When buying a schoolbag, the focus is often on the appearance: bright colors, popular motifs, perhaps parents also look at ergonomic aspects. But we notice that a crucial factor, which can have far-reaching effects on a child's health and development, is often underestimated: the weight of the schoolbag. A schoolbag that is too heavy can lead to back and posture problems in the long term and significantly cloud the enjoyment of everyday school life.

We didn't take the choice of the right schoolbag for our own schoolchild lightly. And yet we weren't really satisfied, which was the trigger for us to delve deeper into the topic and think about the ideal schoolbag. In fact, we will also produce this ideal schoolbag and are currently in the middle of development.

The topic of schoolbags in all its facets is so important to us because it is an important companion for our children in a phase in which they are still developing physically. Therefore, looking at the correct schoolbag weight is not just a question of comfort, but an important measure of health prevention. It's about finding a balance between the need to have all the necessary school materials with you and protecting the children's body structures that are still developing. 

We have read numerous scientific studies and recommendations from health experts who agree that the weight of the schoolbag should be kept within a reasonable range. But what does that mean in concrete terms? What rules can help parents and grandparents make a suitable and healthy choice?

How Much Can a Schoolbag Weigh?

Many factors play a crucial role in the selection of a schoolbag, but one of the most important aspects is the weight of the packed schoolbag. Since children spend a considerable amount of time each school day with the schoolbag on their backs, the weight they carry should not impair the child's health and development.

Scientific Findings on Load and Carrying Comfort

At first glance, there are numerous scientific studies that deal with how much weight can be carried on the back. The internet is full of quotes from them. The problem is that only some of them actually deal with schoolchildren, and only a few are really up-to-date.

Correspondingly diverse are the concrete figures that can be found on this topic. The common rule of thumb for schoolbag weight, "Maximum 10 to 15% of the child's body weight," for example, is considered outdated. Apart from the fact that it hardly fits into the reality of everyday school life. Typically, one is more likely to deal with schoolbag weights of around 3.5 to 5 kilos, which, by the way, are also considered unproblematic for first graders. What is particularly noticeable: the DIN standard DIN 58124 for schoolbags (link to /schulranzen-din-58124-norm/) contains no specifications on weights at all. Quite surprising.

Doctors and orthopedists agree: a significantly too heavy schoolbag has considerable effects on the spine and general posture of elementary school children due to overloading of the still developing spine and muscles. As soon as a schoolbag is so heavy that the existing muscles are not sufficient to carry the weight, the child will tend not to stand straight anymore, but to lean forward to counteract the weight on the back. This poor posture then leads to medium- and long-term posture problems and damage to the back. (Source: Chansirinukor et al. 2001 and San Augustin et al 2003) An overpacked, overweight schoolbag increases the risk of back problems and can lead to permanent poor posture. The strain on the spine is further increased by uneven weight distribution, for example, if a schoolbag is casually carried over only one shoulder or if it simply does not fit properly.

Practical tip: Put the fully packed schoolbag on the child and observe whether they lean forward slightly. If so, the schoolbag is definitely too heavy.

Schoolbag Weight Table

The Commission for the Protection of Children's Interests, a subcommittee of the Committee on Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth in the German Bundestag (https://www.bundestag.de/kiko), issued the following recommendation for the weight of packed schoolbags. The table provides a good rough classification, from which slight deviations can also be made in individual cases:

Body Weight	Maximum Weight of the Packed Schoolbag
18 – 23 kg	2.2 – 2.8 kg
24 – 28 kg	2.9 – 3.4 kg
29 – 33 kg	3.5 – 4 kg
34 – 38 kg	4.1 – 4.6 kg
39 – 43 kg	4.7 – 5.2 kg
44 – 48 kg	5.3 – 5.8 kg
49 – 53 kg	5.9 – 6.4 kg
54 – 58 kg	6.5 – 7 kg

 

Carrying Comfort is a Question of Ergonomics

Numerous studies show that for optimal carrying comfort and to avoid long-term health problems, it is important that the schoolbag is not only light. It must also sit optimally on the back and distribute the weight evenly so that the strain on the spine is minimized.

