Family Travel, Health, Outdoor fun, Parenting

Should Kids Wear Face Masks? Here’s What Parents Need To Know.

May 14, 2020
by nola family staff

On Monday, May 11, Governor John Bel Edwards announced his plans to remove Louisiana’s Stay at Home order.

He outlined the Roadmap to a Resilient Louisiana: Phase One, which stresses the importance of limiting exposure to COVID-19 by wearing a facial cover (such as a face mask), frequently washing hands, and maintaining at least six feet distance from people while in public.

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According to the CDC guidelines, “Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.”

With Louisiana entering Phase One today, here are 5 things you should know regarding children wearing face masks in public:

Be Prepared

Before you begin venturing out into public with your child, purchase or make a face mask or covering for them. 

Click here to view the CDC’s tutorial on how to make your own mask/covering at home (sew or no-sew options are available). 

If making your own masks/coverings, let your child pick out their favorite fabric print (for example, Mickey Mouse, animal print, princess or pirate themed). This will increase the chance of your child enjoying their experience while wearing their mask/covering. 

https://youtu.be/tPx1yqvJgf4


Talk to Your Child About Their Mask

Have your child practice wearing their mask/covering each day for a few minutes. Gradually increase the time they wear it until they are comfortable doing so. 

You can also make a game out of wearing the mask so your child will see this as something fun to do, instead of scary or intimidating. They can pretend they are a doctor, a firefighter or a nurse while wearing their face covering.

Remember when talking to your kids about their mask:


The Proper Way To Wear A Mask

Here are the CDC recommendations for properly wearing a face mask/covering:


When Should Your Child NOT Wear A Mask Or Face Covering


According to the
Louisiana Health Department, those with breathing challenges or those under the age of two years should not wear a mask or face covering.

Children also do not need to wear a face covering while at home.


Face Covering Pro Tips:


Important To Know!

The following child-related businesses will remain closed during Phase One: amusement parks, water parks, trampoline parks, arcades, fairs, contact sports, children’s play centers, playgrounds, and theme parks. You can find the full list by clicking here.

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