How Heavy Is Too Heavy? What Doctors Say About Bag Weight for Kids

How Heavy Is Too Heavy? What Doctors Say About Bag Weight for Kids

If a student does not have school bags, their life is not complete. The schoolbag spends a lot of time on your kid’s shoulder, carrying it to school and returning home. Over the years, the elements of school bags have increased. From notebooks to laptops, from lunchboxes to bottles, everything has to fit in one bag. This increment in weight is not very good for students and can cause a lot of problems. When kids carry too much to school, the consequences can go far beyond a simple backache. 

What is the ideal weight for a kid to carry?

According to medical professionals, the ideal weight for a kid to carry should be no more than 10-15% of their body weight. In this case, if a kid is 20 kg, their bag should weigh 2-3kg, and if a kid is 40 kg, their bag should weigh no more than 4-6 kg and so on. 

Here are some of the consequences of a heavy bag. 

1. Physical strain and injury: Heavy loads of the bags can easily show in the frequent backaches of your kids. The boom of heavy loads strains, fatigues, and produces unbearable back pain. Moreover, it leads to bad posture affecting the backbone, which is a big hassle in the long term. Carrying the extra weight can cause children to hunch their shoulders, which in turn puts strain on their shoulders and neck, which can lead to headaches as well. In extreme cases, the weight of heavy backpacks can compress nerves, particularly in the neck and lower back.

2. Higher possibility of getting accidents: At times, it gets difficult for younger kids to carry the load of the bag. It might make the trip. A heavy bag can throw children’s center of gravity off, causing them to trip, stumble, and ultimately fall. It would potentially cause a more serious injury while walking from one class to another. It even restricts the kids from quick movements, which can be a hazard in emergency situations. 

3. Mental and emotional stress: The heavy load of the bag is surely a cause of physical stress, but you might not notice that it directly or indirectly challenges your mental stress as well. School activities and studies already stress children, and weighty school backpacks can add to the anxiety. Having to carry it out physically can feel like a reminder of what they are asked to do; it can contribute to the overwhelm and feeling anxious. It distracts them from their studies by being uncomfortable. Since carrying a heavy bag causes so many problems, it makes the children have a negative attitude towards school. 

4. Long-term health effects: A Heavy kids backpack can cause chronic back pain that might end up in some serious problems. The strain from an improperly balanced or overly heavy backpack can contribute to conditions such as scoliosis, where the spine curves unnaturally. 

What do doctors recommend? 

1. Weigh the bag equally: make sure to check the weight of your kid’s backpack once a week so that it never gets to an unhealthy weight. This keeps you aware of what they are carrying, too. 

2. Choose the right bag: Pick a bag that has shoulder padding and adjustable shoulder straps as well. 

3. Pack smartly: Pack your backpack mindfully. Keep the books and notebooks in their designated compartments and carry only the ones that are needed.

4. Look for signs: If you see any visible change in the posture of your kid or there is any pain in the back or the shoulders, change the bag right away and consult a doctor. 

Conclusion

Carrying too much weight is a huge problem that needs to be looked into. Being a responsible parent, you must take care of what your child takes to school and if they are healthy. MyneeMoe has a collection of bags that keep your child healthy, ranging from school bags to bags packs. These tiny shoulders are made to carry their hugely successful future and not a huge, overweight bag. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

1. What is the ideal range of weight a school bag should lie in?

A bag should be 10-15% of the kid’s body weight. 

2. What problems come with school bags that are too heavy?

If your school bag is heavy, some problems are inevitable. Problems like back and shoulder pain, poor body posture, headaches, and nerve compression are very common. It can even lead to accidents and trips. 

3. What impact does a heavy bag have on a child’s mental health?

A heavy bag can cause stress and anxiety. Additionally, it can lead to discomfort in class and distract you as well. 

4. Are there any side effects that can affect a child in the long run?

If you use a heavy bag for a long time, it can cause chronic back pain. 

5. What are some suggestions given by doctors?

Doctors advise weighing the bag once a week and keeping a check of the stuff your kid carries to school. Furthermore, they suggest using a bag with padded shoulder straps. If, in any case, you notice any pain, consult a doctor immediately. 

Shraddha Tripathi

Health, Fitness & Fashion writer

Shraddha Tripathi is a dedicated content writer who has authored numerous blogs ,covering topics such as health, fitness and fashion. She has her degree in Physics Hons. from Delhi University. She holds certifications in proof reading, content writing, and other creative works which enhance the quality and reach of her work.