Disney gets into character with Star Wars masks for kids. Photo courtesy of Disney

Disney Face Masks 

Just when you thought Baby Yoda couldn’t get more adorable, Disney shows up with these Star Wars Face Masks. The cuteness doesn’t stop there: Disney Face Masks come in a variety of four-packs featuring patterns inspired by Star Wars, Mickey Mouse, Princesses, Marvel, and Pixar. 

If you need even more Disney options, Etsy also has a wide variety of Disney-themed face masks in different styles and sizes.  

Old Navy's patterns are brightly colored to match spring and summer wear. Photo courtesy of Old Navy

Old Navy Face Masks 

In a clever bit of recycling, Old Navy is turning its fabric scraps into face masks that coordinate with the clothes it sells. Being sold in variety five-packs, these triple-layer cloth face masks are available in both youth and adult sizes. Current offerings for kids include a pastel "Pink Lemonade" set, a simple-and-straightforward "Blue Steel" set, and a self-explanatory "Surprise" set (as every preschooler knows, "you get what you get, and don't get upset"). The five-pack masks are recommended for kids ages 4 and up.   

Kids can mask up like their favorite animal. Photo courtesy of Cubcoats

More Cute Face Masks for Kids Online

Even kids can be choosy about what their face mask looks and feels like.  Thankfully, a wide variety of additional adorable styles and patterns to choose from are just a mouse click away. 

• Yoga retailer Onzie designed a line of “mindful masks” from upcycled material used in their yoga clothing. 

• With trendy patterns like cheetah, florals, and camo, Sanctuary is offering a five-pack for stylish kids. 

• These adorable little animal smile masks from Cubcoats are purr-fect for any budding naturalist in your house.

• Who doesn’t love a little glitter? These sparkly masks from The Mighty Company will make your shine! 

• This 24-pack from Walmart not only gives you the most bang for your buck, but you will also spend less time washing your masks.

• The Bowie The Dog mask from Billie Blooms gives you a reason to howl! 

• If you are looking for something a little more original, check out Contrado’s custom face masks.  You can turn any image into a mask. 

• Elestroy is known for its bold prints and beautiful dresses. Somehow, they managed to design face masks that seem more like a beautiful accessory. 

Even beginner sewers can master the Super Simple Face Mask Pattern from So Sew Easy. Photo courtesy of www.so-sew-easy.com

Free Face Mask Patterns For Kids

If you have a sewing machine and the right supplies, you can use one of these free face mask patterns to get you started. Cotton fabric tends to be the most comfortable. See Kate Sew provides instructions for two different sized child face masks, both with an option for a filter pocket. Beginner sewers will find the Skip To My Lou face mask pattern easy to manage. In about an hour, anyone should be able to master the Super Simple Face Mask Pattern from So Sew Easy. 

No-Sew Face Masks

If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can still make a face mask using materials you may have in your home. The CDC provides directions on how to make a no-sew face mask using a bandana and hair ties or a t-shirt. If you do not have elastic bands, you can even reuse fabric strips from an old shirt to create ties.

It's easy to transform a cute single sock you have laying around into a face mask. Photo courtesy of the Oakland Library

How To Make A Face Mask From A Sock 

With a few quick snips with a pair of scissors, you can even make a face mask using a sock. Basically, you cut the middle portion out of a sock (the part between the toe box and the heel), and then make two half-inch-wide snips that stop about halfway up on either side of the remaining, double-sided rectangle of fabric to create loops to anchor on your ears. Tucking a piece of coffee filter inside the two layers adds an extra layer of protection. Why not put all those lonely single socks to good use?

How to Help a Child Wear a Face Mask Safely

To work properly, a face mask needs to cover your child's mouth and nose. The mask should also fit snuggly to the sides of the face. Yes, a face mask might feel uncomfortable to many kids at first, so it's a good idea for them to mask up around the house a bit before heading out (sort of like getting used to a new pair of shoes). Also, make sure you encourage your children to wash their hands not only before they put their masks on, but also after they take them off.

Finally, don't hesitate to offer lots of positive reinforcement. Kids should feel proud that by wearing a face mask, they are protecting not just themselves, but other people in their community. You can show them pictures of doctors and first responders wearing masks to illustrate your point. Face mask wearers are the new superheroes!