Backpacks

• Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back
• Pack light
• Always use both shoulder straps
• Consider a rolling backpack

School Bus

• If your child's school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when in the bus; if your child's school bus does not have lap/shoulder belts, encourage the school to buy or lease buses with lap/shoulder belts
• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb
• Do not move around on the bus
• Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing
• Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver

Riding Your Bike to School

• Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride
• Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic
• Use appropriate hand signals
• Respect traffic lights and stop signs
• Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility
• Know the "rules of the road"

Walking to School

• Make sure your child's walk to a school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection
• Be realistic about your child's pedestrian skills: Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision
• Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers

Eating During the School Day

• Most schools regularly send schedules of cafeteria menus home; with this advance information, you can plan on packing lunch on the days when the main course is one your child prefers not to eat
• Try to get your child's school to stock healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, water and 100 percent fruit juice in the vending machines
• Each 12-ounce soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories; drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child's risk of obesity by 60%

(c) 2008 American Academy of Pediatrics.