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Overloaded Backpacks Can Cause Injury to Kansas City Children

Posted on Aug 30, 2010

As we head into a new school year in Kansas City, it is time to take a minute to remind everyone about backpacks and the safey of our children.  Each year many children are injured due to the weight of the backpack they are carrying or the even the way the child carries the backpack.  These injuries often cause back pain and other strains on a child's body.  These injuries can often have physical effects that last a lifetime. 

According to experts, a backpack should weigh no more that 5-10 percent of a person's body weight.  On a 70 pound child that backpack should weigh between 3.5 and 7 pounds, including the weight of the contents and the backpack itself, combined. 

Many parents look to rolling backpacks as the answer.  Experts agree the rolling backpacks help with back injuries, but parents need to consider their child's school situation before purchasing these types of backpacks.  If there are stairs to maneuver in the child's school rolling backpacks can actually become more harmful as they do not move well up and down stairs.  Additionally, many schools have banned rolling backpacks due to tripping injuries and foot and ankle injuries that have occurred in crowded hallways. 

Parents need to monitor what the child is carrying in their backpack and help them to properly pack.  Backpacks with multiple pockets are often more effective for children so that pointy or bulky items can be stored away from the child's back.  Teachers can also help.  One thing to look for when a child is carrying their backpack is to see if the child is leaning forward or taking smaller strides, usually a sign the backpack is too heavy. 

Children should always wear their backpacks with the straps over both shoulders to evenly distribute the weight.  Many times children will try to carry their books in one arm to lighten the load, but experts agree that this option may lead to stress on one side of the body from trying to carry too many books in one hand.

When looking for backpacks for your child be sure to look for the following:

• multiple pockets for holding supplies
• padded shoulders that do not cause indentations when worn properly
• adjustable straps that allow the child to have the backpack hanging no more than 4 inches below the childs waistline

Let's start the school year off on the right foot and make sure our Kansas City children are prepared for school and have the appropriate backpack for their safety!

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