Backpack Safety for Kids
As a responsible parent you need to make sure that your child’s backpack does not pose any hazards to your child’s safety and health. Backpack safety for kids is very important whether your child uses his backpack daily for school or only during the camping trips that your family takes.
Although results of studies regarding backpack use and back pains and injuries are sometimes conflicting, it can’t be denied that overloaded backpacks can really be a burden to lug around for the kids. There are certain things that you can do to ensure that the backpacks for kids are comfortable and safe.
Check the weight of your child’s backpack. Make sure that the child’s bag is not overloaded and too heavy. Carrying heavy weights around all day can put a strain on your child’s back. Make sure that the weight of your child’s bag is not too heavy for his size and age. Overloaded backpacks can cause not just back aches but also shoulder and neck pains. A very heavy backpack can also cause your child to lose balance or trip which may result in injuries. Your child’s backpack when packed with stuff must only weigh a maximum of 20% of your child’s body weight. The ideal would be 10% of the child’s weight. If your child weighs 100 pounds, the ideal backpack weigh is only 10 pounds.
Purchase a sturdy backpack such those from Coleman backpacks. Sturdy backpacks with good zippers and straps can also help prevent injuries or harm to your child. You child’s fingers may get caught on a zipper that is difficult to pull. Bad straps can make it difficult for your child to carry the bag around.
Purchase a backpack with two straps instead of a single strap. With two straps, the weight is better distributed on the two shoulders and the back. With a sling-type backpack the weight of the whole bag is carried by a single shoulder and can cause strain on the shoulder and the neck.
Tell your child to always carry the backpack using both the shoulder straps.
Choose a bag with good padding on the shoulder straps. Heavy backpacks can dig into the shoulders of your child which can result in shoulder pains. Buy a bag with good padding on the shoulder straps. Also, backpacks with wider straps are better than bags with thin straps and slings.
Buy a backpack with a waist belt and encourage your child to use it. The waist belt is helps as back support and is very helpful for carrying the bag during long hikes. You should also teach your child to carry the bag properly. The strap should be tight enough so that the bag is close to the body. Loose straps can cause unnecessary stress on the shoulders.
When packing the child’s backpack for school or for a camping trip, use the pockets on the backpack to distribute the weight around the bag. This way the bag weighs evenly for both straps and won’t cause a strain on one shoulder.
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