Top 3 things you should look for in a child's backpack, according to a pediatrician
From 'Sixteen Candles' to Netflix's 'Never Have I Ever,' there's a common staple in the beloved coming-of-age category: teenagers gathering around their lockers. But, in reality, schools are moving away from lockers more and more every year in the U.S.
According to K-12 Dive, one of the reasons is that more and more school resources and assignments are being digitized, so students don't have to store quite as much.
Gone are the days of gathering around your locker to chat with friends, or decorating it with posters of your favorite pop stars. It's truly the end of an era. But, it could also mean that your student is carrying more on their shoulders and back. Even if school resources are digitizing, laptops are just as heavy, if not sometimes heavier than a textbook.
How much weight is safe for my child to carry?
When you factor in all of the things that your child is carrying on a daily basis, it really starts to add up. Even if a laptop or tablet has replaced some of their resources, they still may be carrying a few books and supplies. They may have a lunch with them, or a water bottle. If they do any extracurricular activities, they may be carrying equipment, athletic gear or any other necessities.
The American Academy of Pediatrics generally recommends that kids carry no more than 10 to 15% of their body weight in their backpack. Here's what that might look like according to their grade and age range, from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:
- Preschool (3-5 years old, average weight 34-40 pounds)—max backpack weight 3.5 to 6 pounds
- Early elementary (6-8 years old, average weight 45-60 pounds)—max backpack weight 4.5 to 9 pounds
- Late elementary (9-11 years old, average weight 65-85 pounds)—max backpack weight 6.5 to 12.75 pounds
- Middle school (12-14 years old, average weight 90-115 pounds)—max backpack weight 9 to 17 pounds
- High school (15-18 years old, average weight 120-160 pounds)—max backpack weight 12 to 24 pounds
These are just averages, you should calculate the 10 to 15% based on your child's actual weight.
What health problems can a heavy backpack cause?
Carrying more than the recommended weight on a regular basis can increase the risk of back and neck pain and poor posture, according to Nemours Kid's Health. More serious issues include long-term spinal compression or alignment issues, as well as nerve pain or tingling in arms and hands from shoulder strap pressure.
What makes a good ergonomic backpack?
According to Nationwide Children's Hospital Primary Care Pediatrician Caroline C. Weingart, MD, there are certain requirements parents should look for when choosing a backpack.
"Ideally, the backpack should have straps that are padded, if possible, and that are adjustable so that it can be adjusted to fit close to the back," Dr. Weingart said. "Another thing is a chest strap or a waist strap, because that can also help make the backpack fit close to the back and minimize any sort of back, neck, or shoulder pain, because backpacks, when they're worn properly, should never cause any shoulder pain or back pain."