Book Bag Weight

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' Healthy Children division, a backpack should weigh no more than a maximum of 10 to 20 percent of a child's body weight. This means a 50 pound child should carry a backpack that weighs no more than 5 to 10 pounds. Smaller and younger children are better protected by carrying book bags closer to the 10 percent maximum.
  
  

Book Bag Size

• Book bags come in a variety of sizes. Sometimes the sizes are based around the intended purpose of the backpack and whether or not the bag is used primarily for carrying school books or is used for more universal purposes such as camping. Other times the sizes are tailored to different age groups. Many companies design book bags made to fit the bodies of smaller children. It is important to buy a book bag that fits the body snugly while not being too tight.
  
  

Safe Book Bag Loading and Lifting

• To safely wear a book bag, the bag should be loaded strategically with heavier items placed the closest to the center of the back. A book bag with many compartments is designed for better load distribution, so utilize these pockets as well. Children also need to be safe when lifting a pack. With the knees bent, the backpack should be faced and then lifted up by the shoulder straps. After fully standing, place the straps on each shoulder one at a time.
  
  

Securing a Book Bag on the Body

• Both shoulder straps on a book bag are designed to be utilized in synchronization to maintain an even load on the muscles, so to properly wear a backpack use both straps, even when the load is light. Also secure the book bag at the waist if additional waist-level ties were provided with the backpack. These waist ties prevent the unnecessary bouncing of the book bag and help stabilize the weight.
  
  

Book Back Construction

• The construction of a book bag is key to staying safe. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a backpack should have not only "wide, padded shoulder straps", but a padded back as well. The padded back helps keep the sharp point of books from jabbing the back and acts as an additional shock absorbing layer. A waist strap is also needed, and a lightweight book bag works out best by adding as little extra weight to the body as possible.