With Covid-19 going nowhere for the time being, getting the best kids' face masks is still a priority for many a parent. Coupled with recent announcements regarding kids' face masks being worn in schools around the world, there's been a surge in demand for quality kids' face masks. That's why we've detailed the most reliable retailers that you can buy them from right now.
Generally speaking, kids over the age of two are recommended to wear children's face masks when in socially built-up areas, with face coverings mandatory in certain situations. And with the return to school for many millions of kids, now's the time to get your child a face mask, and get them used to wearing it.
Below is a list of dependable retailers in the US and UK that offer various kids' face masks of different designs and patterns. We've also got a guide to help you learn how to make your own face mask, if you're feeling creative, and if you're in the UK and want more options, here's our guide on how UK face masks.
Kids' face masks in the US
The largest range of face masks | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/b?tag=georiot-trd-21&node=21680266031&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="amazon.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cloth, medical, PPE at Amazon
Amazon have started selling face masks, as as you'd imagine, there's all sorts to pick from. Choose from general use, reusable cloth, medical and PPE.
Cheapest face masks | <a href="https://akingsny.com/products/first-aid" data-link-merchant="akingsny.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$1 per mask at Akings
If you're after a bulk order for a great price, you'll be hard-pushed to find a better deal than these disposable, one-dollar kids face masks. They're available in packs of 10, 50 or 100 – and are great for kids to doodle on.
Most colourful option | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fbrowse%2Fhealth%2Fface-coverings-masks%2F976760_3386211%3Fcat_id%3D976760_3386211%26facet%3Dage_group%253AChild" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">3-pack for $22.70 at Walmart
These thick silk children and baby face masks are designed with comfort and safety in mind. With pleasant pastel colourful, they're fun to look at, and may help with getting your kid to wear them for prolonged periods of time.
Most Disney face masks | <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8150602-15742018?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.shopdisney.com/face-masks/?start=0&sz=24" data-link-merchant="shopdisney.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pack of 4 for $19.99
Let your little ones choose their favourite Disney character face masks (maybe that will help persuade them to wear one?). There's Frozen, Star Wars and many more themed-designs. Available to pre-order now, items don't expect to ship 29 July 2020.
Reusable option | <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1519156&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.maisonette.com%2Fproduct%2Fcotton-face-mask-seersucker-multi-stripe&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - maisonette.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Face mask for $16 at Maisonette
Sure these are important accessories for your loved ones, but that doesn't mean your kids can't look cool wearing them! There are currently three main designs on offer at Maisonette. Designed for 2-4, 6-8 and 10-14 age groups.
Most durable | <a href="https://www.vistaprint.com/masks/?utm_id=11182585653652907662&AID=14039078&PID=6361382&SID=hawk-custom-tracking&cjevent=391d29eb905c11ea8159006c0a180514" data-link-merchant="vistaprint.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$13 with free shipping at Vistaprint
These lovely looking kids face masks may not be the cheapest option on this page, but they're reusable, durable, good quality and well engineered. They also come in patterns and sizes for adults – perfect for that colour-coordinated family outing!
Kids' face masks in the UK
Most variety | <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6091&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fuk%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dkids%2Bface%2Bmask%26source%3Daw%26awc%3D6091_1588885462_4f6e60c9d988ac9e5f07b0ff5a92ce7a%26utm_source%3Daffiliate_window%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_campaign%3Duk_location_buyer%26utm_content%3D103504%26utm_term%3D137027%26ref%3Dpagination%26page%3D1" data-link-merchant="etsy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">From £2 at Etsy.co.uk
Etsy has a huge variety of kids' face mask designs for super-low prices, so you're sure to find something to suit. Because what toddler wouldn't want a <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6091&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fuk%2Flisting%2F782765624%2Fchildkids-fabric-face-mask-uk-4-8-yrs%3Fga_order%3Dmost_relevant%26ga_search_type%3Dall%26ga_view_type%3Dgallery%26ga_search_query%3Dkids%2Bface%2Bmask%26ref%3Dsr_gallery-1-9%26organic_search_click%3D1%26frs%3D1%26bes%3D1" data-link-merchant="etsy.com"" data-link-merchant="etsy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Peppa Pig design (pictured)?
Most colourful option | <a href="https://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(888)a(1621074)g(24769930)" data-link-merchant="clk.tradedoubler.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£13 at Vistaprint
We've got a real soft spot for these designs from Vistaprint. These masks have really lovely patterns on a quality face mask structure, and do the job really well.
Most ethical option | <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1519156&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.justhype.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fhype-cares%3F&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - justhype.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pack of 3 for £24.99 at HYPE
Child-friendly masks from HYPE come in a range of funky designs, all of which are machine washable. Plus for every set sold, HYPE donates a surgical mask to the NHS or a keyworker in need.
Most comfortable | <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=2647194&v=4888&q=389987&r=103504" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£6.99 from Samuel Johnson
These Noordi kids' face masks feature silver Ion antimicrobial technology to help stop the growth of micro-organisms and maintain hygiene. The comfortable design comes in a variety of colours.
Cotton face masks | <a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=face+mask+washable&_sacat=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5337827784&customid=hawk-custom-tracking" data-link-merchant="ebay.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Colourful designs from just £4 at ebay
ebay has a big selection of colourful, fun kids' face masks for super-low prices. The <a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Reuseable-washable-face-mask-non-medical-pattern-adults-kids/233575728976?hash=item366232c750%3Am%3Amg_EXZ_rhOMUi-QMSeEiMEg&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5337827784&customid=hawk-custom-tracking" data-link-merchant="ebay.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="ebay.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ones pictured are a handmade from 100% cotton and machine washable, and cost £4.95 each.
The latest news on wearing face masks
In the US, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children over two should wear face masks when they're in a crowd. And the UK government recommends the use of face masks when people are out and about in enclosed public spaces. Face masks are also mandatory on public transport in many places around the world, though children under 11 are exempt (children under five are exempt in Scotland).
Getting your child to wear a face mask may be a totally different challenge (toddlers, we're looking at you), but hopefully some of the designs featured here will make the prospect of wear a kids face mask a bit more appealing. Or maybe you'll be more successful if you get your kids to make their own. You can sell it as a (supervised) arts and crafts activity – see our guide to how to make a face mask at home.
Help kids get used to face masks
Smaller children, who are too young to understand why they are being asked to wear a face mask, could be particularly resistant.
There's a number of ways that you can make your child feel more comfortable about wearing a face mask, including:
- Make it the norm: Where possible, leave face masks around the house so they become an item they see regularly. Encourage them to practise taking them on and off, and even wear them around the house to get them used to it.
- Making their own: Let your little ones choose a design or pattern they like, and help them create their own face mask.
- Encourage creativity: If you've bought a face mask for your child, encourage them to get creative and make it their own. Let them draw or sketch some designs or drawings they want to show off to the world.
- Play a game: Face masks can be a bit scary-looking if you're small (and big, for that matter), so maybe implementing a face mask in play at home will make it seem a bit less daunting. Promote your child to doctor or nurse of the house, and let them look after you (or maybe their favourite stuffed animal might be better?).
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