10/05/2026
Heavy backpacks can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain in kids. The AAP recommends a backpack weigh no more than 5โ10% of your child's body weight. A quick test: put the loaded backpack on a bathroom scale! Look for wide, padded straps, encourage both shoulders (not just one), and pack heaviest items closest to the back. https://www.shinepediatricswa.com/