Unfortunately, these scientific findings have still not made it into the market. In the schoolbag trade, at best, there are hip belts that ensure that the weight of the schoolbag rests as much as possible on the pelvis. In addition, adjusting the back length is standard today, with which the distance from the hip belt to the upper edge of the shoulder strap can be adjusted. And that's about it.

Ergonomics specialist Amin Mououdi, together with other authors, already pointed out in 2018 that between the ages of 6 and 12, not only does the back get longer, but the shoulders also get wider. (Source: “Ergonomic design of school backpack by using anthropometric measurements for primary school students (6-12 years)”, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2018) An ergonomically correct carrying system must therefore also be adjustable in width.

How to Neutralize Schoolbag Weight

Most schoolbags today fit well against the back, but hardly ensure optimal weight distribution on the front and back of the body. Secure hold is also not really given.

Why is weight distribution important? An example: water bottles are usually intended to be carried on or in the back of the schoolbag. A full 0.5l water bottle weighs at least 600 grams. If this is carried on the back, the total weight of the schoolbag increases, which pulls the spine out of its ideal position by these 600 grams. If the bottle were attached to the front of the shoulder strap, it would still weigh 600 grams. But this weight would form a counterweight to the weight on the back at the front of the body and help to improve posture. It is even better if the sports bag is also carried on the front of the body.

Are Straps Even Used Correctly?

A hip belt helps to distribute the load if used correctly.However, there are enough situations in which children do not use it at all, for example, when they come to school by car or bus. The hip belt is then often left open. In that case, it has no function, only bothers, and also adds extra weight. A removable hip belt would be ideal.

 

When a schoolbag is carried on the back, its lower edge should ideally not hang below the child's waist, and the upper edge should end at the height of the shoulders. A schoolbag that sits higher or lower can unevenly distribute the load on the back and shoulders, thus leading to pain or posture problems.

Adjusting the carrying system is crucial for an ideal fit. The more incomprehensible it is to me that carrying systems today can only be adjusted in height. With our schoolbag, we will therefore also enable the adjustment of the width of the carrying system. This ensures better ergonomics (link to /schulranzen-ergonomie/) and increased comfort – the schoolbag feels lighter.

Factors That Influence the Ideal Weight of a Schoolbag

Age and Development Level

Younger children in preschool or early elementary school are less able to carry heavy loads because their bones and muscles are not yet fully developed. In these years, it is particularly important to keep the weight of the schoolbag as low as possible while still ensuring that all necessary school materials are included.

Pack Only What's Necessary

With the lightweight schoolbag models of today, it is primarily the contents of the schoolbag that make up its total weight. Parents should therefore regularly check the contents of the schoolbag and ensure that their child only packs the items that are actually needed for the school day. Books for subjects that are not taught the next day are better left at home.

If possible, it is advisable to leave books or work materials at school and not transport them back and forth every day.

Packing Correctly is Important

So that the schoolbag sits more stably, the center of gravity should be as close to the back as possible. This means that heavy objects such as books should not be in front pockets but should be packed close to the back and low down. Light notebooks can go to the front, and the water bottle should also be placed on the outside (to prevent flooding in the schoolbag) close to the back. It is even better if a fastening is provided on the front of the shoulder strap for this purpose.

Risks of Back Problems and Posture Damage

An overloaded schoolbag puts a significant strain on a child's still-growing back. The spine and muscles are in a crucial phase of development. If schoolbags are too heavy, an unnatural posture is unconsciously adopted to try to compensate for the weight. Children then tend to either bend forward or lean backward, which impairs the natural S-curve of the spine. In the long term, this can lead to poor posture, pain, and permanent back problems.

