As we navigate COVID 19, it’s become commonplace to see adults and kids wearing face coverings. Although it’s not safe for children under the age of two to wear a mask, it’s highly recommended for older kids. If you’re a parent, guardian, or teacher, you might be wondering which masks are the best option for your child.
There are hundreds of different designs available, each with its own set of features and designs. Choosing the right option might seem like a daunting task, so we’ve made it easy for you by creating a list of the best children’s face masks to buy in Australia.
Top 10 children’s face masks in Australia
- Bright Star Kids reusable face masks — Best for customisation
- eBay Kids Polyurethane Face Mask — Best price
- Amazon Laotie 3 Ply Non-Woven, Disposable Face Bandanas — Best children’s surgical face mask
- Bloch Children’s Face Mask — Best protection against allergens
- Etsy ThinkPinkBows cotton face mask with nose wire — Best for kids with glasses
- Amazon Kids Reusable Face Covering with Breathing Valve — Best mask with replaceable filters
- PatPat Kids Anti Dust, Droplet, Breathable Mask — Best design on children’s disposable face masks
- Seed Kids Mask— Best reusable face mask
- Cotton on Foundation Face Mask — Best for active kids
- Etsy ChristinasGoodsStore Disney kids face coverings — Best character masks
Bright Star Kids reusable face masks – Best for customisation
Available in various prints, these cotton face coverings from Bright Star Kids are ideal for children who want a more individualised design. Creating a personalised design with Bright Star Kids is easy. Choose your favourite design, add their name and decide which font you like. Additionally, this face covering is soft, breathable, and comfortable to wear.
Pros
- Personalisation is free
- Machine washable and reusable
- Ear bands can be adjusted for a more comfortable fit
- Soft fabric that won’t irritate the skin
- Buy three or more and save 20%
Cons
- It only has two layers, which may be less effective compared to face coverings with three layers.
- No pocket for a removable filter.
eBay Kids Polyurethane Face Mask – Best price
If you need to stock up on masks for your children, you might be concerned about finding the best protection at the best price. These masks from eBay are affordable while offering a fair degree of protection. Also, the cute prints should appeal to any child.
Pros
- The Polyurethane cloth mask is stretchy with a tight weave so the covering fits well while filtering pathogens from the air
- Stretchy earloops
- Reusable
- Machine washable
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- This mask consists of a single layer without any additional pockets for filters, which means that it may not provide your child with sufficient protection from COVID 19.
- You’ll only be able to reuse this item 6- 15 times before it loses elasticity.
Amazon Laotie 3 Ply Non-Woven, Disposable Face Bandanas – Best children’s surgical face mask
With their cute dinosaur print, these disposable face coverings are sure to be a hit with your kids. The Laotie bandanas offer peace of mind, with its multiple layers that filter the air, block droplets, and absorb the moisture from your child’s breath. Additionally, these face coverings are designed to fit a child’s delicate face perfectly, and the elastic ear bands should keep them comfortable.
Pros
- Cute and colourful design
- 3D mesh filter structure to block droplets and absorb moisture
- Comes in a pack of 50
- Plastic nose clip which can be adjusted to fit your child
- Ear bands designed to reduce pressure on the ears
Cons
- Disposable masks are single-use items, which means you’ll be creating a significant amount of waste if your child is wearing a new face-covering to school every day.
- It may not be as cost-effective as other options because you’ll need to repurchase at regular intervals.
Bloch Children’s Face Mask — Best protection against allergens
If your child suffers from allergies or is sensitive to dust, the Bloch children’s antiviral face mask may be the solution. This 2-ply mask contains an antimicrobial and anti-dust agent. While filtering the air, it also prevents any droplets from being inhaled by your child. Bloch has a long history of designing clothing for dancers. As a result, their masks move and breathe with your child.
Pros
- No harmful chemicals used in the manufacturing process
- Nano Zinc Oxide particles to block microbes and dust
- 25% higher UV protection than standard fabric
- Machine washable and reusable
- Ear bands can be adjusted
Cons
- This mask is made from only two layers of cloth, so it may not provide optimal protection.
- It is more expensive than some of the other options that offer the same level of protection.
