Selecting the Right Mask for Your Child: Cost Isn’t Everything

As parents, our responsibilities include making sure our children have properly fitting shoes, pants that stay up, and lunchbox favorites as they head back to school. With the arrival of colder weather, many of us are also on the hunt for winter coats and extra gloves—though in my home, it’s always the right glove that goes missing, leaving us with a collection of unmatched left-handers—and possibly snow pants and boots if we live in a northern climate.

However, since 2020, our lists have expanded to include another essential item: high-quality, comfortable masks that our kids can wear throughout the school day. With the American Academy of Pediatrics advising mask use for all children over two years old—regardless of vaccination status—due to the ongoing pandemic, it’s clear that masks are here to stay.

From Amazon to local shops, countless brands now promote their masks as the “most comfortable” and “most protective.” So how do we make the right choice? Kids can be notoriously picky, and what suits one child may not work for another. Once we find a mask that fits well, we also need to know how to care for it. How often should it be washed? Can it go in the laundry? Does it need to be hand-washed?

Choosing the right mask can be stressful for parents, so here are some tips for selecting the best option and maintaining it properly.

Choosing the Right Mask

When selecting a mask, the most important factor is ensuring that your child will actually wear it comfortably for extended periods. Even if you buy a high-tech N95 mask, it’s useless if your child takes it off repeatedly. “The most effective mask is the one a child will wear and that fits them well,” explains Dr. Lisa Knight, a pediatric health expert. “This is far more crucial than the filtration capabilities of different masks.”

If your child is okay with wearing various masks, some experts suggest that a double-layered cloth or surgical mask strikes a good balance between comfort and protection, especially against the Delta variant. The Washington Post provides insight on this, suggesting that a double-layered cloth mask can be easily identified by pulling apart the layers to see if they are separate.

While some parents may prefer the added protection of an N95 mask due to its effectiveness, experts note that comfort and fit are more likely to encourage compliance from kids. The CDC also emphasizes that a snug, comfortable double-layered cloth mask that covers both nose and mouth is an effective safeguard against Covid-19.

Caring for Masks

Proper care for masks is also essential. The CDC recommends washing reusable masks whenever they become dirty or at least once a day. In our household, the kids toss their masks into the washing machine as soon as they get home from school and wash their hands immediately. This ensures that dirty masks are sanitized and ready for the next day.

It’s important not to send your child to school with the same unwashed mask repeatedly. A dirty mask compromises their protection and that of others.

How should masks be washed? Fortunately, the CDC states that there’s no specific method required. You can wash them with the rest of your laundry or hand-wash them with detergent, followed by thorough rinsing. They can be air-dried or tossed in the dryer, depending on your preference. Just remember to wash them!

Another key point is to remind kids to wash or sanitize their hands after removing their masks, eating, or taking a mask break. Keeping hands clean is just as vital as wearing a mask in combating Covid-19.

Key Takeaways

To recap: When it comes to buying and caring for masks, double-layered cloth masks are suitable for kids, as are N95s if they fit comfortably. Ensure masks cover the nose and mouth snugly, try different options, and let your child choose the one they find most comfortable, always ensuring it fits properly. Wash masks daily after school and encourage hand hygiene after mask handling. Finally, praise your children for their efforts in helping to stop the spread and being responsible community members. They’re doing great!

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Summary:

This article highlights the importance of selecting the right masks for children, emphasizing comfort and fit over price and technology. It provides practical advice on mask washing and hygiene, reinforcing the necessity of maintaining cleanliness for effective protection. Ultimately, it encourages parents to support their children in adapting to this new normal.

Keyphrase: Choosing the Right Mask for Kids

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