10 tips to protect your child’s back
The ideal: a satchel that is worn on the back. The best model of satchel is the one that is worn on the back. Shoulder bags can, by their weight, deform your child’s spine which will tend to bend or bend to compensate.
Check the strength of the binder. A good satchel should have a solid structure and be padded on the back. Check the quality of the stitching, fabric or canvas, the fastenings of the straps, the bottom and the closing flap.
Choose a satchel suitable for your child. Ideally, the size of the satchel should match your child’s build. Better to avoid a satchel that is too large, so that it does not get stuck in doorways or openings of buses, trams and subways.
Weigh his schoolbag. Theoretically, the total load of a schoolbag should not exceed 10% of a child’s weight. In reality, it is almost impossible to follow this instruction. Schoolchildren usually carry around 10 kilos on their frail shoulders. Do not hesitate to weigh their bag and lighten it as much as possible to avoid the appearance of scoliosis.
Teach him how to carry his satchel properly. A satchel must be worn on both shoulders, flat against the back. Another landmark: the top of the satchel must be at shoulder level.
Organize and balance his things. To distribute the load as well as possible, it is better to place the heaviest books in the center of the binder. No more risk, therefore, that it tilts backwards. Your child will also have less effort to stand up straight. Also remember to distribute your notebooks, case and various objects to balance the satchel.
Beware of the casters. The disadvantage of the wheeled schoolbag is that, in order to pull it, the child has to keep his back constantly twisting, which is not very good. In addition, we tell ourselves too quickly that since it is on wheels, it can be more loaded … This is to forget that the child must generally go up or down stairs, and therefore carry his schoolbag!
Help him prepare his bag. Advise your child to keep only the essentials in his satchel. Go over the program for the next day with him and teach him to take only what is strictly necessary. Children, especially younger ones, tend to want to pick up toys or other objects. Check that with them.
Choose a light snack. Do not neglect the weight and the place of snacks and drinks in the binder. If there is a water cooler in the school, it is better to use it.
Help him put his schoolbag correctly. A tip for putting your satchel on your back: put it on a table, it will be easier to put your arms through the straps.