Wheeled Schoolbag or Classic Schoolbag: Making the Right Choice for Your Child
Many parents are torn between the traditional schoolbag and the rolling schoolbag. But beyond aesthetics, it's the child's health and well-being that are at stake. So, which one should you choose?
Wheeled School Bags: A Solution?
While one might think that wheeled school bags save our children's backs, the reality is more nuanced. Their limited maneuverability and the added weight due to the wheel system can prove counterproductive.
Advantages of Rolling School Bags
- Back preservation The wheeled schoolbag can be pulled. This helps reduce the strain on the spine of young schoolchildren.
- Large capacity A significant advantage, allowing you to carry a large quantity of supplies.
- Ease of use The adjustable telescopic handle makes it a great ally for children of all sizes, promising effortless use.
Disadvantages of Rolling School Bags
- Empty weight Beware of the lures of back preservation and capacity! Despite their promise of a lighter burden, when empty, they weigh more than their cousins without wheels.
- Difficult to maneuver : In school staircases, their size can become a challenge since the student will be forced to carry an even greater weight on their shoulders.
- Price and durability : The higher initial cost and the lifespan of the casters must be considered in the equation of this financial choice.
The schoolbag: Classic and timeless
The schoolbag is the faithful companion of school days. It is presented as the traditional choice for children of all ages.
Advantages of the classic schoolbag
- Versatility The schoolbag is the adventurer of the school grounds, capable of carrying books, snacks and childhood treasures with remarkable ease.
- Lightness: Often lighter than wheeled school bags, they are easier to handle for children.
- Sustainability Robust, it stands proudly against time, promising to go through the years without failing.
Disadvantages of the schoolbag
- Overload: Children may tend to put too much stuff in them, which can overload them and harm their posture.
- Misuse: A poorly adjusted or overly heavy bag can cause back pain. Teach your child how to carry their schoolbag correctly. It should rest on both shoulders and be properly adjusted.
Back Preservation: An Absolute Priority
Our children's back health is crucial, especially during their developmental years. Here are the key points to remember for protecting their backs:
- Respect for morphology : Choose a schoolbag that adapts to the child's body structure and size.
- Weight limitation : Ensure that the schoolbag does not exceed 10% of the child's weight to avoid overloading.
- Ergonomics : Opt for a schoolbag with wide adjustable straps, a padded back and a support belt for balanced weight distribution.
- Correct use : Ensure that the child is wearing their schoolbag correctly by putting both straps over their shoulders.
The importance of protecting your back is not limited to choosing the right schoolbag. It also includes using it wisely.
FAQ: Your Questions, Our Answers
Is a wheeled schoolbag suitable for all school environments?
No, you have to consider the school's layout, any potential obstacles such as stairs or narrow lockers, and school routes (bus, bicycle for example).
Are wheeled school bags banned in some schools?
Some schools have chosen to ban them due to their impact on posture and the difficulty of maneuvering them on stairs. It is essential to check the school's policy before purchasing.
How can I tell if the schoolbag is too heavy for my child?
According to health professionals, the weight of a schoolbag should not exceed 10% of the child's weight! Weigh your child and their schoolbag to make sure you don't exceed this limit too much.
And check out our street survey “Is your schoolbag too heavy?” where we went to weigh your children’s schoolbags at the end of the school day.
