Choosing a backpack is more than just personal taste and looks.
"The backpack should not be more than 15 to 20 percent of your child's weight," said Kathleen Huddy, Good Housekeeping Institute.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure the bag's bottom is not lower than the child's waistline.
"Sometimes I see kids that are just clearly in backpacks that are too big for them," said Dr. Jordan Metzl, Hospital for Special Surgery.
Your child should be with you to try the backpacks on before buying one.
The straps should be tightened.
The sternum strap should be clipped, and don't forget to clip the waist strap too.
If your child is leaning forward to carry it, the backpack is too heavy.
"Kid's grow relatively quickly between the ages of eight and 16, and so, what fits one year may not fit well the next year, and so you have to keep your mind and your wallet open for that," said Dr. Jordan Metzl.
A close fitting backback helps center the weight. So you want to be sure the straps curve comfortable against the body.
