As children progress in school their backpacks tend to get heavier with books, electronics, art supplies etc. Many parents have wondered what impact the weight of their children’s backpack and its form has on their back and posture.
So what is the perfect weight for a backpack and the proper way to wear it?
Professor Nicholas Portinaro, director of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the University of Milan and in charge of the operative unit of Pediatric Orthopedics Hospital Humanitas enlightens us.
Six tips for your children’s backpack
- “The weight of the contents should not be disproportionate to that of the child.” The ISPEL, Institute for prevention and safety at work, gives this indication: the weight of the backpack should not exceed 10% of the weight of the wearer.
- The backpacks should contain only the essentials for the school day and must be filled bottom to top, with the heavier objects resting on the bottom of the backpack.
- The backrest should always be rigid and padded.
- It is better to wear backpacks with wide shoulder straps which will distribute the weight evenly on the kids shoulder.
- “The backpack should always be worn with both shoulder straps, never carry it on one shoulder. When worn correctly, it helps to keep the back straight and the shoulders even.”
- “Trolley backpacks can be chosen for convenience, however it is still a burden to the child if it must be dragged for several meters, every day.”
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