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Backpacks

Whether your child is going to kindergarten or University they will likely be carrying a backpack to school every day. With the amount of homework sent home with children nowadays, backpacks are becoming increasingly heavy and could result in back pain, and other injuries. Take the time to educate yourself and your child on how to properly choose, and use, a backpack. Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children suggests that children in kindergarten to grade 8 should only carry from 5-10 lbs and older children should not carry more than 15-20 lbs. Both shoulder straps should be worn at all times and pulled tight so that the top of the backpack is positioned at the top of your child's shoulders. Heavier items, such as textbooks, should be placed at the back of the pack, closest to your child's body to minimize strain put on your child while carrying the backpack. Proper lifting techniques, such as bending the knees, should be practiced when lifting heavy packs.

The links below will help to provide you and your family with further information regarding proper backpack selection and use.

Backpack Safety

Proper Use of a Backpack

Choosing the Right Back Pack

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