Signs a Child’s Backpack Is Too Heavy

Pain or tingling in the back, neck, shoulders or arms, a struggle to put the pack on, and leaning forward are signs that the load is too heavy or the fit is poor. OrthoInfo and AOTA both list symptoms for parents to watch.

What the sources say

• OrthoInfo says to encourage a child to report back, neck or shoulder pain during or after carrying a backpack, since it may indicate poor fit or too much weight.
• It suggests watching the child put on and take off the backpack, to see whether it is a struggle.
• If the pack seems too heavy, it suggests removing some books and carrying them in the arms.
• AOTA lists aching backs and shoulders, tingling arms, weakened muscles and stooped posture as possible symptoms of a heavy school backpack.
• OrthoInfo says to talk to the school about lightening the load, and that children can stop at their lockers to swap heavier books.

What to do

1. Check the weight and the fit.
2. Take out anything that is not needed.
3. Check that both straps are used and snug.
4. Look at heavier items: move them low and toward the back.
5. If pain continues, see a doctor.

What not to do

Do not ignore pain in a child, and do not assume that it will pass.

Questions to ask your child

Where does it hurt, and when? Does it hurt more at the end of the day? Does the pack ever feel too heavy to lift? Asking these simple questions often reveals a problem before it becomes a habit, and gives you something specific to tell a doctor or the school if you need to.

Where this answer stops

These are signs to prompt action, not a diagnosis. A health professional can assess any symptom that persists.