In anticipation of the new academic year opening in September 2010, Nili Arbel, Director of the Physical Therapy Service at Schneider Children’s, offers parents advice about making the correct choices according to each child’s age and weight when purchasing schoolbags and shoes. It is very important for the health of the child’s back that the schoolbag include broad and padded shoulder straps that can be adjusted with a buckle; extra padding covering the area of the back; and several compartments to allow for weight distribution of textbooks and exercise books.

The length of the shoulder straps should be equal and there should be a balanced distribution of the weight load. In addition, parents must ensure that most of the schoolbag’s weight is located opposite the small of the back and not behind the pelvis; that light reflectors are attached to the body of the schoolbag for road safety; and that the child understands that he should tell his parents about any back or shoulder pain as a result of wearing the backpack.

In order to prevent an over-heavy school backpack, only items required for that day of school should be placed in the schoolbag, while ensuring that its weight, when full, does not exceed 15% of the child’s weight. Schoolbags on wheels may be considered depending upon the conditions of sidewalks en route to school and back. A schoolbag on wheels, although heavier and not worn on the child’s back, is unsuitable for climbing stairs, requires a greater effort to lift, and since it encourages asymmetrical movement of the back and hands, it should be pulled alternatively with the one hand and then with the other.

When choosing shoes and sandals for children, attention should be paid to the structure and type of shoe, which should be rounded and wide in front and close-fitting around the heel so that the foot fits snugly in the shoe during walking. It should be made of flexible and aerated material: shoes made of rigid materials interfere with the foot’s movements.

It is important to match the shape of the shoe to the structure of the foot. The correct size is determined after measuring both the right shoe and the left shoe when the child is standing (the length of the feet are not usually the same). Socks must match the size of the foot: socks that are too small confine essential movement of the feet; socks that are too big create folds and are a source of pressure and discomfort. It is important to double-knot shoelaces, so that they will not come undone and do not press on the foot. Shoes should be checked at the end of every day because of the foot’s tendency to swell.

July 2010