Back to School: Backpack Safety Tips

Back in Balance Wellness Center Is Your Source for Back to School Safety & Wellness

As we enjoy those last sunny days of summer, heading back to school is closely approaching. Back in Balance Wellness Center, serving Bangor and Brewer, has your kid's back to school health in mind. Check out our backpack safety tips and remember, now is a great time to schedule your family's back to school wellness visits. 

Back in Balance Wellness Center's Backpack Safety Checklist

Kids come in all shapes and sizes- so do backpacks. Is your child's backpack the right fit for their frame? When fitting your child for their ideal backpack, the first step is to be sure the backpack is neither longer nor wider than their torso. Anything that hangs longer than 4 inches from the bottom on their back is liable to cause undue stress on the spinal column, including the neck and shoulders. 

You will also want to observe if the shoulder straps are padded. Not only do shoulder straps offer extra comfort, but also extra support. And, look inside the backpack before you commit to its purchase. Does it have several pockets or one large compartment? You want your child's backpack to fit with evenly distributed precision- this can be accomplished by choosing a backpack with several compartments to secure all of their belongings. Less shifting means an even load that will reduce overall stress of carrying weight on their backs. 

Be sure to encourage your child to carry their backpack with both straps along their shoulders to keep the entire spine, low back, neck, hips and knees aligned for easier carrying. If your child is a walker or they ride their bikes to school, these backpack safety tips from our pediatric chiropractor serving Bangor and Brewer are especially important. 

Wondering if your child's backpack meets our safety checklist? Give us a call for a complimentary backpack safety check by our caring doctor. You can also let us know that you would like to check backpack safety when you schedule your family's wellness appointments.