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At any age, it's easy for girls to be caught up in what's in style rather than what's the best buy, and that can even apply to backpacks and school bags. There are a few basic guidelines to help you help your daughter focus first on what's safest, and second on fashion.

First, let's talk about backpacks versus messenger bags. Messenger bags, those ones with one strap that go across the body or on one shoulder, in general are a bad idea for young children because of the weight distribution. Children tend to shove as much as possible into their bags, and having all of that weight on one shoulder can lead to all kinds of issues. Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders and lower back are common with a messenger bag. If your child has even mild scoliosis, carrying a heavy messenger bag for an extended time frame can exacerbate the condition. If your daughter insists on a messenger bag, insist that she carry it across her body rather than on one shoulder to lessen the strain at least a little.

When it comes to backpacks, fit is important. Take your daughter along and have her try on the backpack the same as you would when buying her a new pair of jeans. If the store doesn't mind, take something heavy along to put in the bag that is similar to what she expects to carry in school. Does it sit too high or too low? Backpacks are meant to use the entire torso to carry the weight, so you want one that sits right in the middle, not way up by her head or way down at her tailbone. Once you've got some weight in the bag and the straps adjusted, have her walk around a bit, lean side to side, just move around and see if it stays in place as a good fitting backpack should.

When it comes to weight, wider shoulder straps will also help distribute the weight evenly. Look for ones that are not only wide, but well padded too and your daughter will be much more comfortable carrying a loaded bag.

One feature to look for that is a must with girls is pockets. Lots and lots of pockets. They don't have to be big. Just a zippered pocket here and there and over there to stash notes from friends, favorite pencils, gum, lip gloss, and all the other smaller items she might consider essential.' Making sure she has pockets to store these small things in will also help her learn to be organized and prevent those little objects from getting lost in the big section of the bag.

The last tip for buying a backpack is to consider backpacks made especially for hiking or camping. You'll most likely pay more, but

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