Choosing the right backpack for your toddler

August 11, 10:59 PMRichmond Baby & Toddler Gear ExaminerEllie Venafro

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Fleurville Kids Messenger Bag

The countdown has begun, time to brush off those lunch boxes and start planning healthy lunches to pack. 

If you are like me, your just getting started with this whole school thing, so how do you choose the best backpack for your toddler? 

Chronic backpain for children has been an increasing problem, so much that there is a National School Backpack Awareness Day held in September by Occupational Therapists all over the country.   “The training occupational therapists have in body structure, body mechanics, and purposeful activity give us tools to help students with everyday problems like heavy backpacks,” says Karen Jacobs, EdD, OTR/L, CPE, FAOTA.

The American Occupational Therapy Association has published ten tips to avoid backpack-related health problems.  You can read the at the www.aota.org site.

When chosing the backpack, take a close look at the material.  Children love the character backpacks, but make sure it is a sturdy one.  Strong stitching is essential to a backpack that will last.  PVC material is also a good choice because it is easy to wipe off and is waterproof.  Make sure all zippers are sturdy and if there is velcro, it needs to be strong.

Most important, choose a backpack that is appropriate for your child's size.  The backpack must be roomy enough to carry several items, but they should never have it so full that they feel weighed down.  The standard size for a toddler backpack is 13 inches high by 11 inches wide and expands 4 inches deep.  Anything smaller might not be useful for your child and anything too large will not stay on very comfortably and will be too bulky. Ergo Works for Kids provides a list of ergonomic products specifically designed for children such as backpacks, chairs and more.

Several elementary schools do not allow backpacks with wheels.  Even though they are awfully convenient and will eliminate the concern of future back problems, please review the instructions from your school as to whether they allow them or not.

When considering a backpack for your elementary school child, try to find one that has a matching lunchbox that you can put in the bag or attach it to the backpack.  Garnet Hill has really cute ergonmic backpacks that has received great reviews. You can also purchase a matching lunch pack that can be attached to the bag.  Fleurville, one of the greenest fashion bag companies on the market, has a messenger style bag for toddlers that is Lead-Free, PVC free, teflon free and has reflective tape accents.  It also has a great matching lunch tote, also lead-free, that can easily be included in the bag.

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