Backpack Safety for Children

It’s back-to-school time for many children and store shelves are filled with a variety of backpacks. Before you buy the first one your child sees, here are some things to consider.

There are two sizes to keep in mind—the size of the backpack and the size of your child. It is very important for the backpack to fit the child. Have your daughter try on a few backpacks. Notice their proportion to her size, how low they hang and where the straps sit on her shoulders. Think about your child’s age and what he’ll need to carry in the backpack. A younger child may only have a lunchbox and folder. Your older child may need room for textbooks and pockets for pencils, lunch money or even an mp3 player.

Remember that all of those books will add a lot of weight to the backpack, so check how heavy the bag is empty. To protect your child’s shoulders, neck and back from too much muscle strain, look for wide, well-padded straps that fit well and more evenly distribute the weight. The backpack should be padded where it rests on your child’s lower back. Adjustable straps will allow a backpack to fit better and grow with your child. Remember that doctors and physical therapists recommend your child carries no more than 10-15% of her body weight.

Backpacks with wheels can be a good alternative to carrying a heavy backpack. Some schools discourage them for younger children due to safety issues, such as children being tripped in the hallways. Older children who know how to use one safely and with respect for others may prefer a rolling backpack. Since they are heavier than regular bags, make sure your child can lift the backpack on and off the school bus and navigate the school hallways. If your child will be walking home from school, make sure his backpack has reflective strips or bands on the material.

Another important safety note: if you personalize the backpack, only use your child’s initials and never her actual name. Putting your child’s name on her backpack is sharing it with everyone who sees her. Unfortunately, in today’s world, it is just not safe to broadscast your child’s name to strangers. Children, and especially young children, often trust anyone who knows their name. Keep your child safe this school year.