Backpacks: One size does not fit all

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) — The racks of back-to-school items can be overwhelming, but with some expert and parental advice, tackling the sea of backpack choices doesn’t have to be so hard.
First and foremost, not all backpacks are alike. There are many aspects to consider when purchasing one for back to school.
What grade is the student in? “Each student has different needs,” explained Walmart spokeswoman Kelly Cheeseman. “The kindergartner does not need the size or the compartments that a junior in high school student does.”
The younger student’s needs are not as great, because there are not as many books or as much homework carried back and forth from school. However, compartments for crayons, markers and art projects may be important to have.
One size does not fit all: Ideally, the bottom of the backpack should align with the curve of the lower back, and not more than 4 inches below the waistline, according to a recent Consumer Reports article. A backpack’s shoulder-strap anchor points should also rest 1 to 2 inches below the top of the shoulders.
Inspect before you invest: Julia Schnett of Leola has learned to thoroughly inspect her purchases, because she has had bags that failed to last the entire school year when she was being frugal.
“This is one instance it is wise to spend some money,” Schnett said. “It will be worth it in the end. The kids use these every day and some use them hard, lugging many books back and forth and through the halls, in some cases.”
Things to look for on the inside and outside of a backpack before you buy, according to Schnett, can include:
—Sloppy stitching or loose threads, which can indicate poor manufacturing.
—Raw, exposed fabric edges, which can fray and weaken the fabric, and possibly get stuck in the zipper.
—Zippers without covering fabric flaps. Zippers that are not protected by flaps of fabric may allow water to seep in.
Comfort, convenience and safety are important: Features to look for include wide, padded, contoured shoulder straps that distribute the pack’s weight over a large area of the shoulder; an abdominal strap, which can help distribute the pack’s weight evenly on the back, waist and hips; and reflectors or reflective fabrics on the pack to add visibility when kids travel to and from school at dusk or dawn.
Bright colors are also very popular this school season, according to Cheeseman.
“The bright colors are also easily identifiable for younger children,” Cheeseman said. “They will know which bag is theirs at just a glance.”
It will also help the parent to identify the child in the school rush.
Prevent injury with a lighter load: To avoid injury, carry no more than 15 percent of your body weight in a backpack, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association.
In May 2002, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported backpack related injuries sent almost 6,000 students each year to emergency rooms. A 2000 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimate states that, when backpacks are used incorrectly, more than 13,260 injuries in children 5 to 18 years old are treated at hospital ERs, doctor’s offices and clinics.
The Division of Orthopedic Surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center recommends these simple guidelines to prevent any unnecessary injuries to your child throughout the school year:
—A rolling backpack is a good option if your child has to carry a very heavy load, assuming your child’s school permits their use. But school terrain is much more challenging to negotiate with wheels than your average airport.
—Always encourage your child to use both shoulder straps and make sure the straps are tight — unless it is a bag designed to be used as a sling, or one-shoulder, bag.
Ricky Del Villar, 10, of Lancaster prefers the messenger-style bag that goes over one shoulder. Ricky said it’s more convenient and easier to get off and on.
The compartments in the bag are also a plus for Ricky because, he said, “it’s easier to keep it organized.”
Arrange your child’s supplies and books so the heaviest items are closest to the center of his back and all compartments are used.
It’s also smart, if you can, to wait until after the first day of school to see what the needs of your student will be.
“If his or her locker is at an out-of-the-way place, he may need to carry a lot of books throughout the day,” Schnett said. “This will require a sturdier backpack.”
For older students, another popular school bag is one that doesn’t look like a school bag. Fashion-forward teens are using big, satchel-style bags that make a fashion statement and have compartments so the teen can keep all of his or her school supplies handy.
© 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.