Now that school is in full swing, the American Academy of Pediatrics is asking parents and caregivers to make sure backpacks aren’t causing harm to kids.

While many kids go for style, officials say it’s best to choose backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. This helps keep even weight distribution when students load them up with books, notebooks, laptops and more.

However; the AAP also suggests they try and keep the load as light as possible. You should utilize all of the backpack’s compartments and never let it way more than 10 to 20 pounds. A good approach according to the AAP, is for parents to go through the child’s backpack weekly and remove unneeded items.

Your child should also be reminded to always use both shoulder straps as slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.

Adjust the pack so the bottom sits at your child’s waist, this can also help prevent strained muscles.

An added suggestion by the American Academy of Pediatrics is to go with a rolling backpack if the school allows. This helps eliminate possible strained muscles, but officials note there is still a need to carry them upstairs and they are difficult to roll in the snow.

For more information on backpack and other safety and health-related tips visit aap.org.

Michaela Madison Reporting