You need to buy a backpack for your son, but you are unsurewhich one to buy and donĄ¯t know how to choose the right one.After all there are those reports about how backpacks aredamaging our childrenĄ¯s backs. What are you as a parentsupposed to do?
Here are a few doĄ¯s and donĄ¯ts about buying and usingbackpacks. Hopefully you will at least some of them helpful.
DonĄ¯t buy the first backpack you see no matter how much yourson whines. Do shop around. Check the department stores andsporting goods stores, do a web search.Try to find out what isavailable and how much you can expect to pay. Some schoolsrequire the children to have a backpack, and others do not.Also, some schools insist on see through backpacks, to cut downon he chances of kids bringing contraband, such as drugs orweapons to school.
If your childĄ¯s school has this policy, then you have fewchoices to make. Some do not allow wheeled packs, they are seenas a tripping hazard. Do check to see if the product has awarranty. What is the storeĄ¯s return/refund policy? Some of thewell-known makers of backpacks give lifetime warrantees.
We had a backpack for almost 10 years and the zipper broke andtore away from the fabric. We sent it back, and since thatparticular pack had been discontinued so they sent us a brandnew one a brand new one. DonĄ¯t buy a backpack simply because itmay be a few dollars cheaper than one with a warranty. The ifyou need to replace it, you may well have paid more for 2 packsthan if you had gotten the one with the warranty originally.
Do buy the best backpack that you can afford preferably one thathas wide padded shoulder straps and at the very least, a waistbelt. IF you can afford it get one that has a padded back and achest strap.
DonĄ¯t cave in and get a trendy backpack that your daughterwants if it doesnĄ¯t have at least some of the safety features.Do use an internet search to check the rating and testingresults of the backpack you are considering buying. Consumerprotection organizations routinely run this testing fordurability, comfort, and safety.
DonĄ¯t buy a backpack just because of a low price or because yourecognize the brand name, or because all of your sonĄ¯s friendshave one like it. Or because he thinks it is Ą°coolĄą Do checkout the backpack. Make sure it is made of durable material. Lookto see if the seams are strong. and if the zippers open andclose smoothly. Check that the straps and belts work properly.DonĄ¯t go for cute.
Just because your daughter loves a particular character,doesnĄ¯t mean you have to get her that pack especially if itisnĄ¯t back friendly Get her an umbrella with her character onit. Do decide ahead of time what features you want in abackpack, such as extra padding or a sternum strap.
DonĄ¯t buy a backpack for you or your child just because it isthe newest trend,the pack that everyone has to have.
Do insist your child wear her backpack properly, using bothshoulder straps, and the waist belt. DonĄ¯t allow her to wear itslung over one shoulder, or to take unnecessary items likeradios, CD players or hand held games to school, they not onlyadd extra weight, but are not allowed in most schools.
About the author:Elaine Smith is a freelance writer with advice for consumers onpurchasing a variety of School Backpacks her numerous articlesprovide a resource of interesting and information. Visit herwebsite for more info. http://www.backpack-n-backpacks.com
