Mask Wearing for Kids
Though kids may love wearing masks at Halloween, wearing a mask all throughout the day may not feel like fun. To get your child used to mask wearing and mask care habits, model mask wearing and care, let them practice at home and praise your child when they get it right.
Mask Recommendations:
- Masks should include multiple layers of fabric and allow the child to breathe freely.
- Each child should have their own set of cloth masks. We recommend that your child wears a freshly-washed mask to school each day, and carries at last one or two clean back-up masks.
- Kids will probably need several masks a day. Once a mask is wet or dirty it’s no longer considered effective.
- To store masks, each child should carry two clean bags or containers that allow for air flow: one for their clean back up masks, and one for their used masks. Be sure to label the bags or containers so they know which is which.
- Masks should completely cover the child’s nose and mouth and extend down to the chin.
- Masks should be washed and dried thoroughly before they’re used again
- Choose masks that can be washed and dried without losing their shape.
- Masks should be permanently labeled with your child’s name to avoid mask mix ups.
- Kids may be more open to wearing masks they choose themselves.
- Make sure the mask fits well. For kids who find masks with ear loops uncomfortable, provide them with masks that can be secured with ties.
- If your child wears glasses, a mask may cause the glasses to fog. Using small pieces of gentle surgical tape across the top of the mask can help to prevent this.
- A mask doesn’t work if it’s not worn properly. Explain to your child why it’s important to wear a mask and show your child the right way to wear one.
- Remind kids to never touch other children’s or adults’ masks. Encourage them not to touch the front of their own masks, but if they do, to wash or sanitize their hands right away.
Download and print out our kid-friendly 'Mask Wearing for Kids' Poster!
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