The CDC recently set guidelines for the reopening of schools, and many parents will begin making back to school decisions in the coming days and weeks. To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public and maintaining social distancing.
So, for children that will be heading back to in-person classrooms soon, face masks will have to be added to their school-supply list. (You may also want to send along items like hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in your child’s backpack.) You’ll probably be looking for kids’ face mask options that are both comfortable and effective. Here are some tips and resources that will help you choose the best face mask for your child.
What to look for in a kid-sized face mask
Other types of face masks for back to school|Other types of face masks for back to school
For those who are looking for a little more protection, a face shield may be the answer. Jennifer Auer is a mom of three in New Jersey, and says she enjoys using a face shield because nonverbal communication and facial cues are an important part of teaching. “As a substitute teacher, I plan to use the shield so that I can easily communicate with students,” she told Mom.com.
Another fun option is the sleeve-style face mask or pullover face mask. This is a versatile style that might be popular with tweens and teens as it can hang around the neck like a stylish scarf until needed as a face covering.
Finding the best kids’ face mask for your child will depend on a number of factors. If they’re going to be participating in a virtual school in the coming year rather than in-person classes, they may only need one or two masks for trips around town. If your child will be heading to a brick-and-mortar school full-time or on a hybrid schedule, the best face mask option might be a mix of disposable masks and a few cloth ones. Fabric masks can be rotated out and washed regularly.
While none of this is easy, there are plenty of kids’ face mask options available to help parents make the best decision for their child and their families.
