10 Kids’ Face Masks Your Child Will Want to Wear
Updated: Mar. 30, 2022Protect your child from Covid-19 at school and practice face mask hygiene with these fun kids' face masks that they'll actually want to wear.
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Does your child need a face mask?
It’s back to school for most of the young ones, which means your kids will be catching buses and sitting in class (if they aren’t already). But school looks a little different in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, everyone will share a new part of their back-to-school look—the face mask. Schools are requiring face masks to be worn when kids aren’t able to safely social distance.
“Masks should fit appropriately, and cover the area from the bridge of the nose to below the chin,” says Florida-based Jorge E. Perez, MD, board-certified in neonatology and pediatric medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics. “There should not be gaps along the sides of the mask, which could allow infectious particles to escape or enter,” says Dr. Perez, who is also the founder of Kidz Medical Services of South Florida, a multispecialty group that offers pediatric, neonatal, and obstetrical healthcare.
How to choose the best face mask for your child
It can be tough to get kids, especially younger ones, to wear something on their face all day long, so it’s important to make sure you get comfortable options that make for easy breathing. Bita Nasseri, MD, Mayo Clinic trained physician and mother of three, based in Beverly Hills, suggests organic cotton as it’s a safe and breathable fabric, and emphasizes the importance of the mask fitting well. “It needs to fit well onto and frame the face easily,” says Dr. Nasseri. “The mask needs to be right by the nasal bridge covering the nostrils, cover the mouth, and tucked slightly under the chin.” She also points out that the ear loops shouldn’t be too tight. “Children’s ear cartilage is softer and more pliable, and over time can fall forward if the mask loops pull and yank the ear cartilage forward constantly. A few face mask accessories can help ensure a perfect fit, too.
Also, when it comes to fabric masks, some consist of three layers, including the inner layer (made of absorbent material like cotton), a middle layer (made of a non-woven material)—the filter layer made from polypropylene, carbon or activated charcoal, or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and an outer layer (made of non-absorbent material like nylon). Some masks will include a built-in filter, while others will provide a filter pocket that requires the separate purchase of a filter. The idea behind wearing a face mask with a filter is that it works to filter out particulates in the air, but it does not filter out Covid-19 completely.
How to make wearing a face mask fun
After fit, the most important thing is that the mask is fun so that your child is excited to wear it, and keeps it on all day. “Make masks fun for your children by getting them ones with characters and themes,” suggests Dr. Nasseri. “Masks will be a part of our daily wardrobe, so allow your kids to have fun with it and make it a part of your child’s creative expression. You can even let your children accessorize, customize, and make the masks their own.” Here are the best places to get personalized face masks.
Remember to disinfect your face mask
Just as important it is for your children to wear a mask, it’s important that you help keep them clean their face mask washing them for your children regularly, to help keep germs at bay. “I encourage parents to wash masks after each use,” says Dr. Perez. “Typically that means one mask during the day at school and possibly another at home so that germs are not transferred from one location to another.”
To help you pick out mask options that will protect your children, while also getting them excited to wear a mask all day, we’ve rounded up some of the best kids face masks that they’ll want to wear to school.
Dolan Customizable Kids Masks
$10
Don’t want your child trading, losing, or misplacing their mask while they’re at school (though they hopefully won’t be taking them off, they may at some point when it’s safe)? Customize these masks with your child’s name, so he or she will always know which mask belongs to him or her. It’s great for brothers and sisters, too as they won’t mix up masks amongst each other. (Got a sense of humor? Check out these funny face masks.)
Disney Princess and Frozen Cloth Face Masks 4-Pack Set
$20
If your kids are obsessed with all things Disney princesses, they’ll love wearing these masks that feature photos and the name of the different princesses, such as Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, and more! You’ll get a pack of four, so your child can sport new ones when others are dirty and need washing. Beware of sizing: the reviews suggest these kids face masks run small, so choose accordingly from youth small or a youth medium. (Here’s what you need to know about coronavirus and washing clothes.)
Meakeize Kid’s Full Coverage Tube Face Masks
$11
Not only will these lightweight masks keep your kids protected from the novel coronavirus if worn correctly, but they’re also made out of UPF 50 + fabric, so your child’s skin will also be protected against UV rays. Choose from 26 different designs.
ABG Accessories 3-Pack Kid Reusable Fabric Face Mask
$13
Donuts, and hearts, and thought bubbles–oh my. Three for the price of one. You’ll really appreciate this poly-microfiber three-pack when you have to wash one or two of these masks because your child somehow managed to get it dirty. Having a couple of extra means they’ll always be protected. (Find out how effective gloves are for coronavirus protection.)
Disney Cloth Face Masks 4-Pack Set
$20
These are fun for all. Since your child has to cover their nose and mouth with a mask, let them display a new pout for the world to see. They can choose from Mickey’s, Winnie the Pooh’s, Stitch, or Marie’s smiles to display for the day. Chances are good you’ll get a good little giggle when they first put it on, too. Again, the reviews suggest these kids face masks run small, so review the sizing recommendations carefully. (Follow these tips for using the restroom during coronavirus.)
Nuby Dr. Talbot’s Disposable Kid’s Face Mask for Health Protection
$10
While the generic blue disposable masks might not seem exciting to your little one, these disposable options have child-friendly designs on them, that will make your little one more excited to wear it. And if they get it really dirty throughout the day, you can just throw it away and start fresh tomorrow.
CIKIShield 6Pcs Children Neck Gaiter
$20
Unicorns, and mermaids, and butterflies and everything nice. If your child is obsessed with all three of these things, consider ordering them a pack of these six, soft polyester neck gaiters for protection with a fun design they’ll love. They might like it so much that they won’t want to take it off for you to wash, but they do need to be washed.
Star Wars Cloth Face Masks 4-Pack Set
$20
If your kid is a big Stars Wars fan, they’ll love these full coverage poly-cotton-elastane masks. They can choose to wear a mask with all the main characters, Star Wars symbols, the Child, or R2-D2. (If you plan on working out, check out these exercise face masks.)
Snoozies Kids Face Masks
$13
This camo mask houses three layers of protection and includes filters that are replaceable, offering yet another barrier of protection from germs or droplets that may be floating in the air. The nose bridge is adjustable for a personalized fit. (Protect yourself and opt for these stylish face masks to wear to work.)
Veki Kids Reusable Face Bandanas
$15
If your child loves space and all things planets, they’ll love if you get them these masks that have five different outer space designs, including planets, astronauts, and other things in the atmosphere. They’re made of cotton, making the material extremely breathable, and the ear loops are adjustable, too, for a unique fit to your child’s face. (Next, read some of the best face mask messages on Instagram.)
- Jorge E. Perez, MD, board-certified in neonatology and pediatric medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics, neonatologist and founder, Kidz Medical Services of South Florida
- Bita Nasseri, MD, Mayo Clinic trained physician and mother of three, based in Beverly Hills
