The Backpack Awareness Program is a national event sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association in September each year to promote awareness on packing and wearing backpacks correctly to prevent back, neck and shoulder injuries. 

TOTS provides this information through an upbeat interactive assembly to elementary students.  Please contact us at : kim@totsrehab.com with questions.  If you would like to schedule an assembly, send contact information and the desired date to the above email address.   

Recommendations are given on the weight of the backpack based on the child’s body weight.   

Recommendations for buying backpacks:

• Pack should fit child.  Don’t buy a big pack for a small child.

• Wide shoulder straps will prevent pressure on the nerves in the shoulders.

• Waist straps are recommended to stabilize the weight to the child. 

• Backpacks with a lumbar support provide support to the lower back.

Recommendations for wearing backpacks: 

• Only take needed items to school.

• Put heaviest items in back of pack.  They will be closest to your body.

• Lift with you legs, not your back.  (Squat down to lift, don’t bend over)

• Leaning forward while carry a backpack is a sign the pack is too heavy.

LIGHTEN UP!

• Use both shoulder straps.

• Use waist strap.

Weight should be no more than 15% of the child’s body weight.