It's almost time to send the kids back to school.  Along with making sure they have the supplies they need, make sure they have the right backpack and use it properly.  This could prevent trouble down the road.

Backpack safety probably isn't one of the first things you think of when getting your kids ready to head back to school, but it should be.  Thousands of injuries occur every year when kids either wear the wrong backpack or don't use the one they have correctly.

Experts suggest first getting a backpack for your child that fits correctly.  The top should be worn up near your child's shoulder blades and the bottom should not fall more than 4 inches below the waist.  Also pick a backpack that has wide shoulder straps and padding along the back.  Keeping all of these things in mind can prevent your child from getting hurt.

Once you have the right size backpack for your child, the next step is to make sure they wear it properly.  Backpacks should always be worn snug but not too tight against the back.  Also, both shoulder straps should be worn so that the weight of the backpack is evenly distributed.  Some backpacks come with a waist strap.  This should also be worn to ensure a proper fit.  Even if worn correctly, an overweight backpack can still injure your child.  It is suggested that the backpack not weigh more than ten to fifteen percent of your child's body weight.  A good way to test this out is on a bathroom scale at home.

 

Experts also suggest a few things to help lighten your child's load.  First, they suggest checking what your child brings home daily.  Some items may not be needed for the next day of school.  Also they suggest loading the heaviest items closest to the child's back and to pack items so that they won't shift around easily.