The return to school looks very different this year, with some school districts opting to begin the virtually and many others opting for hybrid schedules. Those that are returning to brick and mortar school days, even if only a few days a week, are often requiring that children K-12 wear facemasks. So how can you best prepare your child for the new school year? We’ve compiled some tips to ease children into mask-wearing and information about how to find the best mask for your kiddo.
Please note: Children under the age of 2 years should not wear cloth face coverings.
The CDC has outlined five criteria to keep in mind.
- Face masks should fit snugly and comfortably
- They must be secured with ties or ear loops
- They should comprise multiple fabric layers
- You should be able to breathe without restriction while wearing the face mask
- You should be able to wash the face masks without causing damage or losing the face mask’s shape
How to help children become accustomed to wearing masks:
- Look in the mirror with the face coverings on and talk about it.
- Put a cloth face covering on a favorite stuffed animal.
- Decorate them so they’re more personalized and fun.
- Make the masks together
- Show your child pictures of other children wearing them.
- Draw one on their favorite book character.
- Practice wearing the face covering at home to help your child get used to it.
- Have masks handy while kids play and let them use their imagination about how to use them during playtime.
Pleated face coverings with elastic are likely to work best for kids. Adult cloth face coverings are usually 6×12 inches, and even a child-sized 5×10 inch covering may be too large for small children. Try to find the right size for your child’s face and be sure to adjust it for a secure fit.
Caution: you may need to reconsider the use of cloth face coverings if:
- The face coverings are a possible choking or strangulation hazards to your child.
- Wearing the cloth face covering causes your child to touch their face more frequently than not wearing it.
Many children will feel more comfortable wearing their own mask as they see more adults wearing the masks as well. Most kids can feel comfortable seeing people in masks, as long as adults:
- Use simple words to explain why people are wearing masks.
- Give kids time to look, watch, and get used to what’s new.
- Answer kids’ questions.
- Give support.
Where to buy kid-friendly masks:
- Crayola is selling a hassel- free pack of five daily color-coded reusable masks at https://schoolmaskpack.com/
- Cubcoats Face Masks
- Disney Cloth Face Masks
- Gap Kids Face Masks
*Experts agree that face masks do not replace or relieve the need to wash your hands and social distance, and they absolutely do not alone prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Information compiled from healthychildren.org, kidshealth.org, cdc.gov, and nbcnews.com
