Face Masks for Children During COVID-19

Abstract

Masks remain a simple but powerful tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. They are especially important for children who are too young for the vaccine. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions about masks, children, and COVID-19.A well-fitting high quality face mask reduces the chance of contracting COVID-19, as well as spreading COVID-19 infection to others. Face masks should not be worn by children if they are under 2 years old. Face masks are strongly encouraged for:Note: Infants and children under 2 years old are too young for the vaccine and too young to wear face masks. To protect them, people who have close contact with infants and young children should wear face masks.Well-fitting face masks worn by everyone 2 years old and older and adults, including child care teachers, regardless of vaccination status protects them as well as others—especially if they are not vaccinated.In K-12 schools, students, teachers, staff and visitors should be supported if they continue wearing masks. The same is true for anyone who continues wearing masks for sports.Face masks have been around for a couple of years, but mask wearing is still new to a child who is turning 2. Here are a few ideas that might help make your child more comfortable when they are getting used to wearing a mask:It may be challenging for very young children not to fidget with their face mask. Expect to give your child plenty of gentle reminders not to touch their face mask. When mask-wearing is reinforced by adults and peers, they will learn to follow directions. Just like children understand that they must wear bicycle helmets and buckle into their car seats, they will learn to wear masks correctly and routinely when needed.For children under 3, it's best to answer their questions simply in language they understand. If they ask about why people are wearing face masks, explain that sometimes people need to wear them to stay healthy.For children over 3, try focusing on germs. Explain that germs are special to your own body. Some germs and good and some are bad. The bad ones can make you sick. Since we can't always tell which are good or bad, the face masks help make sure you keep those germs away from your own body.Children with weakened immune systems or who have health conditions or special health care needs that put them at high risk for infections are encouraged to wear an N95 mask for protection. Those with medical conditions that interfere with cognitive or lung function may have a hard time tolerating a face mask. For these children, special precautions may be needed. Families are encouraged to have a plan and discuss appropriate masks and precautions with their pediatrician.Look for a well-fitting comfortable face mask that fits your child's face. The mask should fit securely under the chin but not impair vision, and cover the mouth and nose. It should fit snugly along the sides of the face without any gaps. Remember to wash hands before and after wearing it and avoid touching it once it's on. When back home, avoid touching the front of the face mask by taking it off from behind.Note: Face masks should not be worn when eating or drinking. Also, make sure the mask has no choking or strangulation hazards for young children.Along with COVID-19 vaccination and boosters, mask wearing when recommended and other safety measures such as physical distancing, testing and hand washing are key to reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection and spread. If you have any concerns about your child's health, talk with your pediatrician.American Academy of Pediatricswww.aap.org and www.HealthyChildren.orgAdapted from the HealthyChildren.org article Face Masks for Children During COVID-19 (4/21/22).The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.