When buying your child's next backpack, please look for these features:

1.  Two contoured shoulder straps that are wide and padded to distribute weight evenly across your child's shoulders.

2.  Padded back for comfort.

3.  Multiple compartments to distribute weight evenly.

4.  Cinch straps to secure heavy items.

5.  The size of the pack should fit your child!

6.  Lightweight! A filled backpack should not weigh more than 15 % of your child's weight!  Make sure it's not too heavy to start with!

7.  Hip or chest straps to transfer the weight from your child's shoulders to their torso.

Other tips:

1.  Make sure your child uses both straps when carrying his/her backpack.  It should rest high on your child's back between their neck and the curve of the low back. Often kids like to wear it hanging down way too low!

2.  Organize the heaviest articles closest to your child's back and use cinch straps to secure them into place.

3.  Utilize the compartments to store things. Water bottles hanging by clips and straps can cause poor weight distribution. Tuck those bottles in compartments!

4.  Carry only the articles you need for that day! Parents, help remind your children to unload their packs daily to minimize unnecessary weight carried every day.

5.  Listen for complaints of back pain, tingling or numbness, and watch for red marks on their shoulders from heavy straps. These are warning signs that the pack is too heavy and maybe causing serious problems.

6.  Use good posture and make sure your child is getting plenty of exercise to keep their back strong!