When Buying A Backpack Consider 5 Things

Just eight more days to purchase school supplies.

And if you've been waiting to buy your child's backpack, there are a few things to consider healthcare professionals say. Buying the proper backpack can protect your child's back muscles and spine from injury caused by hauling heavy loads day after day.

St. Francis Outpatient Rehabilitation suggests that parents consider five things when buying a new backpack:

1. A padded back to reduce pressure on the back, shoulders, and underarm regions
2. Make sure your child's book back has two straps, as it will help to evenly distribute the weight of the backpack.
3. Hip and chest belts to transfer some of the backpack weight from the back and shoulders to hips and torso 
4. Multiple compartments to better distribute weight, keep items secure, and ease access to the contents 
5. Reflective material to enhance visibility of the child