Really heavy backpack for 5th grader--documentation?

Cindy D

I just weighed my daughter's backpack this afternoon, because it's so heavy it's been hurting her arms and back and she has trouble carrying it. It weighed nearly 25 pounds and she weighs a little over 70!

I don't have a problem with the amount of homework she has, Normally she is finished in 30 minutes, an hour max, it's just that she has to bring home all the books. Starting in fifth grade, they change classes for all their subjects, so she has eight different teachers. The problem is that her school doesn't allow backpacks with wheels, and she really needs one. I'm sure she can't be the only child with this problem. I understand that wheeled backpacks mess up the floors, but better that than the children! I think it's time for this rule to go!

Do you know of any articles, written recommendations, or documentation about problems caused by heavy backpacks? I'm pretty sure I've read something about this, but it was some time ago and I can't remember where. Suggestions about the best way to handle this without causing major problems with the school?

If all else fails, I plan to get a note from her doctor saying she can't carry a backpack that heavy, but as I said, she can't possibly be the only one with this problem. She's not even the smallest in her grade!

Thanks for any ideas you may have.

Answer
Here you go: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/25106.php
and:http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/safetyfirstaid/l/aa090202a.htm
and: http://www.childprotectionblog.com/2009/07/heavy_backpacks_cause_lower_ba.html
and: http://www.childrenshospital.org/views/october06/backpack_too_heavy.html
and: http://living.oneindia.in/health/child-nutrition/2009/children-heavy-backpacks-injurious-060809.html
and: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/52056.php
and: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/heavy-backpacks-can-lead-to-backaches-for-kids_100223050.html

All the best.

What are some child friendly activities to do with an infant?

Amanda

My husband and I like to take day trips, go to beaches, museums, galleries, amusement parks, etc.

We're pregnant but are exploring all areas of parenting and want to know what other parents do to stimulate their babies or if most people wait til toddler age?

Answer
As a newborn, they will really just sleep most places you go. As they hit about 6 months, they become both much more alert, and much easier to carry around, in my opinion (once they are sitting unsupported they can go in a backpack or sit on your hip in a sling). So around 6-7 months was when I started taking my dd places just because she might have fun there.

There are a couple things you have to remember with baby outings. The first is that your baby will probably only be able to be happily awake for a few hours w/o feedings and/or a nap (some babies nap well on the go, others don't). So for any longer excursion, you have to make sure you plan in stops/time for these things. Babies also usually have a pretty short attention span, so the best outings are ones where enough is going on to keep them interested, but not enough to by totally overwhelmign (like very loud or very crowded. I have found my dd does much better in overload situations when she is close to me in the sling, as opposed to in a backpack, in the shopping cart, etc). The final thing to consider is that babies are more sensitive to environmental conditions - they should not spend a lot of time in the sun or in extreme temperature conditions, esp since before 6 months sunscreen is not recommended.

So that said, I have found the best outings to often to be ones that can be done in just a few hours, between naps. Often these are very mundane things. Babies LOVE animals, so a trip to a local petshop can be a favorite outing. We also go to the library's children room/story time - besides reading and getting books, babies LOVE seeing other children. Many areas have science centers with special corners for young chilidren. My dd also enjoys the pool, going on hikes or walks (something we did since she was very young), going to the playground, and actually even going on errands (lots of people to see).

As far as the things you mention, amusement parks are overwhelming for young children usually, and while they like the beach, a few hours out in the sun is probalby enough at that age (plus you would need a ton of gear to keep the sand/salt/sun off). babies are pretty indifferent to things like museums - they would probably enjoy the people, its just a question of how bad you would feel if she was loud (babies are pretty unpredictable). So I guess my overall recommendation is to keep it short and local most of the time, while they are young. Longer expeditions like camping or the beach are possible, but tend to take a lot of planning, packing and vigilance, so most people only do day trips occasionally.

Of course there are tons of things you can do with your infant in your own house as well.

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