13 Face Masks Your Kids May Actually Wear
For nearly two years, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued complicated—and occasionally contradictory—guidance on when you should wear a mask, depending on whether you're inside, outside, vaccinated, or not vaccinated. In all the confusion, it's easy to miss one big demographic that remains unvaccinated: Children younger than 5 still can't get the shots.
The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has sickened kids and disrupted the daily routines of families all across the country. Ventilation and vaccination remain key tools in combating the spread, and so is a good mask. Unvaccinated children over 2 years old should wear face masks in public spaces. If your kids are back in school, you should probably refresh your mask stash.
I have a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old in preschool and elementary school; I've spent almost two years finding masks they'll wear. Recent US Centers for Disease Control guidance notes that N95 masks offer the best protection. However, these masks have not been tested for broad use on smaller children, and as I noted in my Best Face Masks for Adults guide, the ideal mask is the one that fits well and that your kid will wear. I also keep an eye out for masks that have been independently tested and certified by the new ASTM face mask manufacturing standards.
If you're looking for ideas to entertain your small (or not-so-small) kids, check out our guides to entertaining preschoolers during quarantine and how to set up a virtual workspace for your kids.
Updated January 2022: We've added the latest guidance on the Omicron variant, vaccinations for younger children, and N95s.
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- Photograph: Happy Masks
The Best Mask
Happy Masks Pro SeriesThe light, breathable Pro Series from Happy Masks is the mask my children wear on most days. It has a stiffer, beaked shape that suspends the mask over their little faces. It also has a feather-light membrane filter sewn inside that has been tested independently for 99.9 percent filtration of viruses and other particulates, down to 0.3 microns in size.
These are by far the most comfortable and effective masks we've tested yet, and my children love the patterns. Unfortunately, the masks have to be washed by hand, and the filter cannot be replaced separately (it's good for at least 50 washes). Despite the fact that the masks cost $24, they are almost never in stock. You currently need to join a waitlist to be included in password-protected restocks.
★ Alternative: My kids also like the light, breathable Enro masks ($17). The Kids XXS size fits my 6-year-old well. These are also frequently sold out, and my kids prefer the personalized patterns on the Happy Masks.
- Photograph: AirPop
Best Disposable Mask
AirPop Kid MasksThe 4-layer AirPop masks are much more affordable and easier to find; my 6-year-old daughter alternates these with her Happy Masks. They've been independently tested by several international product testing and quality assurance companies. They're ASTM-certified to Level 2, which means they have the same efficacy as respirator masks and can filter out virus particles.
Most importantly, these masks are extremely comfortable. The peaked shape stands off my 6-year-old's face, which makes it far easier for her to breathe, and they take up less surface area while still effectively covering her mouth and nose. She especially likes the soft, padded nose bridge, which also absorbs moisture. I tried the adult version ($25) with my glasses on, and they didn't fog. These can be hand-washed with soap and reused up to 10 times. You can machine-wash them, but that will reduce the filtration efficacy.
- Photograph: Flo Mask
Best Respirator Mask
Flo MaskThe CDC notes that reusable elastomeric respirators provide protection at least equivalent to that offered by an N95. I like the Castlegrade mask ($40) for myself, but the company's kids' mask is still too big for my 4-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter. The Flo Mask is much smaller and—dare I say—cuter. It comes with replaceable head straps and filter replacements. Simply pop out the filter cover, replace the filter, and add the filter cover back in. As a bonus, it will also protect your children from wildfire smoke.
This comes with one big caveat. My daughter's mask fits on her face, and she says it's comfortable, but given the choice, she much prefers the prettier patterns on the Happy Mask and the pink AirPop. If your kid has less marked preferences than mine, this one will work well.
- Photograph: Getty Images
A Disposable Mask
Dr. Puri KF94 MaskAs we wrote in our guide to face masks for adults, face mask acronyms denote foreign manufacturing standards that are comparable to what we'd call an N95 here in the US. Korean KF94s come in several sizes, and the small version fits both my 4-year-old and 6-year-old.
The fit is more secure than a cloth mask because of a nose panel that gives it a more structured shape. You can also reuse it up to three times. I air ours after use by hanging it up with a clothespin on a line. My 6-year-old doesn't like these as much because she says they smell funny if I put them on her right after I unwrap them. (I think they smell fine.) These are also a great option if you'd like to donate effective masks to your kids' school.
- Photograph: VIDA
A KN95 for Bigger Kids
Vida FDA Registered Kids MaskIf you're looking for a KN95 mask for older kids, Vida's masks might be a good option. These are slightly too large for my 6-year-old, but they fit kids that are not much older very well. I use the adult-sized version, and they're much more comfortable than the traditional N95 design.
These masks have five layers and pass the light and candle tests—I can't see light or blow out a candle through them. However, it's important to note here that while makers of medical equipment are required to register with the FDA, the agency itself does not test masks or issue certifications independently.
- Photograph: Armbrust
An American-Made Mask
Armbrust Child-Size Face MasksWhen the Covid-19 pandemic started, there was speculation it would prove a boon for domestic manufacturing in the US. That hasn't panned out precisely as planned, but some companies have pivoted to making personal protective equipment (PPE) close to home, like Texas-based Armbrust American. These American-made masks are sturdy and have a Level 3 certification from ASTM International, a standards organization. (You can read our explanation of testing standards in our adult face mask guide.)
These are also just a little too big for my 6-year-old. I can make them fit by twisting the ear loops, but she's not quite coordinated enough to do it herself. Still, these sturdy disposable masks are made to an N95 standard. At roughly $1.70 per mask (in a pack of 50), they're also one of our more affordable picks.
