Face Masks for Toddlers + Kids
Whether your state is opening back up or not, it looks like face masks will be part of our new normal for the foreseeable future. Schools, businesses, and public spaces are announcing plans to safely reopen, and across the board mask requirements are part of those plans.
For the most part, medical face masks are too big for children so cloth masks seem to be the best way to go. In addition to being washable, they’re more economical because they’re intended for repeated use. Most major retailers are starting to sell masks so they’re easier to come by than they were at the beginning of the COVID-outbreak.
Mask Safety
Masks have shown to effectively reduce the spread of COVID-19 for adults and kids. However, kids under two years old should not wear a mask since it can inhibit their ability to breathe.
You can find more information on face mask safety and how to correctly wear a face covering on the CDC’s website. You can also contact your pediatrician for advice on mask safety.
Keeping track of your kids’ masks
If your kiddo is going to wear their mask to school or other activities where a mask could get misplaced, I recommend using these Minted name labels to keep track of them! There are a ton of options to choose from and will hold up in the wash. I’ve been using these for years with my kids and have been really impressed with their durability.
Where to find kid + toddler masks
When looking for kid + toddler sized masks, I’ve had the most luck online:
Maisonette // Their mask selection is a little nicer than some of the other online retailers, but they can also be a bit pricier because of that. However, with each purchase, Maisonette is making a donation to the organization Baby2Baby, so it’s a great way to support families in need while stocking up on a mask for your own family. In addition to single masks, they also sell multi-packs for kids and adults.
Etsy // Etsy has seemingly endless options for face masks and you can buy single or multi-pack masks for everyone in the family. When searching, pay attention to the place of origin for the mask, as that can impact how quickly they’ll be shipped. Additionally, if you’re savvy with a needle and thread, there are so many great patterns available for instant download.
Target // Target has several two-pack options for kids for under $5 a pack. For the most part, it looks like they’re only sold online, but they ship for free with any order over $35.
Old Navy // Old Navy has a huge variety of multi-pack masks for the whole family, but many are currently on backorder. However, you can stock up now and have them ready to go for school, especially if your district is starting in-person instruction later than usual.
