After finding the perfect backpack, observing a few basic “pack and carry” guidelines can eliminate even the smallest safety woes parents may have.

Following are some helpful tips for students and parents from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA):

[bul]Loading the pack.

Pack heavier objects toward the bottom and near the back of the pack.

Also, make sure any pointy objects are packed away from the area that will rest on the child’s back;

[bul]Don’t over-pack: <$>Make sure the child’s backpack weighs no more than 12% of his or her body weight.

If a child is leaning forward from the weight of the backpack, he or she should lighten the load and re-evaluate the contents of the pack;

[bul]Wear both shoulder straps: The positioning and wearing of both shoulder straps of a backpack are essential to ensure safety and comfort.

By wearing both shoulder straps, the weight of the pack is evenly distributed and the stronger torso muscles “carry” the weight of the pack.

Wearing both shoulder straps enhances proper spine alignment;

[bul]Perfect positioning: <$>Physical therapists suggest that shoulder straps fit comfortably on the shoulder and under the arms.

The bottom of the pack should rest in the contour of the lower back. The pack should also “sit” evenly in the middle of the back, not up toward the shoulders or “sagging down” toward the buttocks.

The APTA suggest these additional tips for wearing your backpack:

[bul]Always wear both shoulder straps;

[bul]Secure chest and hip straps to spread the weight;

[bul]Keep the load light;

[bul]Smaller and younger children should carry no more than 15 percent of their own body weight.

However when purchasing your child’s backpack, the APTA suggest looking for the following features:

[bul]Wide padded contoured bags with shoulder straps;

[bul]A padded back for comfort;

[bul]Hip and Chest belts to disperse the load;

[bul]Lumber pads to counteract backpack weight;

[bul]Multiple compartments to evenly distribute the weight.