SAN ANTONIO — The first day of school is next week for many in South Texas. For parents, that means back-to-school shopping. If you haven't gotten that backpack yet there are things to keep in mind when it comes to your child's health.
Kids love to stuff as much as they can into their backpack to make getting around during the school day easier. But experts say having the wrong kind of backpack could create unnecessary pain for your child.
Dr. Elizabeth Magnabosco, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon with CHRISTUS Health told KENS 5, "Some of the things that we can can't control is how those schools are set up. So some of them don't have lockers so they carry their textbooks."
When it comes to the weight of the pack, there is some guidance. "The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that backpacks should not be more than 15% of your child's body weight," Magnabosco said.
When shopping, what should you look for in a backpack? KidsHealth recommends getting a lightweight pack that doesn't add much weight to your child's load.
Make sure it has two wide shoulder straps for shoulder safety. It should also be padded for comfort and protect kids from sharp objects inside. It needs a waist belt to spread the weight more evenly across the body. Ensure it has multiple compartments to spread the weight too.
Kids can wear it with one strap on one shoulder but two straps are recommended.
"It's designed to be worn with two shoulder straps. Make sure the straps are tightened properly. You don't want to be bouncing off their butt when they're walking," Magnabosco added.
And don't get a monstrous backpack, just one that's good for each day.
"Don't get one that is oversized. Holds everything. Minimize what you need. See what you need each day. Maybe not needing every textbook every day," she said.
Dr. Magnabosco also says there won't be any long term health problems from a backpack that isn't just right for your child, but any discomfort will likely impact their ability to focus in school.