The back-to-school season is in full swing. August just officially knocked on our doors and we let it in! This means parents only have a few short weeks left of summer before school starts again.

Every year is an opportunity for a student to get a new backpack. It’s sort of like a rite of passage for kids as they march through elementary to middle to high school, and finally to college! It helps define them, protect them, and most of all, it serves as a symbol for growth! For parents, it’s just another item to check off your list before the next year begins.

Today, parents have more to think about than the color or price of a backpack. Ergonomics experts encourage parents to consider how a backpack will affect your child’s back and to select one that fits.

Ok, so what’s a parent to do? Backpack shopping doesn’t have to be brain science. It can be very easy if you follow our advice. We’ve distilled our pointers into 6 easy tips that will make backpack shopping a breeze…might we say, even a pleasure?

Shop Online to Save Time
Backpacks are not puppies. You don’t need to touch or feel them before you buy them. So don’t put yourself through the hassle of battling traffic, other parents, lines, and shrinking selections, when you can just buy a backpack online. We can’t stress the importance of reading user reviews, and these can normally only be found online. So do your research, find out what packs work for you, and jump online to buy (yes, you can do it in your nightgown). Shopping online means you can compare prices on different sites to make sure you get the best deal. We encourage you to shop around for ALL back-to-school purchases, and certainly on your backpacks. 

Take Advantage of Back-To-School Deals
Stores are pulling out the stops to win your business over the back-to-school season, so regardless of what you are buying, look for the best deals. 

Find a Bag That Fits
Do the research and select a correctly sized pack for your kid, even if it takes more time. It is worth it to have the confidence that your kid is not going to be negatively impacted by their backpack. The general rule is that the height of the bag should extend from about two inches below the shoulder blades to the waist level or slightly above.

Find a Bag That Supports
For maximum protection for your kid, we suggest looking for a padded back and shoulder straps, as well as a sternum and hip belt. These accessories will help evenly distribute the weight of a heavy bag filled with books and will take a strain off sensitive neck and shoulder muscles.

Instead of grabbing that first cute backpack you see on a shelf, take the time to seek out a specialty backpack retailer and compare different brands, styles, features/functionality, colors/patterns, and price points.