The Ultimate Guide to Backpacks for Kids: Back-to-School 2024 Edition

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Heather Zielinski

As the summer sun begins to set, the anticipation of a new school year rises. Students of all ages are busy preparing for the excitement of back-to-school—shopping for new clothes and school supplies, scheduling annual check-ups, and gearing up for another exciting year of learning and growth.

Amidst the flurry of activity, one crucial detail often gets overlooked: back safety. Backpacks, a seemingly innocuous school essential, plays a pivotal role in maintaining a child's health. Our experts in chiropractic health have created this—the ultimate guide to choosing, packing, and wearing backpacks to ensure your child's spine stays healthy and strong throughout the school year.

Backpack styles to consider for your kids

Backpacks come in a plethora of styles and designs, each with its own unique features. When choosing the right backpack for your child, it’s essential to consider both functionality and ergonomics.

• Shoulder strap backpack: This is the OG, a classic school backpack, equipped with two shoulder straps. It’s suitable for most children as it evenly distributes weight across both shoulders. Look for padded straps and a padded back for added comfort.
• Wheeled backpack: Ideal for kids who carry heavier loads, wheeled backpacks come with wheels and an adjustable handle. This option allows children to roll their backpacks instead of carrying them, reducing strain on their backs.
• Mini backpack: A smaller version of the traditional backpack, mini backpacks are perfect for younger children who don’t need to carry as many items. They are lightweight and easy to manage.
• Laptop backpack: For older children who need to carry a laptop, these backpacks come with a padded compartment specifically designed to protect electronic devices.
• Drawstring backpack: These are great for carrying lighter items such as gym clothes or snacks. However, they lack the structure and support of traditional backpacks and should be used sparingly.

Chiropractic tips for a healthy spine

Ensuring your children's spinal health is often an overlooked aspect of back-to-school preparations. The experts at The Joint Chiropractic have compiled essential tips to help you manage your children's backpack use.

"Every year, as children return to school, they reintroduce their bodies to routines like sitting at desks, carrying heavy backpacks, and participating in after-school sports," said Steven Knauf, D.C., vice president of chiropractic and compliance at The Joint Chiropractic. “To help your child maintain spinal wellbeing and avoid issues, it's crucial to ensure their backpacks are used properly. Here are some essential backpack tips for parents, to ensure your child's back stays healthy throughout the school year.”

• Size Matters: Choose a backpack that is proportionate to your child’s body size. It should not be wider or longer than their torso and should rest at least two inches above their hips.
• Straps are key: Ensure your child’s backpack has wide, padded, and adjustable shoulder straps. Encourage your kiddos to use both shoulder straps to help distribute weight evenly.
• Weight limit: The backpack should not weigh more than 10-15% of your child's total body weight. For example, your 50 pound kindergartner shouldn’t be carrying a backpack more than 5 pounds. If it’s too heavy, have them carry some items in their hands or consider a wheeled backpack.
• Proper use: Encourage your child to take breaks and adjust the straps to maintain balance if they need to wear their backpack for extended periods. They should use both shoulder straps, as well as any available waist and chest straps to help distribute weight evenly.

How to pack your child's backpack

As the school year begins, ensuring your child's backpack is packed correctly is just as important as choosing the right backpack. Improper packing can lead to discomfort, poor posture, and even long-term back issues. To keep your child healthy and their backpack functional, it’s essential to follow some key packing principles.

• Heavy items close to the back: Place heavier items such as textbooks and laptops close to the back of the backpack. This helps keep the weight centered and reduces strain.
• Use compartments wisely: Use the various compartments and pockets to distribute weight evenly. Smaller items can go in the front or side pockets.
• Limit extra weight: Only pack what is necessary. Leave out any non-essential items to keep the backpack as light as possible.

Best backpacks for kids in 2024

Choosing the right backpack for your child is crucial for their comfort and spinal health. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one that combines functionality, durability, and ergonomic design. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of top-rated backpacks that are highly recommended for their quality and support. Here are five excellent choices that will ensure your child heads back to school in style and comfort.

JanSport SuperBreak Backpack: Known for its durability and classic design, the JanSport SuperBreak is lightweight and comes with padded shoulder straps. It’s a great all-around backpack for most students.Available on the JanSport website.

L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack: This backpack is designed with multiple compartments for organization and padded straps for comfort. It’s also highly durable, making it perfect for everyday school use. Available on the L.L.Bean website.

High Sierra Swerve Backpack: Featuring a padded back panel and shoulder straps, this backpack is designed for comfort. It also has a dedicated laptop compartment and multiple pockets for organization. Available on the High Siera website.

Skip Hop Zoo Backpack: For younger children, the Skip Hop Zoo Backpack offers fun designs and a lightweight, easy-to-carry structure. It’s ideal for preschool and kindergarten students. Available on the Skip Hop website.

Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack: These backpacks come in various designs and sizes to fit different age groups. They feature padded straps, a chest strap, and plenty of compartments for organization. Available on the Pottery Barns Kids website.

School shouldn’t be a pain in the back

While age and age-related health conditions are often blamed for back pain in older adults, the biggest culprit for children, teens, and young adults is their backpack. Back pain has turned into a serious issue for students from kindergarten through college for several reasons: they aren’t choosing the correct type of backpack for their body, they aren’t wearing the backpack as designed, or they are loading their backpack with too much weight. With about 54.3 million K-12 students enrolled in school, it’s time to bring some relief back to the classroom.

Chiropractic care for children

If your kiddo experiences pain in the back or neck, The Joint Chiropractic offers specialized care for infants, toddlers, young kids, tweens, and teens. Chiropractic care for children focuses on gentle adjustments tailored to their developing bodies. Our licensed doctors of chiropractic are well-trained to meet the unique needs of children, ensuring safe and effective care.

Chiropractic care for children offers numerous benefits. It can help with injuries from falling and active play, growing pains, immune system function, behavior and attitude, sleeping patterns, scoliosis, posture, and ear infections, among other conditions. Chiropractic care is about supporting the overall health and well-being of your child.

If you're considering chiropractic care for your child, The Joint Chiropractic offers a consultation, examination, and, if necessary, referrals for diagnostic imaging. For more information on children and chiropractic care, you can check out our guide to children and chiropractic care.

As the new school year approaches, ensuring your child has the right backpack—and knows how to use it properly—can make a significant difference in their overall health and well-being. By choosing an appropriately sized backpack, packing it correctly, and teaching your child how to wear it properly, you can help prevent back pain and other related issues. Remember, a little attention to detail now can lead to a healthier, happier school year for your child.

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