Adjusting the backpack of an elementary school child
You watch your child leave for the bus, but they can hardly lift their feet and their body leans forwards or backwards. This may be a sign that their backpack is too heavy or ill-fitting.
To avoid an overweight school bag, remember to put only the items in the backpack that your child will need for the day and swap heavy objects for their lighter ones. Also, it is important to make sure that the backpack fits properly. For this, you will need to:
> choose the right backpack for your child
> fit your child's backpack properly
A well-chosen and adjusted backpack will allow your child to stand up straight and be comfortable all year round! A well-fitting backpack will allow the child to stand up straight and have good posture, to be comfortable and to avoid back pain.
How do I choose the right backpack for my child?
Your child will have a weakness for the backpack in the colors of "Paw Patrol" or [insert here the name of the show that is constantly running in your living room]. Despite their pleas, make sure your child's favorite bag meets a few important criteria to maximize comfort:
> two wide padded shoulder straps to distribute the weight on both shoulders
> a strap that attaches to the waist and another to the torso to better distribute the weight on his body
> an adjustable strap and support on each side of the pelvis
> multiple pockets to help distribute the weight more efficiently inside the bag
> a rigid back support
P.S.: Wondering how to tell your child that he won't be able to have the backpack with the face of Chase, Marcus, or Stella? Well, so are we! So, we take all suggestions… 👋
How do I properly adjust my child's backpack?
Once the backpack has been purchased, there is one crucial step: its adjustment.
As a rule, your child should be comfortable wearing it. That said, pay particular attention to the points below:
> the straps and shoulder straps must be adjusted to your child's comfort
> there should be no rubbing of the straps under the armpits and on the neck
> the bag should be worn on the hips, not on the buttocks
> it must be carried on both shoulders
> there must be sufficient space between the back and the bag, i.e. allowing you to slip your hand into it.
Conclusion
You are now ready to send your child back to school, so start with a properly adjusted backpack! Remember to choose a backpack that rests on both shoulders and that can be adjusted in terms of the length of the straps. The size must also be adapted to the size of the child. Having the proper backpack for your child will allow them to maintain a better posture and will discourage them from developing unhealthy habits.
If you have any questions about the choice or fit of your child's backpack or if you need other back-to-school back health advice, talk to your physiotherapist. Have a safe return to school! 🎒
If you have further questions and would like to speak to a therapist at our clinic to know if we are able to help, you can book a free orientation call by going to our website at:
https://www.kinatex.com/cliniques/saint-leonard/en/
