Kids Wearing Masks During Coronavirus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends wearing face coverings to help slow the spread of coronavirus. If you’re going out in public with your child to a place where you cannot maintain a six feet distance from others, you and your child need to wear masks. This can include the doctor’s office, pharmacy or grocery store. Remember to only go out for essential errands, as staying at home is the safest way to protect yourself and your family.
At home, masks are not necessary. Masks are also not needed if you and your family are enjoying the outdoors and can keep away from other people. If you’re going out, remind your children not to touch tables, water fountains, playground equipment or other items that may not be safe. If your child is too young to understand the needs for distance and a mask, it is best to keep them at home. Children who are sick should also stay at home.
Wearing Face Masks
Face masks or cloth face coverings on kids over the age of 2 can help slow the spread of coronavirus. Masks are not recommended for children under the age of 2. Help your kids get used to the masks and understand why they need to wear them.
Show them how to safely put them on and take them off:
- Place the mask securely over the nose and mouth and stretch it from ear to ear.
- Remember to wash your hands before putting on the mask and after taking it off.
- Avoid touching it once it’s on your face.
- Take it off from behind, rather than touching the front of the mask.
Washing Face Masks
Face masks and cloth coverings should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. If you want to be extra cautious, you can wash the mask after each use. A washing machine should be able to properly clean the masks. More delicate masks that have been hand-sewn may need to be mashed by hand. Standard washing and drying is the most effective way to clean.
Buying Face Masks
We’re living in a “new normal,” which can be confusing for kids. They may not understand the need for masks, or they may be scared of using them. In order to properly fit, face masks for small children also need to be a different size from what adults wear. Kids may love face masks with cute characters, like these from Cubcoats, or ones with their favorite characters, like these from Disney. You can also have your child decorate her mask, so she’ll be happy to wear her piece of art out and about.
