Health Tip: Packing a Backpack

(HealthDay News) -- Kids already assume a heavy burden when they return to school in the fall, so don't make it worse with a heavy backpack.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions to help reduce your child's chances of pain and injury:

Make sure your child's pack has a padded back and wide shoulder straps with padding.
Use the compartments inside the backpack to make sure it's well-organized, with the heaviest items toward the back.
Avoid overloading the pack. Don't exceed more than 20 percent of your child's body weight.
Make sure your child always uses both shoulder straps.
If your child must carry a lot of heavy books, see if the school allows a rolling backpack.