As our son enters Primary School next year, we revisit the importance of a good school bag for our child. Fortunately, we have our elder daughter’s experience to glean from. We debunk some myths about school bags so that you can make an informed choice for your school-going kids.

Myth, Facts and Choices

Here’s sharing some of the myths and facts about choosing a good school bag.

Myth 1:  All schoolbags are good school bags

Fact: Nothing can be further from the truth.  School bags, next to school shoes and uniform go through a lot of daily use.  They need to be highly durable to withstand the punishment of daily rough use by the kids.

Not only that, the use of school bags will directly impact the spinal health of our children.  Hence choosing a good bag that can keep our children’s posture well is of utmost importance.

Myth 2:  I will just buy those backpacks with wheels to lighten the load for my child.

Fact: We advise against doing so. In most schools, children have to climb stairs and walk across kerbs.  Some have to take school buses while others commute via public transport.  While trolley bags may be good for travel, it may be quite impractical for daily school use and may cause more damage than good.

Myth 3: The school will help ensure that the kids’ bags are not too heavy.

Facts: Well, Yes and No. From experience, the school may just help to monitor that your child’s bags are not too heavy. However realistically, they cannot monitor what every child brings.  Sometimes, your child may have no choice as the time table demands that a certain range of large and heavy textbooks / workbooks and art materials etc. to be brought for lesson.  

Myth 4: I just make sure that my child brings the minimum amount necessary. 

Facts: It’s not about the quantity but the actual size and weight of the books and stationeries that your child bring each day.  Having said that, weight is not only factor that affects a child’s posture. How the items are packed compactly, ensuring that the contents of the bag are not bumping around is equally important.   

Myth 5:  Ergonomic school bags are expensive!

Fact:  It is quite inexpensive compared to the costs of bad posture health of your child.  In the case of our P6 daughter, she has had 2 IMPACT school bags that lasted her throughout her entire primary school life (she changed to a larger one as she grew taller.). In fact, interestingly, though she sometimes switch to new bags given by friends and family members for her birthdays (think bags from popular fashion / sports brands etc.) she will still automatically switch back to her IMPACT school bags after a while “because it’s more comfortable to carry”.  That is testimony enough right from the child herself!

Back to Good Posture:

So when it came to Buddy’s turn to look for a school bag, we knew exactly where to go!  Stepping into Ergoworks’s showroom at Marina Square made us reminisce the time when Dana was entering P1! The friendly staff and the whole suite of ergonomic solutions they provide for schooling and everyday living makes this place very inviting.  

Choices, Choices, Choices:

Upon entering the store, Buddy dashed towards the school bag wall where a wide selection of attractive ergonomic school bags was displayed. Our son promptly lay his eyes on a, yes you guessed it, an army-print camouflage school bag (boys!). We are pleased to know that IMPACT Ergonomic School Bag come also with a 180-day warranty and a resale value – yes, you can trade in your old IMPACT Ergonomic School Bag for a new one (conditions apply)! In fact, a quick search on the Carousell app will reveal the good ‘resale value’ on an IMPACT Ergonomic School Bag.

IMPACT Ergonomic School Bag are the ONLY ergonomic brand internationally endorsed and recommended by Singapore Physiotherapy Association and The Chiropractic Association (Singapore). IMPACT Spinal Protection Backpacks promote better posture and spinal health, makung them the perfect companions for all students.

What we found value-adding is the professional, friendly service of the sales personnel who explained patiently to Buddy (and us) how to use the IMPACT Ergonomic School Bag properly (such as how to correctly pack it, how to wear it, buckle it and remove it etc.) so that it will promote good posture.   

Buddy’s Choice:

Here are the details of Buddy’s IMPACT Ergonomic School Bag which he loves (and now can’t wait for school to start!)

• Patented Airy Light Back-Care System to Reduce Stress on Spine & Back, Promote Better Posture & Spinal Health.
• Stress-free Backpack Straps / Comfy U Neck Fit Back straps
• USA 3M Scotchlite Reflective Safety Materials
• The lightest weight of Truly Ergonomic bags in its class / category.
• Feather-light weight design with Sturdy Structure.
• Multiple Organizer Compartments with Elastic Strap
• Patented Chest Stabilization Belt
• Parachute Pull Rings
• 100% Made in Korea High Quality Ballistic Nylon
• Air Breathable Ventilation System
• Anti UV, Dust & Water Resistant Materials.
• High Quality Self Repairing Recoilless Zipper with Loop Lock Design.
• Dimensions: 29.5cm (W) x 38cm (H) x 16cm (D)
• Weight: 800g
• Warranty: 180 days

For more info, please visit Ergoworks at the following address and website:

Retail Store 6 Raffles Boulevard #03-140/141 Marina Square

(One level above McDonald’s)

Opening Times Daily (including weekends and Public Holidays) 11:30am – 9.00 pm

Telephone 6837 3370

Website https://ergoworks.com.sg/

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY

Thanks to our sponsor Ergoworks, we are giving away an IMPACT Ergo Air-Cell Spinal Protection Backpack (worth SGD79.90) to 2 loyal readers. IMPACT Ergo Air-Cell Spinal Protection Backpack promote better posture for your child and spinal health, truly the perfect companion to all students.

To participate in the giveaway, make sure you fulfill these conditions:

1. LIKE AND FOLLOW THESE ACCOUNTS:

a. Ergoworks Singapore FB and IG

b. Life’s Tiny Miracles FB and IG

2. CLICK ON THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY WIDGET BELOW TO COMPLETE THE OTHER STEPS:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway ends 12 December 2020 (2359 hrs) and is open to readers in Singapore. The winner will be contacted via email or FB inbox and will have 24 hours to respond, failing which a new winner will be drawn.  All steps must be completed and incomplete entries will be disqualified. Please note that all Facebook accounts (e.g. accounts set up purely to take part in contests with no or few authentic posts) will be disqualified. All the best!