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The CDC recently set guidelines for the reopening of schools, and many parents will begin making back to school decisions in the coming days and weeks. To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public and maintaining social distancing.
So, for children that will be heading back to in-person classrooms soon, face masks will have to be added to their school-supply list. (You may also want to send along items like hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in your child’s backpack.) You’ll probably be looking for kids’ face mask options that are both comfortable and effective. Here are some tips and resources that will help you choose the best face mask for your child.
What to look for in a kid-sized face mask
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers general guidance as it pertains to face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings are not recommended for children under the age of two, because the ear loops pose a strangulation risk. Adults and children over the age of two, who can both put on and remove their face masks themselves, should wear them while in public.
Face coverings should meet these general guidelines:
- Cloth face coverings should be made of at least two layers of breathable fabric
- Effective face masks should loop around the ears or tie at the back of the head
- Face masks should allow the wearer to breathe easily while wearing it
- Cloth face coverings should be washable and retain their structural integrity after washing
Kid-friendly face masks
Some kids may be reluctant to wear a face mask or just have difficulty keeping a face covering on. For those children, consider purchasing the best face mask that appeals to them. Masks are available in a variety of color options and designs or licensed characters on them. This makes finding a kid-friendly face mask your child will enjoy wearing a little bit easier.
Anna Davis at the Infectious Diseases Department at the University of Cambridge in the UK suggests just that. “Getting a child-friendly mask probably increases compliance with wearing,” she told NBC News in June. “Let’s face it, looking like Spiderman is going to be a lot more appealing than a plain mask.”
Several retailers are now selling face masks. Finding cloth face coverings that were in stock and ready-to-ship back in April was difficult. Now that companies have caught up with the demand, masks are readily available and shipping in time for back to school.
- Old Navy has affordable face masks for the whole family in packs of five
- Shop Disney is offering cloth face coverings for kids and adults, with a portion of the profits going to charity
- Etsy is a great resource for finding kids’ face coverings in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles
- Uncommon Goods’ mail-order catalog offers both a tie and loop face mask option if you’re able to await shipping
How to make a cloth face covering
If your child enjoys crafts, you may have more luck having them help you make a no-sew face mask. You can make a mask with or without a filter or, if you’re really crafty, consider using a face mask pattern to make a kid-sized face mask.
Popular YouTube crafter and blogger Jennifer Maker offers several free face mask patterns. “I’ve researched the best materials to use per the CDC guidelines and the Cambridge University study and created a free face mask sewing pattern,” she said on her blog. “These Cricut face mask patterns use common household materials you probably already have and can be made with slots for filters, adjustable ties, and a wire to fit snugly around your nose.”
Other types of face masks for back to school
For those who are looking for a little more protection, a face shield may be the answer. Jennifer Auer is a mom of three in New Jersey, and says she enjoys using a face shield because nonverbal communication and facial cues are an important part of teaching. “As a substitute teacher, I plan to use the shield so that I can easily communicate with students,” she told Mom.com.
Another fun option is the sleeve-style face mask or pullover face mask. This is a versatile style that might be popular with tweens and teens as it can hang around the neck like a stylish scarf until needed as a face covering.
Finding the best kids’ face mask for your child will depend on a number of factors. If they’re going to be participating in a virtual school in the coming year rather than in-person classes, they may only need one or two masks for trips around town. If your child will be heading to a brick-and-mortar school full-time or on a hybrid schedule, the best face mask option might be a mix of disposable masks and a few cloth ones. Fabric masks can be rotated out and washed regularly.
While none of this is easy, there are plenty of kids’ face mask options available to help parents make the best decision for their child and their families.
