warrior meets that food fight scene from the beloved 1991 movie “Hook” and you have a small glimpse into my average day. 

No matter what my day throws at me, my kids’ health is at the top of my list when it comes to priorities, and if I can help prepare them for the best then you can bet I’m going to. Picking out the right backpack and having it fit correctly is part of this process for our family. Here are a few tips to help you pick just the right backpack for your crew. 

Backpack Safety Tips

Don’t take your decisions lightly, but educate yourself this year on proper backpack safety and follow these tips. 

1. The Lighter The Better
   The material of your backpack matters and heavy materials are not the best choice
2. Padded Shoulder Straps
   Shoulder straps are KEY, so make sure they are wide and padded for comfort
3. Padded Back
   Having thick padding on the back helps with strain and keeps sharp objects from poking inside the pack 
4. Waist Belt
   Helps with weight distribution eliminating strain and helps keep a proper balance
5. Multiple Pockets
   Also helps with weight distribution and spreading out the weight within the pack 

If you have further questions, our team at Stanmore Chiropractic would love to help you get started! Reach out to us today!