The Best Face Masks for Kids of All Ages, According to Experts

Face masks have become an everyday essential for kids — the AAP and CDC both recommend them for indoor use with children ages 2 and up — so it's crucial that they're both safe and comfortable to wear in settings like school, stores, doctor's offices and public transportation. We've come a long way since we first started wearing masks for COVID-19 and we now know more about the best materials — and the worst, for that matter. So whether you're looking for a mask upgrade for your child or just need to replenish your stock of disposable masks, the good news is that there are plenty of options that are both protective and breathable for kids to wear for long periods.

The fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have been reviewing face masks since March 2020, starting with tutorials for DIY face coverings for both adults and kids before masks hit the mainstream market. We've worked with doctors and PPE (personal protective equipment) experts for face mask guidance, and we also sit on the ASTM committee that developed the industry standard for testing face coverings. In fact, I and my fellow GH Institute fiber scientists have been called upon as face mask experts by medical facilities, textile industry committees and media outlets for interviews throughout the pandemic. To find the best face masks for kids, we considered factors like filtration, fit, breathability, design and convenience, plus incorporated feedback from parents after children tried them out in real life.

You can find important shopping tips, material explanations and more at the end of this article, but first, here are the best reusable and disposable face masks for kids: