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Tips to Prevent Backpack Pain in Kids

Look for backpack design features that help reduce the chance of back pain:

children with backpacks
  1. Lightweight material (canvas as opposed to leather)
  2. Wide shoulder pads at top and front of shoulder.
  3. Individualized compartments
  4. Hip strap, waist belt or frame to redistribute the weight of the backpack from the shoulders and back to the pelvis
  5. Wheels so that the backpack can be pulled rather than carried.

Teach your child how to properly load and wear the backpack to avoid back pain:

  • Always use both shoulder straps and wear the backpack on the back rather than over one shoulder
  • Pack heaviest objects into the backpack first so they are carried lower and closest to the body
  • Fill compartments so that the load is evenly distributed throughout the backpack and items do not shift during movement
  • Pack sharp or bulky objects in the backpack so they do not contact the back
  • Adjust the straps to fit the backpack snugly to the child’s body, holding the bottom of the backpack 2 inches above the waist and keeping the top just below the base of the skull; do not carry the backpack low near the buttocks
  • Lift the backpack by using the leg muscles and keeping it close to the body, not by bending over with arms extended
  • Do not lean forward when walking; if this is necessary, there is too much weight in the backpack.

backpack graphic