HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital, Prevea Health Offer Guidance on Child Masking

HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital and Prevea Health are offering guidance to parents and caregivers who are helping children to become more comfortable with wearing a mask. 

Children younger than two should not wear a mask because of the potential suffocation and choking hazards. Parents of children who have cognitive or respiratory impairments should also exercise caution with masks for their children. 

One of the most effective ways to help children become more comfortable with wearing a mask is by being a good role model. You can also look in the mirror with your child while you both wear a mask and talk about how it feels, put a mask on a favorite stuffed animal, decorate the child’s masks so they’re more personalized and fun, show your child pictures of other children wearing masks, draw a mask on a favorite book character, and practice mask wearing at home to help your child get used to it. 

Dr. Josh Rankin, a pediatrician at Prevea Health, shared these tips and more during a recent episode of the Plug in to Health podcast. Listen at prevea.com/podcast.