If you have kids, by now they may already have at least one or two reusable cloth face masks. But with daycares and in-person classes resuming for many kids this fall, it might make sense to stock up on a few more styles — especially if you have a younger child who’s prone to misplacing accessories. Some experts suggest sending children to school with two clean masks each day, and it’s recommended masks be washed after each wear.
What to look for? The government recommends non-medical face masks or coverings for children two years of age and older, and masks for both adults and children should be breathable, fit well, and cover their nose and mouth without gaping. Fun graphics and prints are a bonus, but be sure to look for a style made out of “at least two layers of tightly woven material fabric (such as cotton or linen)” and with ties or ear loops. And designs with a filter pocket could offer “increased benefit,” the guidelines note. It’s important to heed the full recommendations when selecting or evaluating your mask.
For preteens and teenagers, a size small adult mask might fit best. For kids, options are readily available, with more manufacturers introducing designs specifically for toddlers and children. As you’re shopping, keep in mind that finding the right mask may require some trial and error and that a toddler might prefer elastic ear loops over hard-to-handle fabric ties. Before school starts, it might be helpful to have children get used to wearing a mask for longer periods and to have them practice how to safely don and remove their masks. More tips exist online for particular concerns, like how to deal with glasses fogging up. Aside from fitting snugly, which is important for health reasons, masks with a nose-wire might also help reduce fogging by offering a better seal.
Here are 12 children’s masks that are available online.
Recommended for kids three and over, these affordable masks come in a wide range of colours and patterns. Made with three layers of cotton poplin.
This made-in-Canada mask is designed to fit children ages three to nine. The rounded elastic feels comfortable on small ears.
Non-Medical Mask, $12, Mini Mioche
Made in Canada, Snug As A Bug’s shaped cotton masks are designed to fully cover the nose and chin. Made to fit kids under age eight. (The company recommends their adult masks for older children.)
Burlington, Ont.-based Olive + Splash offers face masks in child, youth and adult sizes. This tie-dye one for kids is made with two layers of a soft bamboo fabric.
Made in B.C., this minimalist mask is intended for children ages two to eight. There’s a nose flap built into the design that offers additional coverage.
Child Size Non-Medical Mask, $13, The Kindred Clothing Co.
Masks with a filter pocket
Styles with a pocket where you can place a specially-designed filter layer — or even a paper towel or coffee filter — can offer added protection, some experts suggest. You just have to remember to remove disposable filters before washing a mask.
Available in adult, kids and toddler sizing, Arraei’s masks are made with sustainable fabrics such as hemp and organic cotton, and can be tied around the ears or behind the head. The Canadian company donates a mask for each one purchased.
Sustainable Face Mask, $56 for a four-pack, Arraei
Intended to fit kids ages two to five, Hatley’s masks are available in a variety of kid-friendly prints. This one features a cotton-blend, woven fabric on the outside and a soft jersey-knit lining.
Non-Medical Reusable Kids Face Mask, $8, Hatley
Recommended for children four years of age and older, these contoured cotton masks come with adjustable nosepieces and ear elastics for a customized fit.
Kids Statement Face Mask, $24 for three-pack, Gap
This set of two contoured masks and a filter is available in a variety of prints. There is a nose-wire and adjustable elastic ear loops.
BondStreet Non-Medical Kids Reusable Masks + Filter, $12.99 for set, Staples
These masks with stretchy ear loops are made with two layers of knit cotton fabric and should fit children ages three and up.
Kidcare Cloth Face Masks, $19.99 for three-pack, Toys “R” Us
Designed and made in Toronto, this mask features a filter pocket and two layers of a stretchy bamboo rayon-and-Lycra fabric.
Kids Mask Bundle, $28.50 for three-pack, TakeCare Supply
A portion of proceeds from the sale of Bien Aller’s masks go to various local Montreal and national charities. This kids’ cotton style comes with adjustable ear straps, a filter pocket and two antibacterial filters. It’s sized for children ages two to seven.
Sky Blue with Filter, $16.99, Bien Aller
Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.
