Health Tip: Choosing a Backpack
August 24, 2009, 2:18 PM ET
• 1 min read
Aug. 25 -- (HealthDay News) -- Along with pens, paper and notebooks, for many youngsters, a backpack is a back-to-school necessity.
The U.S. National Safety Council offers these safety guidelines for selecting a backpack:
Look for features that offer better support, comfort and safety.Choose a backpack with padding in the back to minimize pressure.Opt for a backpack that has belts around the hip and chest to more evenly distribute the contents.A backpack with lots of compartments is better, as it also helps evenly distribute the weight of school supplies.Look for compression straps at the bottom or side of the backpack to bring the contents closer to the back.Look for reflective material so your child is easier to see if walking in the dark.