Did You Know?
- Overloaded backpacks can cause muscle and joint pain
- Children and adolescents complain of back and shoulder pain, which causes them to miss school and sports activities
- There are suggested weight limits for children to carry, which will prevent potential injury
What Type of Backpack Should You Buy?
- Purchase a lightweight backpack and one that is the correct size for your child
- Wide padded straps and padded back make carrying the backpack more comfortable
- There should be waist and chest straps
- Backpacks on wheels are good alternatives to the traditional backpack
Key Points to Remember
- Wide straps to distribute the weight
- A padded back to reduce pressure on the back
- Reflective material
- Multiple compartments to help distribute the weight
- Waist and chest belts to transfer weight from the back to the hips and chest
- Wear BOTH straps of the backpack to distribute the weight
- Keep heavier items closer to the back center of the backpack
- Keep lighter items in front of the backpack
Red Flags
- Numbness or tingling in arms, hands, wrists
- Red marks or creases on shoulders
- Aching in shoulders, neck or back
What Are Acceptable Weight Limits?
Backpacks should weigh only about 10 percent of the child’s weight.
Helpful Hints
- Pack only what is needed
- Put heavy objects in the bottom of the pack and distribute weight evenly
- Adjust all straps so they are not loose
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment visit Steward DoctorFinder™ or call 1-800-488-5959.
*Source: American Physical Therapy Association, www.apta.org
*Source: American Occupational Therapy Association, www.aota.org
