In addition to the actual role, backpacks of different styles and fabrics are also items for children to show their individuality. Of course, the premise of all this is to use them properly.
For children, shoulder bags are better than shoulder bags, messenger bags or handbags, because this design uses the two strongest muscle groups of the human body-the muscles of the back and waist-to support the weight of the whole backpack.
If used properly, the weight of the whole backpack can be reasonably distributed to all parts of the body, and the possibility of shoulder and neck damage will be much less than that of messenger bags and handbags.
However, if the backpack is too heavy or not used properly, it will also cause a series of problems. Let’s talk about how to help children choose a suitable backpack.
What problems may backpacks cause?
1. Pain in the waist and back
Excessive exercise, poor sitting posture and long-term lack of exercise may all cause back pain, but some children’s low back pain is actually caused by too heavy a burden on their shoulders: they carry a large number of textbooks, student supplies and personal belongings all day long.
Doctors and physiotherapy experts recommend that the weight of children’s backpacks should not exceed 10% ~ 15% of their own weight.
When children carry heavy objects in the wrong way, the gravity of the heavy objects will pull their backs backward, and the children will naturally lean forward and arch their backs, which will lead to unnatural compression of the spine and may eventually cause shoulder, neck, waist and back pain.
Some children only carry their backpacks on one shoulder. They may think it looks better, but it will tilt their shoulders to one side, causing waist and back pain and even spraining their shoulders or necks.
2. Not in good shape
Incorrect backpack style can also lead to hunchback. Because of their smaller size, girls and younger children may be more vulnerable to injuries caused by backpacks, which account for a larger proportion of their own weight.
3. Affect blood circulation and nerves
If the strap of the backpack is tight or narrow, it will also strangle the shoulders, affect blood circulation and nerves, and make the arms and hands stabbing, paralyzing and weak.
4. Other hidden dangers
Too heavy a backpack will not only cause waist and back injuries, but also some other health risks worthy of parents’ attention:
- Tripping over or being injured by a backpack; Carrying heavy backpacks may change the way children walk and increase the risk of falling down, especially at the stairs, which may suddenly lose balance. Children often do not realize how much space backpacks will take up. Playing with backpacks in some narrow spaces (such as in the walkways of school buses) may lead to safety accidents.
How to choose the right backpack?
What parents need to do is to think more about the structure of backpacks before their children pester you to buy fashionable new models. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to consider the following questions before buying schoolbags:
- The schoolbag itself is light: This will not add extra burden to the child. For example, Although leather schoolbags look cooler, But it is obviously heavier than canvas bag. Wide shoulder strap with mat: Shoulder straps that are too narrow can strangle the shoulders, affecting blood circulation and nerves. Back cushions can improve comfort, such as preventing the contents of schoolbags from poking children. Waist straps can better distribute the weight of schoolbags to the whole body. Multiple layers of separation can better distribute the weight of the contents of schoolbags.
How about a tie-rod schoolbag?
Those bags with wheels like suitcases may seem like a good choice, but the bags themselves are very heavy and may cause more trouble when going up and down stairs and in rainy and snowy weather. If the books pack too many things, they may also cause children to lose their balance.
In addition, it is best to consult the school before buying this kind of schoolbag with wheels, because this kind of schoolbag cannot be put in the drawer, but can only be placed beside the table, which will increase the risk of children wrestling in the aisle.
Reasonable use of backpacks
In order to prevent children from being injured, attention should be paid to the following when using backpacks:
Step 1 Reduce the weight of schoolbags
No matter how perfectly designed the schoolbag is, the weight of the backpack and articles should not exceed 10% ~ 15% of the child’s weight.
The best way is to put some things that don’t need to be carried back and forth every day in school or at home, tidy up the schoolbag every day, and adjust the contents of the schoolbag reasonably.
STEP 2 Pay Attention to the Right Way
Make sure that the child carries the schoolbag on both shoulders. The height of the schoolbag is slightly higher than that of the shoulders. If the child carries only one strap, the weight of the schoolbag cannot be effectively distributed to both shoulders and may strain muscles.
Tighten the braces properly to make the schoolbag fit well with the back. If the braces are too loose and even hang to the buttocks, adjust them as soon as possible.
Teach children to use the right schoolbag.
A lot of work to lighten the burden on schoolbags needs children to do:
- Daily Arrangement: Teach children how to use their desks properly, Just bring the homework and textbooks you need for the day every day. Ask your child about the completion of his homework. Don’t wait until Friday night to carry home a heavy schoolbag, which may be a backlog of homework. Simplify: Make sure your child doesn’t bring anything he doesn’t need, such as toys and game consoles, which will add weight. Reasonable distribution: Learn to use the separation in the schoolbag and put the heavier items in the middle of the schoolbag.
The weight of schoolbags should be reduced in the following situations:
- Children feel laborious in carrying or putting down their schoolbags. Back pain; The child leans forward when carrying the schoolbag.
If the child suffers from waist and back pain or paralysis and weakness of arms and legs, he should see a doctor in time.