Childrens Backpacks Safety Part I

Over the last few decades, the weight of childrens backpacks has become increasingly heavier. Medical statistics around the world have identified overweight backpacks as the leading cause in back pain and poor posture of young children.

In fact, between 55% and 60% of American children were found to be carrying backpacks weighing more than their recommended weight load. Unfortunately, regardless of your child's weight and height, textbooks come only in one size (usually extra large). Very often, toddler backpacks are found with heavy textbooks, sports gear and sometimes even smaller bags inside the big backpack.

Backpacks were designed to be used in a certain way. For example, strap backpacks came with 2 straps so that both could be used for wearing on the shoulders. However, some kids have the habit of slinging only one of the straps on their shoulder. This effectively transfers all the weight onto one shoulder; even at half the maximum weight, your child is potentially overburdened!

In the same reasoning, one should avoid buying sling bags for their toddlers if they know they will be carrying heavy packs. Sling bags are convenient carry bags, stylist and comfortable, but they should be limited to carrying of simple items rather than carrying heavy loads.

Making the best of your straps

Strap backpacks commonly come with 2 shoulder straps for carrying. Some larger backpacks cater to heavy loads come with an additional waist strap. The waist allows for the user to secure the backpack tightly to his/her body, thus distributing the weight more evenly, especially around waist and lower back.

While backpack straps can be adjusted to suit its user, most people rarely use them. Many users adjust their straps the first time they use the backpack and leave them alone, never bothering with them for a second time.

However, depending on the weight and its distribution in the backpack, straps should be adjusted accordingly for best fit. Children are at the greatest risk of bad posture and all the more, their parents should reduce this risk by making the best use of adjustable straps.

Straps transfer the main weight of the backpack onto the body and may even come into contact with skin. Therefore padded straps become important in carrying heavy loads. Non-padded straps can cut into the skin, causing great discomfort and even pain to your child.

Backpacks with internal or external frame

Compared to formless backpacks, backpacks with frame make for easier carrying and better distribution of weight. Some of these frames are moulded to fit the shape of your child's back to offer better fit to the back.

Because of its supporting structure, backpacks with frame do not rest fully on the body, allowing for better ventilation and reduced sweatiness. External frame bags allow for bulky items like shoes to be hooked on or stacked on its external structure, but sacrifices its sack space to accommodate the frame.

On the other hand, internal frame backpacks have larger sack space, but its internal frame design results in less ventilation as compared to external frames.

Unfortunately, frame backpacks are slightly heavier in themselves due to the weight of the frames. Parents should also take note that frame backpacks are not flexible like formless packs and may not fit into your child's school lockers.