 

Criteria for Choosing the Right Schoolbag

So that the schoolbag not only makes everyday school life easier but also promotes the health and development of your child, pay particular attention to the weight, a well-thought-out ergonomic concept, the materials used, and safety features.

Weight and Empty Weight of the Schoolbag

The weight of the schoolbag is a critical factor for the comfort and health of your child. An empty schoolbag should be light to avoid unnecessary strain.

However, lightweight construction should not be considered in isolation. We can easily build a schoolbag that falls below the magical mark of 1 kilo empty weight. By minimizing: we minimize the complexity of the carrying system and its adjustability. We minimize the choice of materials and their resistance. We reduce material thicknesses and thus achieve further gram savings in weight.

For us, this is the wrong way. Although the schoolbag is light, it feels heavier when filled on the daily commute to school and puts more strain on the child's body. This is because extreme lightweight construction has saved on adjustability; the schoolbag cannot be optimally adapted to the child's body shape. In addition, it breaks quickly because the robustness of the thin materials leaves much to be desired.

In fact, our planned schoolbag will weigh 1,200 grams. And we can justify every gram exactly. A slight extra weight compared to the absolute lightweights brings us clear ergonomic advantages that are evident in everyday carrying comfort.

Ergonomics and Carrying Comfort

Make sure that a schoolbag has wide, padded shoulder straps that are adjustable in height and width and distribute the pressure evenly on the shoulders. A wide, optionally removable hip belt should ensure that the weight rests on the hips and not on the back.

An ergonomically shaped back section that adapts to the child's back shape supports a natural posture. The carrying system (link to /schulranzen-oder-schulrucksack/) is crucial. It should be so smartly designed that the weight can be distributed evenly and sits as close as possible to the body's center of gravity. Adjustable straps allow the schoolbag to "grow" with your child. Ideally, it should be adjustable not only in height but also in width.

Carrying comfort also includes an internal system that ensures that the contents of the schoolbag do not move freely but lie firmly against the back. Elastic straps, for example, can ensure the optimal distribution of weight.

Materials

The choice of materials determines whether a schoolbag is light, offers comprehensive functionality, and is also durable. Robust, abrasion-resistant materials guarantee that the schoolbag can withstand daily wear and tear. Smartly selected lightweight materials help to reduce the overall weight of the schoolbag without sacrificing stability and protection. A schoolbag that is too light will lack stability and robustness; what is ultimately sought is the best compromise.

Tips for Reducing the Weight of the Schoolbag

A schoolbag that is too heavy can negatively affect motivation and enjoyment on the way to school. Reason enough to optimize the weight of the schoolbag without missing necessary learning materials and school supplies in class.

Optimizing the Contents: What Needs to Come Along Daily and What Can Stay at Home?

Daily Check of the Schoolbag: Try initially to pack the schoolbag together with your child every day. (link to /schulranzen-richtig-packen/) Check the timetable and only pack the books and materials that are actually needed for the next school day.

Use Digital Alternatives: Many schools now offer digital teaching materials. Tablets or e-books can replace several heavy books and thus significantly reduce the weight of the schoolbag.

Personalized Workbooks: Some schools make it possible to compile work materials individually so that your child only takes the pages they need for the day's tasks.

Double Equipment: Consider whether it makes sense to have separate sets of pens and notebooks for home and school. This avoids the daily carrying back and forth of materials that could stay at school or at home.

Use Lockers: If the school provides lockers, use this opportunity to store heavy books or sports equipment. This significantly relieves the burden on your child's schoolbag.

It can be useful to also raise awareness of the issue among other parents and teachers in order to find unconventional solutions together.

It's Not Easy to Find the Right Schoolbag. We're Changing That.

We hope that our lines have helped a little with the decision for the right schoolbag.

And if you have a little more patience: we are currently working hard to bring our ergonomically optimized schoolbag to the stores soon.

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