It is time to start thinking of buying new school supplies such as notebooks, markers or crayons, and backpacks. Backpack safety has been an increasing issue the past couple of years. If you see photos of kids going back to school half of the backpacks are a big as the child!

How do I protect my child’s spine?

– Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 5-10% of their body weight

– Your child’s backpack should never hang more than 4 inches below their waistline

– Purchase backpacks with individualized compartments-this helps to position the contents more effectively

– Heavier contents should be placed closest to the back when packing the pack

– Purchase small to medium sized backpacks– The more room there is in the backpack the more yor child will put in to carry

– Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps

– Purchase backpacks with wide, padded straps

– Your child should not have rounded shoulders
or hunch forward with their backpack on

– Purchase backpacks with adjustable straps so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body

– If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school

Don’t forget to bring your child in for a posture screening, screening of their nerve system and adjustment! Help your child start school with good posture and a strong, connected nerve system! You take your child in for “back to school” doctor and dentist appointments, have your child checked for subluxations too!