Is Your Child Carrying a Heavy Load?
As if children don’t have a load on their mind, they have to carry a load on their back as well. Have you ever felt your child’s backpack? It is quite heavy. Your child has to carry that load on their back every day, to and from school and for older kids, up and down stairs when they change classes. This can cause undo stress on growing bones. It is said that heavy backpacks carried by children can cause shoulder and spine fatigue or stress. This may cause your child to slouch and develop poor posture.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that a child of eighty pounds should carry a backpack that is twelve to sixteen pounds. The backpack shouldn’t be more than 20% of your child’s total weight. Of course this will vary upon the fitness level of your child as well as their strength.
Other points to consider for your child’s backpack:
- Be sure the backpack has padded straps that are wide as well as a back that is padded.
- If backpacks are extremely heavy, utilize a hip strap.
- Put the heavier items closest to their back.
- The backpack should be 2” above your child’s waist, so tighten the straps accordingly.
For those kids who just can’t seem to manage their load without problems, using a backpack that has wheels can be a great alternative. If your child has a locker at school, have them make frequent stops to drop off and pick up books as needed, instead of carrying all their textbooks around.
If your child is experiencing problems with their backpacks, you may notice that your child struggles when taking the backpack off or putting it on. They may complain of numbness or tingling in their legs or arms, or you may notice your child’s posture has changed. Avoiding injury to the spine and shoulders when kids are young, and developing is important. Take time to check the weight of your child’s backpack regularly.
Filed under: Schooling, Child Health