Etsy ThinkPinkBows cotton face mask with nose wire — Best for kids with glasses
Avoid foggy glasses with these Etsy face masks with a nose clip. Available in kids’ sizes, these masks from ThinkPinkBows are comfortable to wear, breathable, and hand washable.
Pros
- Nose clip to help avoid foggy glasses while providing a comfortably tight fit
- The pleated design expands vertically to comfortably fit your child’s face, without compromising on protection against airborne pathogens.
- Adjustable ear loops
- 3ply face-covering made from 100% cotton
- Pocket for filter
Cons
- Due to the nose wire in this face mask, you’ll need to wash the cover by hand to maintain it.
- You have to iron it after each wash so that the pleats retain their shape.
Amazon Kids Reusable Face Covering with Breathing Valve — Best mask with replaceable filters
This cotton face-covering features a removable activated charcoal filter that ensures your child is kept safe from the Coronavirus. It also ensures that most dust, pollen, and viral droplets are blocked. In addition, the star design in black or yellow is a great gender-neutral option.
Pros
- 2ply mask with removable filter and breathing valve
- Reusable
- Comes with four activated charcoal filters
- Adjustable ear bands
- Fits children aged 4-12 years
Cons
- Not machine washable
- Some children may find that the silicone valve restricts their breathing.
PatPat Kids Anti Dust, Droplet, Breathable Mask — Best design options
Let’s face it; your kids are more likely to wear their face coverings if they like the colour and pattern. These kids’ disposable face masks come in blue or pink with fun patterns printed on the outer layer. The smaller size makes them ideal for younger children aged 4 to 12.
Pros
- 3ply disposable mask
- Available in Pink or Light Blue
- Antiviral with dust blocking features
- Light and breathable design
- Comes in packs of 10
Cons
- Not a medical-grade kids’ surgical mask. So, it may not provide as much protection against COVID 19 as other disposable face coverings.
- The earloops are not adjustable. You may not be able to get the best fit on your child’s face.
Seed Kids Mask — Best reusable face mask
If you’re sending your child to school every day, you want a mask that can be washed multiple times without losing its shape or effectiveness. This mask from Seed Kids offers just that. The understated yet striking design is available in navy, marble, or dusty rose. It is made from a durable cotton jersey fabric that you can wash as needed.
Pros
- Two-layer design
- Pocket for a removable filter
- Three different colour options available
- Elastic ear loops
- Designed to fit your child’s face without causing discomfort
Cons
- This mask is slightly larger than other children’s face coverings, so it might not be the best option for younger kids.
- The earloops are not adjustable. So, it may not fit smaller children.
- Filters must be purchased separately.
Cotton on Foundation Face Mask Small — Best for active kids
Is your child always on the move? Then these face coverings may be the perfect solution to keep your kid comfortable and protected while they play. The adjustable ear loops are held in place with bead fasteners. So, you can rest assured that it won’t slip off, no matter how much they move.
Pros
- Fully adjustable
- Filters 90% of airborne particles down to pm2.5, which is a measurement of fine particles in the air
- Filters viral material, dust, and air pollution
- Hand Washable and reusable
- A thin polyurethane PTFE membrane on the inside of the cloth helps filter out harmful particles
Cons
If you want to maintain the protective membrane on this face covering, you’ll need to hand wash and air dry this face mask.
Etsy ChristinasGoodsStore Disney kids face coverings — Best character masks
Disney fans are sure to love these masks from ChristinasGoodsStores. Whether your child is a Frozen or Spiderman fan, there’s an option they’ll like. These face coverings are made of a breathable polycotton that provides a fair amount of protection against airborne pathogens.
Pros
- 3ply mask
- Adjustable earloops
- Machine washable
- Soft and breathable
- Available in a wide range of colours and designs
Cons
- Although this mask has three layers of cloth, it does not have a pocket for extra filters.
- The seam in the front of the face-covering may be an entry point for harmful pathogens if misused.
How to choose the right mask for your child
Before deciding on a mask for your child, it may be a good idea to consider the following:
- Fabric: When wearing a mask all day, it’s essential to choose breathable materials that can still filter pathogens. Good fabric options include 100% cotton, a polycotton blend, or polypropylene.
