Health Tip: Choosing a Backpack

(HealthDay News) -- Along with pens, paper and notebooks, for many youngsters, a backpack is a back-to-school necessity.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these safety guidelines for selecting a backpack:

• Look for features that offer better support, comfort and safety.
• Choose a backpack with padding in the back to minimize pressure.
• Opt for a backpack that has belts around the hip and chest to more evenly distribute the contents.
• A backpack with lots of compartments is better, as it also helps evenly distribute the weight of school supplies.
• Look for compression straps at the bottom or side of the backpack to bring the contents closer to the back.
• Look for reflective material so your child is easier to see if walking in the dark.