Is Your Child’s Backpack Too Heavy?
Your child’s bag may be causing permanent spinal damage.
SCHAUMBURG, IL – JULY 21: Timberland backpacks are displayed in a Timberland store July 21, 2003 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Strong sales of hiking boots and outdoor apparel boosted second-quarter profits 18 percent for Timberland Co. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
Tim Boyle/Getty ImagesYour child may be carrying too much in their backpacks and it could cause permanent spinal damage.
According to recommendations, kids should only be carrying 10 percent of their body weight on their backs.
People magazine interviewed a doctor who said most kids and teens are carrying at least 20 to 25 pounds of stuff in their backpacks.
Children probably won't tell you their backpacks are too heavy. They usually don't feel pain. Parents need to keep an eye on their child's posture and the way they walk for changes in their spine. Damage can be corrected early with exercise. Bad cases may require back braces.
Have you noticed there is too much in your kid's backpack? Have you tried to lighten the load? Can you recall carrying heavy backpacks as a kid? Do you remember your biggest textbook?
