1 year ago
63 Kids are back at school after winter break, and if they're in class for in-person learning, they probably need a hefty supply of face masks to protect them from the coronavirus, especially now with the fast-spreading Omicron variant.
After a short break from mask mandates last summer, many city and local governments are now requiring people to wear a face covering indoors to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and its now dominant strain, the Omicron variant, which is currently causing a concerning uptick of hospitalizations and infections.
Many retailers offer cloth face masks that are an alternative to true personal protective equipment (PPE), but with the speed Omicron is spreading, a lot of people are trading in their cloth reusable face mask for disposable KN95, KF94 and N95 mask options for better protection.
Certain school districts are updating the mask mandate. Los Angeles Unified School District now requires students to wear "well-fitted, non-cloth masks with a nose wire" indoors and outdoors. Surgical mask or higher-grade mask options are acceptable. These masks would be available to students upon request.
If you're a parent looking for PPE guidelines for your children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone over the age of two wear a face mask while outside of their home. Whether you're dealing with an adult mask or a kids mask, make sure it fits snugly but comfortably against both sides of the face, can be secured with ear loop, adjustable ear loops or ties, includes multiple layers of fabric (most have two or three), and allows for unrestricted breathing.
Browse ET's picks for the best kids face mask options below, including fabric mask and non-cloth mask styles.
Non-Cloth N95, KN95 and KF94 Masks for Kids:
Amazon
If colorful masks makes it easier to convince your kids to wear a disposable mask, these KN95 masks from Amazon are a great option. These masks come in a pack of 20 and they're individually wrapped.
$40
Amazon
These adorable bear masks are KF94 masks with 4-layer protection in the fish mouth style.
$30 FOR A PACK OF 50
Amazon
These disposable tie-dye KN95 masks are about as cute as any cloth mask you can find, but these have 5 layers of protection.
$80 FOR 30
Walmart
A cloth mask may not be the best face mask option for your kids -- if you're looking for multiple layers, these KF94 masks have four layers of filtration for your kids' protection.
$26$20
Walmart
Whether your kids are vaccinated or not, a cloth mask won't have enough filtration efficiency. It's best to swap their reusable mask for something like this KF94 mask from Walmart.
$21 FOR 50
Amazon
These colorful kids' KN95 face masks have adjustable ear loops so your children stay safe and comfortable at school or out and about.
$90$85 FOR A PACK OF 50
Amazon
A 4-layer woven disposable face mask perfect for kids during in-person learning.
$23 AT AMAZON
Amazon
These kids' KF94 masks have cute patterns on top of four-layer protection.
$28 FOR A PACK OF 60
Bona Fide Masks
Upgrade your child's face masks with these FDA approved children's KN95 face masks with better breathability from Bona Fide Masks.
$12
Amazon
Some find the KF94 masks with 94% filtration efficiency to have a more comfortable design than KN95 masks.
$26 $13 FOR A PACK OF 50
Vida
Boost up your child's protection with these Vida Kn95 face masks.
$35
Cloth Masks for Kids:
Uncommon Goods
100% of profits from sales of these kid-designed cotton masks go to New York City's public hospitals via NYC Health + Hospitals.
$6$2 FOR 2 AT UNCOMMON GOODS
Maskc
Save big when you shop this 10-pack of face masks. Each mask is under $1 each.
$18$8
Etsy
These double-layer cotton face masks are designed to fit a child's face and are made in Los Angeles and being restocked daily. You can order individual masks, family four-packs or a "Mommy and me" set.
$12 AND UP AT ETSY
Threadless
Face masks from Manhattan-based clothing site Rocks Off via Threadless are made in the U.S. and can be washed and reused. They are also reversible, unisex and made with a two-ply cotton poly blend. Kids' masks cost $12, with proceeds going to MedShare to help provide medical supplies and equipment to people in need all over the world.
$10 AT THREADLESS
Sanctuary
Each pack of these Sanctuary masks comes with two Dino prints, one camo print, one pink camo print and one baby leopard print. With every mask purchase, the company will provide masks to hospitals and organizations in need (learn more via the brand's Instagram Live). Note that orders may require up to 14 days for fulfillment and shipping.
$25 FOR 5 AT SANCTUARY
Onzie
These masks include a stretchy multi-layer fabric exterior, a high performance inner lining and elastic straps. Proceeds from Onzie mask purchases are being donated to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
$24$12 AT ONZIE
Etsy
These cute masks are specially designed for kids ages 5-12. Each cloth mask comes with two filters with a five-layer filtration system made of activated carbon, non-woven, and melt-blown filter cloth.
$6 AT ETSY
Vistaprint
Choose from doodle-inspired dinosaurs, planets and smiley faces. Vistaprint also offers 10-packs of face mask filters, which are engineered to be used up to 12 hours.
$13 AT VISTAPRINT
Amazon
This two-pack of Cubcoats kids' face masks, featuring Kali the Kitty and Bori the Bear, are reusable and can be hand washed and dried. They are made with two layers of cotton and elastic ear loops and have a metal nose clip for a protective fit. These masks are recommended for kids age four and up.
$7 AT AMAZON
Amazon
These adorable washable face masks are crafted with a 3-D face design, adjustable ear straps, and a nose clip for a secure fit.
$30$19
LA Made
These reversible two-layer cotton masks come in assorted packs of five -- they're also available in two-packs and combo packs with kids' sizes.
$55 $35 FOR 5 AT LA MADE
SewCalMasks
These masks are made with a 97% cotton and 3% Spandex twill fabric and manufactured in downtown Los Angeles. SewCal also makes adult masks, which have a filter pocket.
$9 AT SEWCALMASKS
For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the World Health Organization website.
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