Tips you need for the that School Back-pack
Picking the correct Backpack:
l remember my school days and it was all about the little suitcase that didn't have wheels. Now days the kid's are carrying everything in their school back packs including the kitchen sink.
As we learn as adults continued carrying of a heavy object's in our children's case their backpack can be a source of chronic strain not to rule out the additional effects it can have on other parts of our body's including but not limited to serve shoulder, neck and back pain for us as adults but in our small children, this can then be on going and lead to further challenges. So with the help of some other amazing accredited allied health professionals that have prolonged hard to deliver this amazing list that meets the needs and what is essential in helping to find the right backpack for your child.
Five things to look for when choosing a back pack:
Wide shoulder straps that are comfortable and sit well on the shoulder.
Waist and chest straps to help transfer some of the load to the hips and pelvis.
A padded back-support that allows the pack to fit snugly on the back.
The backpack must fit the child. Don’t buy a big pack to ‘grow into'.
The pack should not extend higher than the child’s shoulders when they are sitting.
Seven things to remember about back packs for school:
Keep the load close to the spine by packing the heaviest items nearest to your child’s back.
Children should wear both straps at all times.
Back packs should weigh less than 10 per cent of your child’s body weight.
Encourage your child to be physically active as this will help them build and maintain a strong spine.
Encourage your child to be organised when packing their bag for school and check their timetable to ensure they are only carrying what they need.
To decrease the load your child should have separate folders for each subject so that they can only bring home what they need for their homework.
The above is evidence based from both the Australian Occupational and Physiotherapy Association collaborative partners that have compiled the following tips for parents:
