It’s hard to believe that it is that time of the year again. Parents and school-aged kids are starting to think of back-to-school!

Along with fresh school items for back-to-school, maybe a new light-weight backpack should be considered. In our neck of the woods, many kids get drives to school but perhaps parents and kids would be more inclined to walk with a lighter backpack.

Backpack Guidelines:

Kids backpacks should be no more than 10-15% of their body weight. This means that if a child weighs 50lbs, their filled backpack should be no more than 5-8 lbs. If your cild is smaller their back should be smaller.

What About Fit?

Backpacks should be work with both straps to help distribute the weight more evenly. The ideal shoulder straps should be padded and wide. The straps should be tightened so the bag sits towards the low to mid back and not below the hips. Ideally if there is a chest strap and abdominal strap, these are used also to help distribute the weight also.

Backpacks for kids need to be worn with both straps in order to evenly distribute weight. Otherwise it can cause neck and back pain for the wearer who has to compensate for the weight of the bag and adjust their hips and shoulders unevenly.

Helpful Tip: Have your child get in the habit of cleaning out the bag daily and repack it before school. This way they won’t be carrying around unneeded things and bonus, you’ll be less likely to miss notes and accumulate things like uneaten food items.

Our Oakville Physiotherapists are happy to answer any questions about backpack fitting and your child. Please call (905) 582-9700.