The following are tips to keep your children safe with their backpacks this upcoming school year:

1. The child’s backpack should never  exceed 10% of the child’s body weight.
2. The height of the backpack should extend from approximately 2 inches below the shoulder blades to waist level, or slightly above the waist.
3. Backpacks should have well padded shoulder straps.
4. Hip and chest belts take strain off sensitive necks and shoulder muscles and improve balance.
5. Before purchasing a backpack try it onto the child and ensure that it fits properly.

Improperly fit backpacks can lead to discomfort, fatigue, muscle soreness, and low back pain.

Thank you to our receptionist Brooke and her step-daughter Natalie for showing us how to properly wear a backpack!