With summer break coming to an end, it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping. Before you (or your kids) pick out a new backpack for the year, check out these tips on backpack safety from the American Physical Therapy Association.

• Wear both straps! Using just one strap causes one side of the body to bear the weight of the backpack. By wearing both shoulder straps, the weight of the backpack is more evenly distributed.
  
  
• Position the backpack over the strongest mid-back muscles. The backpack should rest evenly in the middle of the mid-back.
  
  
• Properly adjust the backpack straps.
  
  
• Shoulder straps should be loose enough to put on and take off the backpack without difficulty, and allow free movement of the arms.
   
• The shoulder straps should not be so loose, however, that the backpack extends below the low back, or rests on the buttocks. 
  
  
• Use the chest and waist straps for additional support. 
  
  
• If there are compression straps, they should be used to bring contents of the backpack closer to the spine.

• Find a padded back. If possible, choose a backpack with a padded back for additional support and comfort.
  
  
• Lighten the load. Try to keep the load at 10-15 percent or less of the child’s body weight.
  
  
• Pick a backpack that is the correct size for your child. Children come in all shapes and sizes. So do backpacks.
  
  
• Carry only those items that are required for the day. Reassess and repack each day, so that unnecessary items do not remain in the backpack.
  
  
• Keep the backpack load evenly distributed. Organize the contents by placing the heaviest items closest to the back.

Keep these tips in mind not only when shopping for the proper backpack for your child, but also during the school year!