The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children aged 2 and older wear face masks when they are unable to remain six feet away from others. Except for children who are unable to remove a mask from themselves, this means kids heading back to school or daycare will be wearing masks.
Unfortunately, there are still many myths regarding children and face masks. The most pervasive of these myths are outlined in a recent article posted on healthychildren.org, Mask Mythbusters: 5 Common Misconceptions about Kids & Cloth Face Coverings.
The article also provides guidance on how to make masks as effective as possible. Here are some ways to ensure that a child’s mask is doing its job:
- It covers the nose and mouth
- It fits snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face
- It is secure
- It has multiple layers of fabric
- It allows for unrestricted breathing
Parents need not worry that their children are being harmed when wearing masks. However, parents who have concerns should reach out to their doctor or other health care provider.
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