Wearing face masks in public is now a common occurrence for adults across the UK, and mandatory in situations where social distancing isn’t possible.
But following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recent announcement that schools in England will reopen from 8 March, all secondary school students will now also have to wear a face covering in class – at least for the first few weeks.
The requirement is already in place as the requirement for secondary school pupils in Scotland, and is part of the government’s long-term lockdown roadmap for easing Covid restrictions that will also see the return of outdoor gatherings and the reopening of non-essential shops.
Professor Chris Whitty says face masks may reduce the possibility of transmitting coronavirus onwards, although washing hands regularly and social distancing are the most important ways to be careful.
The best face masks for kids can serve as an extra way of being careful in enclosed spaces, with children over the age of three able to wear them if they wish.
Online there are a host of fun styles and sizes that are suitable for kids of all ages, ranging from playful dinosaur and doodle prints to chic stars, stripes and floral patterns.
We’ve rounded up the best face masks for kids below, for parents who want to stock up ahead of March.
Best face masks for kids for 2021
1. Vistaprint RFS Face Masks
Vistaprint has just started selling high-quality face masks for kids and adults, which are reusable, have a filter system, and are tailored for comfort.
The kids’ patterns are super-cute yet stylish, and come and include doodles, bright stripes, hearts and lightning bolts. A big thumb up from us.
Price: £17, Vistaprint – buy here now
2. Children’s Cotton Face Masks
With so many cute prints to choose, from cars and cats to safari animals and lollipops, you’re spoilt for choice with these unisex face masks for kids.
The pads are not washable, but one mask comes with 10 replaceable pads for weeks of use if replacing once a week. Now all you have to do is pick one… Easier said than done.
Price: £13.99, Amazon – buy here now
3. Cotton Face Mask with filter pocket for kids
Coming in an array of cute child-friendly prints, from Frozen to Star Wars, these cotton face masks for kids are cute and clever.
Featuring a filter pocket and machine washable, they’re practical as well as cool. The kids won’t want to take it off.
Price: £10, Etsy – buy here now
4. Hype Splat Galaxy 3 Pack Kids Face Masks
These kids face masks from Hype have a galaxy design, adding a bit of eclectic style to this protective piece of gear.
The masks have elasticated earloop designs, helping to keep them up and in the right place on little faces. There’s three in a pack, which is ideal if you have multiple children, or to ensure you don’t run out when you’re washing one or two of them.
Price: £4.99, Just Hype – buy here now
5. Selfie Craft Kids Face Mask Set
The Face It masks from Selfie Craft include a removable PM 2.5 activated carbon filter, are 100% cotton and come in a variety of neutral and pastel shades for kids.
The Face It masks are available in 10 different designs for boys and girls and can be purchased individually or as a collection. Each of the two collections has a set of five masks and five PM 2.5 activated carbon filters.
Price: From: £9.50, Not on the High Street – buy here now
6. Cotton Fabric Face Mask
Made from three layers of cotton fabric, with extra room to insert a spare filter if you need to.
The masks come in different tones, select the colour/s you like most before you get to the checkout. There’s also an elasticated tie to fix the mask to the correct area, where it feels most comfortable.
Price: From: £6, Etsy – buy here now
7. Casetify Reusable Cloth Mask
Casetify’s reusable face masks are a great option for protecting yourself and for giving back.
For every face mask purchased the brand is donating one to a healthcare worker. The masks come with a filter for extra protection and are reusable, causing less damage to the environment.
There’s five different colors to choose from.
Price: £12, Casetify – buy here now
8. Cartoon Animal Face Masks for Kids
Boasting ultra-cute cartoon animal characters, these cotton face masks for kids are stylish as well as useful.
They come with two replaceable filters and are breathable, washable and reusable. They also have adjustable nose bridge and hook straps for a comfortable fit.
Price: £10.29, Amazon – buy here now
9. Rachel Riley Face Masks for Kids
Award-winning children’s clothing brand Rachel Riley has started selling face masks for kids as well as adults, and the finish and fabrics are beautiful.
Perfect for the style-conscious, the chic patterns include parrots, hearts, flowers, bows, gingham, anchors and sea life.
What’s more, 10% of profits from the sale of the face masks will go to Best Beginnings, a charity that helps parents during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Price: £19, Rachel Riley – buy here now
10. Thumbsie Face Masks for Kids
Whether you’re looking for stars and stripes or flamingos and flowers, Thumbsie’s stylish face masks for children have it all.
The washable cotton face masks for kids are available in three sizes and suitable for children aged three to 16. They have an inner pocket so you can insert your own disposable filter lining, and the elastic can be altered using a side toggle for comfort.
Only available to buy in packs of four – but you’re likely to use that many anyway, so it makes a good investment.