At Flourish Chiropractic we love helping grow healthy spines. We take a proactive approach to children’s spinal health much like looking after our teeth good spinal health habits are important to start at a young age.

So here are some tips to help you when choosing and packing your child’s backpack.

1: Backpack Weight

With the average 5 year old weighing between 18-20 kg we want to ensure their backpack is not heavier than 2 kg (or 10% of their body weight) check the weight of their bag the next time it is packed and ensure that are not carrying unnecessary items.

2: Backpack balance

Although it can be “uncool” encourage your child to wear both shoulder straps. Balance is key, leaning to one side with a heavy bag will impact adequate spinal movement.

When packing the bag organize the heavy items closest to the spine.

3: Backpack Height

The backpack should not hang more than 10 cm below the waistline of your child.

4: Backpack straps

Choose a bag with wide, padded and adjustable straps so the bag can be fitted and altered as your child grows.

If you have any concerns about your child’s spinal development feel free to give us a call 09 360 0280