- Photograph: Crayola
A Colorful Mask Pack
Crayola Kids School Mask PackThe CDC has acknowledged that cloth masks are less effective at filtering the Omicron variant than well-fitting N95s. Still, we keep a number of cloth masks on hand for emergencies and for outdoor gatherings. Crayola’s School Mask Pack is one of the most affordable ways to achieve that goal. The masks are made of double-layered cloth and have a nose wire and adjustable ear loops. They also come with a small mesh laundry bag. You get a wide variety of colors, prints, and sizes.
My son loves these masks: “Bring me my cheese mask!” he shouts. These are an affordable way to keep your kids stocked up at school; they can keep a pack in a locker or cubby for emergencies.
- Photograph: Kitsbow
An Adjustable Mask
Kitsbow Wake ProTech Reusable Face Mask for KidsThe Kitsbow Wake ProTech masks are some of my favorite adult masks, so it stands to reason that I would be curious about the company's kid version. It turns out that kids have oddly shaped heads. Even when I measured my kids' faces and ordered the correct sizes, the straps on these reusable masks were way too loose for both my 4-year-old and 6-year-old.
My 6-year-old didn't like the adjustable Wake ProTech masks, as her hair is too slippery and the strap kept sliding down. But my 4-year-old liked them fine (he's an easy-going guy). A mask with head straps might be a good option if your child has glasses or sensory issues that make ear loops too uncomfortable.
- Photograph: Bonrisu
An Easy-to-Use Filter Mask
Bonrisu Elephant Kids Face MaskAt the start of the pandemic, a former Deloitte exec realized his tailor was losing business. The two founded a company called Bonrisu to make masks and began selling some and donating thousands of others to Meals on Wheels across the US and Canada.
Bonrisu's masks use filters, which can greatly improve efficacy. My 4-year-old likes these, which are pretty durable and have lasted almost a year. The mask has adjustable ear loops to help it fit smaller faces, and I particularly like how the filter pocket is a panel rather than a hole. Sliding replaceable filters in and out is simple.
- Photograph: Vistaprint
The Cutest Mask for Cool Weather
Vistaprint Kid Face MaskVistaprint’s masks also have a replaceable filter system, which makes them a good option for adding another layer of protection. They're durable, stretchy, and comfortable, and the prints on the masks are incredibly attractive. My 6-year-old wears hers on her wrist when she's outside. An extra gusset below the chin provides a little more coverage, and they have adjustable ear loops and a moldable nose wire.
However, they're made from 100 percent synthetic polyester, which got soaked within 10 minutes of running, sweating, and panting out hot breath, so this is better suited for the cooler months of the school year or if your kid is attending an outdoor school.
- Photograph: Grove Collaborative
A Treated Mask
Grove Collaborative Kids Face Mask 3-PackOne of our favorite cleaning product companies also makes a face mask pack for kids. Grove Collaborative's masks are triple-layered cotton and are treated with an antimicrobial silver coating. More importantly, they are affordable, easy to clean, and fit my 4-year-old.
- Photograph: Bluecut
A Charitable Mask
BlueCut Planting Change Face MaskBlueCut's masks are very thin and lightweight, with adjustable ear loops. There's a name tag on the inside, so if your kiddo is attending school or playdates, you can label their mask. One important thing to note: The kids' size is tiny, even with the ear loops all the way loosened. We recommend it for age 7 or younger, or for particularly petite children. You can check your child's face-size measurement against the chart listed on the website before you order. Proceeds from this mask go to Soul Fire Farm, an organization fighting racism in the food industry.
- Photograph: Busy Bees
Can’t Find a Mask That Fits? Try These
Busy Bees Cotton Face MaskBusy Bee masks are a fairly standard 100 percent cotton mask, but they are very well made. The ear loops don’t have a tie, so your child won’t constantly ask you to retie them while they’re walking. There’s a filter pocket and a moldable nose wire to better contour the masks to your child’s face.
Busy Bee masks come in the biggest range of kids' sizes I’ve seen, with a Little Kid size for 2- to 4-year-olds, a medium for 6- to 8-year-olds, and a large for 10- to 14-year-olds. So far, there’s no word on what 5- and 9-year-olds are supposed to wear (🤷🏻), but the Little Kid fits my two tykes well. If your child has trouble finding a mask that fits correctly, this is a good one to try if you can find it in stock.
Photograph: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty ImagesTeach Your Kids Good Habits
Keep Your Mask On!Most of the care tips for adult masks also apply to kid masks. It's more important than ever to teach your child to wear a mask consistently. Here are a few tips that have worked with my kids.
Be positive! Your kids aren't going to wear their masks if you constantly complain about yours. If yours doesn't fit properly or you just don't like it, find one that works. I have a few extra masks my kids put on their favorite stuffed animals as practice.
Bring extras everywhere. My kids can't keep track of their socks or pants, so how can they keep track of masks? I have extras in my car and bag. You may want to consider donating a box of disposables to their classroom.
Fit their mask before going out. I make sure the mask covers my child's face completely and that the ear loops are adjusted before we leave the house. They'll never waste two precious minutes waiting for me to fiddle with a nose wire before running across the park.
Use a mask lanyard or head strap. If your child has to wear a mask at school, a lanyard can help them keep track of it, and a head strap will make it more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. My kids like Crayola's brightly colored mask lanyards the best, but the search term “ear saver” on Etsy brings up a ton of other options.
Clean and care for their masks. As with adult masks, make sure you remove them by the ear loops and wash them regularly with detergent. Masks aren't recommended for children under 2 or for anyone who might have trouble removing them on their own.
Reward good behavior. This may not work for every parent, but my daughter's school has started offering stickers or candy to children who keep their masks over their noses consistently. Of course, a well-fitting mask that doesn't slide downward can also help.
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