Facing Up to the Future
As we all adjusting to a ‘new normal’, keeping our distance from each other and wearing face coverings of different shapes and forms, M&D READER REVIEWS FACE MASKS for children designed by parents with kids in mind.
With the world slowly opening back up, and schools, shops and cafes welcoming us once again, I decided it was time to prepare my kids (who had spent the last few months looking like tiny swamp-creatures) to be seen by polite society once again. So, I took some scissors to their hair, had a clear-out of their wardrobes, and started encouraging them not to wear pyjamas past noon.
I also went online to stock up on the face masks I suspected we might shortly be needing to venture out and about. I was soon drowning in options, from medical-grade masks which would make my offspring look like tiny surgeons, to ludicrously expensive designer face coverings with tiny diamonds sewn into them, to fuzzy YouTube videos reassuring me that I could easily make my own from unwanted socks. I shut down the search, and called a few friends to see if they had any recommendations. They proved even more baffling than Google, so I gave that up as well.
Imagine my delight, therefore, when I received an email soon after from M&D Magazine, asking me if I would like to trial some children’s face masks, provided by new company Face It (www.face-it-masks.co.uk)
My two samples arrived just a few days later, neatly packaged in individual zip-locked bags. I had been sent one from the girls’ range, and one from the boys’, but my sons seemed equally pleased with both of them, so I tactfully neglected to mention any gender-specificity, and just let them each pick the design they liked best. As described on their website, the masks were subtle but still stylish, coming in a variety of pastel colours with simple kid-friendly designs such as smileys and pandas.
To reassure myself that I was protecting my offspring adequately, and not just stuffing their faces into the first free sample that came my way, I had a look at the specifications. The masks are made entirely of cotton, and each one comes with a disposable 2.5PM filter. The masks are re-usable and machine washable, and the filters can easily be replaced, as they fit snugly into an inner pocket. Huge packs of filters are available to buy, either from Face It or a wide variety of online sellers, including of course everyone’s lockdown darling, Amazon. With the face masks themselves coming in at only £39.50 for a pack of five, this was definitely starting to seem like a more viable solution long-term than constantly buying up disposable masks.
The kids were more than happy to take their natty new face coverings on a trial run, although we didn’t try anything more exciting than a weekly shop at the local Tesco. They proved to be a very clean fit, seeming to hug their faces in all the right places, and fitting neatly over their noses and under their chins. The toggles on the elastic bands were very useful for minor adjustments, and the wire along the top edge helped to secure the masks in place. Even my youngest who, as a glasses wearer, is never going to be completely comfortable in a mask, seemed happy. And I was certainly very pleased that my family presented such a trendy picture to the outside world, despite the fact that nothing I said would convince my oldest to change out of his pyjamas for the expedition.
Wow, these masks are so pretty, great to encourage children to wear them!
Having masks with kid-friendly patterns on them is definitely a help. My granddaughter is happy wearing her masks that feature unicorns and puppies. She seems to consider them just another item of clothing that she can personalise.
These look really good
I think kids masks are a great idea, and these ones look great, but my daughter won’t wear em and I wouldn’t try and make her
I think this is going to be the new normal for the time being and encouraging kids to be careful is such a positive thing. These look really good – specially as they are washable and you can add your own filter. I really dislike the amount of disposable ones that you can buy – just invest in some good quality reusable ones – save money in the long run and help the environment! I wouldnt mind some of the rainbow ones in adult sizes!
Lovely masks very stylish and lovely patterns for children
It is so sad that we need children to wear face masks but if we do then these are at least a happy design!
These are lovely designs, my little girl is happy to wear a face mask when we’re out to be like mummy x
Great masks, will definitely buy the one with filters. Thanks for sharing. Love the designs.
These designs are lovely and might encourage kids to wear masks
These masks are wonderful. My granddaughter who is 6 always wears a mask when we go out. She would love these
What a good idea. These are lovely face masks and so suitable for children.
They look really well made. Thanks for the brand intro.
Makes it so much nicer having designs children will love
Such pretty designs that my children would love.
Having such nice designs will definitely appeal to children
lovely designs for children! Good fitting too!
these designs would get my youngster wearing masks
These look great!
These are really pretty designs and look comfortable
I have to admit I hate having to wear masks because I feel like I can’t breath, but I like the look of these ones.
Love these masks and the designs will certainly appeal to children