Is YOUR Kid's Backpack TOO Heavy?

From the recent online edition of Nola Baby & Family, comes a great article from Maya Faye Turner with tips for backpack purchasing and usage!

Here's some highlights to consider:

1. If your child’s school allows, consider getting a rolling backpack.
2. Choose a backpack with well-padded shoulder straps, and then make sure your child uses both straps at all times.
3. Adjust the shoulder straps so that they fit snugly; if the backpack has a waist strap, make sure your child that, too.
4. The bottom of the backpack should always rest in the curve of the lower back. Make sure it never rests more than four inches below your child’s waistline. This goes for adults too!
5.  Because backpacks come in different sizes for different age groups, always make sure you select one appropriate for your child. Have him try on several until you get the correct fit.
6. Your child should keep the trunk of her body stable and avoid excessive twisting when putting on and removing backpacks. She should bend at the knees and grab the backpack with both hands when lifting it to her shoulders to pick it up.
7. Don’t let the weight of your child’s backpack exceed 15 percent of his body  weight; for a rolling backpack, the limit is 25 percent. Who knew that?