Ways to Lighten the Load of Your Childs Backpack-a

3 Ways to Lighten the Load of Your Child’s School Backpack

Sep 22, 2020

3 Ways to Lighten the Load of Your Child's School Backpack

Does your child’s backpack feel like a 20 kilo bag of potatoes?

You may have noticed that your child struggles to get it on in the morning or may even need help to pull the straps together enough to click the buckle. What’s more, researchers and healthcare organisations are growing more concerned about the effects of this extra weight on your child’s developing spine.

It’s estimated that over 60% of children routinely carry backpacks that weigh more than 10% of their body weight. For some children, they may mean carrying a backpack nearly identical to their own body weight!

This is a big deal because researchers have found that carrying heavy backpacks increases the risk of back pain in children by a whopping 50%.

That’s right, a 50% increase in back pain in kids.

The good news? You’ve got their back!

• Ergonomics: Select an appropriately sized backpack. It shouldn’t be wider than their torso or sit more than 10cm below their waist.

• Fit: Use both shoulder straps to balance the weight and ensure that the are snug so the backpack doesn’t hang low.

• Packing: Teach your child to place the heaviest items towards the bottom of the backpack and closest to their back. Use all the compartments to distribute the load.

One benefit of the e-learning movement is that digital versions on the computer are replacing many heavy textbooks (though long hours of e-learning have their host of challenges, as you’ll discover next week!).

Most experts agree that a backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 10% of the child’s body weight. Backpacks that are too heavy can lead to back or neck pain, as well as poor posture. If your child has developed poor posture or neck/back pain, let us know. We’d be happy to evaluate their posture and movement to correct any concerns before they become a long term problem.

Science Source(s): Backpack Safety: It’s time to lighten the load. National Safety Council. 2020.

Explore a world of chiropractic solutions and tips with Family Chiropractic Chatswood.

We are running an initial offer this month for new patients. Click the find out more button below.

Lower back pain treatment Chatswood

New Patient Special Offer

$89 Initial Consultation