- Breathability: Look for a mask that does not restrict breathing to make it easier for your child to keep their mask on all day. Natural fibers offer the best breathability. Alternatively, look for face coverings that include a breathing valve.
- Protection: Look for a face covering which filters airborne pathogens like the Coronavirus. In addition to this, you can find masks that filter dust and pollution.
- Technology: Children’s surgical masks and certain cloth face coverings have built-in technology like activated charcoal filters, offering additional protection against COVID 19.
- Easy to clean: Remember to look at the care instructions. If you need to hand wash your masks after each use, it may prove very time-consuming. Instead, you may want to look for face coverings that are machine washable.
- Cost: Face coverings for children range between $5.00 and $20.00 each. However, it’s important to note that cheaper masks may not offer as much protection as a more expensive option.
- Sizes: Before purchasing a mask, measure your child’s face to ensure that the face-covering fits appropriately.You’ll generally need to measure the distance between your child’s chin and the bridge of their nose and the space between their ears.
- Styles: There are a wide variety of face coverings available in Australia. Some face coverings are pleated, which offers a little more room for growth. Other masks are smooth with a seam in the centre. The option you choose depends on whether you’d like to use removable filters or if you want to use the mask as is.
- Colours: Although colourful face masks are great, you may want to opt for a combination of plain and patterned options. This way, your child has a balance of fun masks and practical face coverings for every occasion.
- Additional features: You may want to look for face masks with adjustable ear loops and an insert pocket where you can add Hepa or activated charcoal filters.
Compare Australian face masks for children
| Product | Price per mask | Useability | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Star Kids reusable face masks | $19.95 on sale for $14.95 | Reusable |
|
| eBay Kids Polyurethane Face Mask | $4.95 | Can be reused 6 – 15 times |
|
| Amazon Laotie 3 Ply Non-Woven, Disposable Face Bandanas | $43.59 for a box of 50 | Single-use |
|
| Bloch Children’s Face Mask | $13.32 | Reusable |
|
| Etsy ThinkPinkBows cotton face mask with nose wire | $14.23 | Reusable |
|
| Amazon Kids Reusable Face Covering with Breathing Valve | $9.55 | Reusable |
|
| PatPat Kids Anti Dust, Droplet, Breathable Mask | $16.43 for a box of 10 | Single-use |
|
| Seed Kids Mask | $9.95 | Reusable |
|
| Cotton on Foundation Face Mask Small | $9.99 | Reusable |
|
| Etsy ChristinasGoodsStore Disney kids face coverings | $8.57 | Reusable |
|
Take note: These prices are based on September 2020
Conclusion
Besides adhering to the social distancing rules and practicing good hygiene, wearing a face-covering could help protect your child against COVID 19.
When looking for a mask for your child, opt for something with at least three layers and adjustable ear loops. You may also want to look for additional features like pockets for removable filters, breathing valves, and special membranes that block harmful particles in the air.
Frequently asked questions and answers
What are the measurements to make a child’s face mask?
Generally, your little one’s face covering should measure at least 19 cm x 13 cm. However, manufacturers produce masks in a wide range of shapes and sizes. To ensure you get the right fit for your child, check the measurements before you purchase.What are the costs of face masks for children?
The cost of a child’s face-covering varies. You may pay as little as $0.87 for a single disposable mask, or $5.00 to $20.00 for one reusable face cover. It all depends on where you shop and the features you’re looking for.How do I know what the right size mask is for my child?
Take your child’s measurements before buying a mask.How do I measure my child’s face for the right mask?
Measure the distance between the bridge of their nose to the bottom of their chin. Once you’ve jotted down that measurement, check the space between their ears. Make sure you take your measuring tape from one ear to the other ear over the bridge of their nose.How do you make a disposable face mask for kids?
If you’re in a pinch, you’ll be able to modify an adult-sized disposable face covering to fit your child. Measure your child’s face and fold down the top and bottom seam on the adult mask until it fits your child. Next, secure the seams with double-sided tape and knot the earloops to fit your child.However, it’s important to note that this is not the best form of protection. If you want to keep your child safe from COVID 19, they should wear a mask that fits them properly.
