Should Your Baby or Toddler be Wearing a Face Mask?

Being a first-time mother during this pandemic has been extra challenging.  Motherhood can be overwhelming and going through this health crisis adds even more stress into our daily lives. 

Not to mention all the information on COVID-19 that we are being exposed to on the web and through other outlets, brings more chaos into our worlds. Mask requirements is one of these changes that we are facing today. 

What to do as a first-time mother of a 1-year-old baby boy? Should I start introducing the mask to my baby? What about if he reaches two and he's not ready? or Should I wait a little longer for when he's closer to two?  Am I going to traumatize or scar my little one by enforcing the mask? So many concerns and inquiries that makes this mask decision a bit complicated. 

Since, 2-year Olds are required to wear mask in public places to get more clarity on this matter, I searched the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site to learn more details on these requirements. 

Every parent has to use their own judgement base on how your toddler responds, personality traits, emotional development as well as others.  

In my case, I introduced a mask shield to prepare him for masking. Just for few occasions or for any quick indoor trips or errands. I got him a froggy one! This actually worked for me. With determination and lots of patience, it was possible. 

Overall, experts and CDC do not recommend face masks for babies under the age of two.  This is important to know and understand as it can be a choking hazard.   

For more recommendations on how to use certain safety guidelines for babies click on the link below to read the article.

https://www.whattoexpect.com/news/family/should-babies-toddlers-wear-face-masks-coronavirus/

And also visit the CDC to follow their guidelines:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/parent-faqs.html

Always consult with your doctor or pediatrician.