There’s no doubt that wearing face masks has taken a lot of getting used to. And if it’s felt odd for you, as an adult, just try and imagine how kids (especially young kids) feel about it–especially now as they’re heading back to school. If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve had some pushback from your toddler when it was time to put on a face mask, and honestly, we don’t blame them. The solution: cute toddler face masks that are comfy enough for smaller faces. After all, by making mask-wearing more comfortable and fun for your little ones, they just might feel like they’re a superhero gearing up to help save the world. And what kid doesn’t want to feel empowered like that?
Plenty of creative toddler masks have popped up to make the experience less scary, so you won’t feel the need to bribe your tot to put one on (and keep it on) while they’re out. According to the CDC, kids under 2 should not wear face masks, but everyone older who can safely put one on and take it off on their own should be masking up while indoors at school. While there are plenty of kids face masks to choose from, it can be tricky to find one that fits toddlers since they’re in that in-between phase. Luckily, many kids masks have adjustable straps and contoured nose wires — or you can easily tie a knot in the straps to make them stay in place.
And if your toddler is going to a daycare or having socially distant playdates, stocking up on the best toddler face masks is even more important. Since it’s the coolest — and kindest — accessory in 2021 (still, sigh), there’s no such thing as having too many clean ones on hand. Once you tell them how they’re protecting their friends by wearing a mask in their favorite colors or with their favorite cartoon character on the front, they just might never take it off.
We’ve rounded up the best toddler face masks that even the fussiest kiddos will be excited to put on. From Paw Patrol masks to customizable disposables that are celeb-approved and Old Navy, shopping for face masks has never been easier or more fun. And while you’re at it, make sure to snag some of these cute kids lanyards and chains so their mask is always within reach.
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Custom Disposables
Image Credit: evolvetogether. These celeb-approved disposables are all the rage—they’re comfy and offer superior filtration—and they are nothing short of adorable. These masks come with cute stickers your toddler can customize them with, so they double as an art project! Plus, each mask supports a different cause.
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The Cult Favorite
Image Credit: Amazon. In case you haven’t heard about Cubcoats from your child yet, you’re about to. The cult-favorite brand is known for its adorable hoodies that magically transform into a cuddly plush toy, and now you can get your toddler a matching mask they just might never take off.
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Old Navy Disney Masks
Image Credit: Old Navy. Old Navy was one of the first larger kids retailers to launch darling face masks for kids, and it basically broke the internet. Luckily, they’ve made even more so you’ll never run out of cute options for your toddler to wear while you run errands or while playing outside. These ones are triple-layered for more protection, and you can shop ’em in a bunch of designs, including these Disney-approved ones.
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The Perfect Set
Image Credit: Nordstrom. Nordstrom somewhat quietly launched their own face masks for adults and kiddos, and we’re buying all of them. This particular set has a good mix of trendy patterns and classics for your fashionable toddler to strut down the street in. There’s also a built-in filter pocket so you have the option to add another layer of protection. For less than $3 each, we recommend grabbing plenty of these.
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Zoo-tastic
Image Credit: Courtesy of Cremoly. Make masks a little sweeter with this friendly animal-printed mask. It’s adorned with lions, zebras, and other cute zoo animals that’ll make this mask-wearing thing fun to do.
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Cat’s Meow
Image Credit: Brave New Look. They’ll be a smitten kitten with this cute toddler face mask. The super-soft fabric won’t feel scratchy on their delicate skin, the adjustable ear loops keep it on, and each mask comes with a PM2.5 filter for extra protection. You can also choose from other quirky designs that will help them express their personality. The cute dog snout, zippered lips, and excited cat are a must.
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Lele Sadoughi Masks
Image Credit: Lele Sadoughi. This cult-favorite fashion brand offers chic masks so you can make the world (or the grocery store) your runway. You can choose from a variety of chic sets that include tie dye, cheetah print, and more fun designs. And it’s never too early to think about holiday!
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Paw Patrol FTW
Image Credit: Target. Paw Patrol has taken over the lives of many kids (and parents), so your toddler will actually want to help do their part in flattening the curve with their trusty friends nearby. The lightweight fabric and contoured fit will keep them equally protected and comfortable. Not to mention, this pack of three is an absolute deal, so get them while you can.
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All Smiles
Image Credit: Vistaprint. Make wearing a mask a lot less frightening with this happy mask. Aside from its darling looks that will make them want to put this on each time you go out, it also boasts a replaceable filter system so you can ensure their mask is the safest it can be. It’s lightweight so it won’t weigh them down, and the adjustable latex-free straps will make sure it stays put.
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Over the Rainbow
Image Credit: WestPoint Home. Sure, this rainbow mask is downright irresistable, but it’s also made with a unique antimicrobial technology that inhibits the growth of stinky bacteria. If your toddler’s complaining about a funky odor coming from their mask, these genius face masks should solve that problem. Tip: Knot the ear straps for a more secure fit.
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Daring Dinosaurs
Image Credit: Amazon. If your squirmy toddler isn’t a fan of face masks that irritate their little ears, they can still mask up with one of these precious gaiters. This full-coverage mask features stretchy, cool-dry fabric and thermal retention. Bonus: It covers their neck so it’ll also help protect them from the sun.
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Extra Lovable
Image Credit: Carter's. At just $1 a pop (yes, really), Carter’s kids face masks are a steal, so what are you waiting for? This whimsical heart mask is one of our faves, but there’s a handful of new styles they recently launched that your kiddo will love wearing. The first round sold out quickly, so don’t delay on this deal.
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Matching Mom-ent
Image Credit: The Honest Co. We can’t get enough of Jessica Alba’s clean home-and-beauty brand, so when we stumbled across these kids face masks, we weren’t entirely surprised at how cute they are. You can choose from three sets, and there are matching adult versions so you can have the cutest mommy-and-me moment ever. The playful prints, adjustable straps, and bendable nose wire put these at the top of our list for squirmy and hard-to-please toddlers.
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Unicorn Magic
Image Credit: Claire's. Of course this classic kids accessory store has the cutest toddler masks we’ve ever seen, so while you’re ordering some new accessories for your kiddo, make sure to snag some child-size masks to match their new hair accessories and jewelry. We love the Claire’s masks in particular because they have both small and medium-size kids masks.
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