Back-to-school shopping raises the new-age question: how heavy should your kids’ backpack be?
Teachers say backpacks have quietly become purses. Doctors say that's how kids end up leaning forward just to walk.
Back-to-school shopping often brings the question of how heavy a child's backpack should be, as modern backpacks tend to carry more than just textbooks. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that signs a backpack may be too heavy include a child leaning forward or difficulty walking. Straps should not dig into the shoulders.
While 10% to 15% of a child's body weight is a general guideline, it is not universally applicable due to differences in size, strength, and daily routines. Parents should regularly audit what their child truly needs to carry every day, focusing on essential supplies rather than trendy or expensive items. Teachers emphasize that children should bend at the knees when lifting heavy backpacks and avoid carrying them while riding in moving vehicles.
Keeping backpacks light and clean can also help prevent strain and maintain organization for school materials.
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