How to Find the Right Sized Backpack for Your Child

Throughout you child's school year, from Kindergarten through high school, and even into college, the backpack in an essential necessity they must not go without. They are useful in carrying books, notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, crayons and other supplies he needs during the school year. However, do not rush to the store just because that backpack with the logo from a well known sport's company is on sale. You have to look past the logos, bright colors and extra add-ons when you buy the backpack. Purchasing the wrong backpack can do more harm than good for you child if it does not fit right. Your child can have back pain and pour posture if the backpack is too heavily loaded or is not worn right. When you are shopping, take a few extra minutes to ensure that your child gets the right backpack for his body. This helps reduce back problems he can get when wearing the wrong backpack. Follow these tips when you are shopping for your child's backpack.
The shoulder straps should be wide and padded. The help distribute weight more evenly to the hips, back and stomach. Thinner straps may cause your child's shoulders to be sore.

Make sure there is extra padding in the back of the backpack. This will help your child's back.

Buy a backpack that has many compartments. Your child can use the main compartments for books, notebooks, folders and binders. The smaller compartments can be used for supplies. Not only do these multiple compartments helps you child be more organized, they help distribute the weight more evenly.

When you are deciding on a backpack, have your child try it on. The bottom of the backpack lies in the curve of the lower back. If the bottom lies lower than this, try a different backpack. Sometimes bigger is not always better.

If your child walks to school, get a backpack that has wheels on it. While the hallways may be too narrow to pull a backpack, he can tote the backpack while walking to school.

Check the weight of the backpack. A full backpack should not weight more than twenty percent of your child's body weight. Find out what items do not need to be in the backpack every day.

In addition to looking for a backpack that is a comfortable fit for your child, also look for one that has reflective strips. This is important if your child walks to and from school during early morning and late afternoons. Drivers can see your child better with a reflective backpack.

Purchase a backpack with zippers rather than drawstrings. You reduce the likelihood of the backpack getting caught in a bus door.

After you purchase your backpack you must follow two safety precautions. They will protect your child throughout the school year.

If you want to put your child's name on the backpack, never put it on the outside. Putting any information of the inside will protect your child from stalkers and predators.

Finally, you must monitor the weight of the backpack when it is full. It should weight no more than twenty percent of your child's weight. If it does, find out which items the child does not need to carry each day. He can leave the books and the supplies that he does not need in his locker.