Backpacks come in all sizes, colors, fabrics, and shapes and help kids of all ages express their own personal sense of style. And when used properly, they're incredibly handy.When worn correctly, the weight in a backpack is evenly distributed across the body, and shoulder and neck injuries are less common than if someone carried a briefcase or purse.

As practical as backpacks are, though, they can strain muscles and joints and may cause back pain if they're too heavy or are used incorrectly.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents look for the following when choosing the right backpack:• A lightweight pack that doesn't add a lot of weight to your child's load (for example, even though leather packs look cool, they weigh more than traditional canvas backpacks)• Two wide, padded shoulder straps; straps that are too narrow can dig into shoulders• A padded back, which not only provides increased comfort, but also protects kids from being poked by sharp edges on objects (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack• A waist belt, which helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the body• Multiple compartments, which can help distribute the weight more evenly- KidsHealth.org