Dos and don'ts for backpacks

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5 Things children shouldn't carry in their backpacks

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons provides weight limit recommendations for school backpacks to keep your child's back healthy, so eliminate as much as possible.

	Old stuff As a professional organizer and mom of two, Grace Brooke offers her No. 1 rule for backpacks: Don't use them for storage! Empty backpacks daily before test papers, assignments and reference materials pile up.
	Time-sensitive materials Here's another reason to check backpacks every day: Most schools communicate with parents via take-home correspondence. It's your responsibility to read and respond to these messages, so make sure they don't get lost in a backpack.
	Potential weapons Of course, your child doesn't take knives to school, but what about everyday household objects? Regularly inspect your child's backpack for potential contraband, such as nail files, yo-yos and pocket chains.
	Electronics With luck, kids are so busy learning that they don't have time for MP3 players or handheld games. Not only are electronics a distraction from the learning environment, but they're also easily broken, lost and stolen.
	Swap items Kids trade everything from Pokemon cards to shaped plastic bracelets. Since they're such a distraction in the classroom, some schools ban swap activities. Keep your kid out of trouble by keeping swap items out of her backpack.

Related video

Back-to-school tips: Picking the right backpack, from an expert at Packard Children's Hospital

Michelle Merget, OT, provides valuable advice to families choosing a new backpack. Thick straps, lumbar support and avoidance of overpacking are just a few of her tips to help keep backs healthy during the school year.

Related articles:

• Is your child's backpack making the grade?
• 8 Backpacks for school
• 8 Do's and don'ts to simplify your morning routine