Keep Your Family Healthy With Face Mask Guidelines | EO Parent Magazine

As facemasks become more prevalent during the COVID-19 outbreak, some families may be confused about which rules apply to them. The Oregon Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Pediatrics have published guidelines for the use and wear of masks, and guidelines for children vary by age, individual abilities, and location.

age

Children under the age of 2 should not wear face masks. All three organizations agree that infants should not wear masks. Covering your face can reduce your ability to breathe. The small airways of infants make it difficult to breathe through the layers, increasing the risk of choking. Masks can also be a choking hazard, and infants cannot remove the covers themselves in distress.

When leaving home, AAP recommends that the infant be in the pram and the blanket be on top of the pram. This allows the baby to breathe comfortably with the same level of protection as the mask.

ability

In addition to children under the age of 2, other children (and adults) may not be safe to wear a mask because of a medical condition that makes breathing difficult when wearing a face cover. This can be due to a disability, a severe cognitive situation, or a breathing problem. This may or may not be a visible problem.

Children and adults who may not be able to remove the mask themselves should not wear cloth covers. For those children, the AAP recommends staying at home as much as possible and maintains a greater physical distance between them and members outside the household when they go out.

The location

The American Academy of Pediatrics also says that children do not have to wear a mask when they are at home or outside the household, but can keep out contact with anyone.

According to the AAP’s website, “While walking outdoors, children can maintain a social distance of more than 6 feet, and unless they touch something they may have touched, such as tables, fountains, playground equipment, etc. You don’t need a mask because you don’t get.”

In bed, children should not cover their masks or face while sleeping.

Other guidelines

Masks for children should be the right size. AAP recommends using stretchable pleated masks for children. This is because it can be easily adjusted for a secure fit. If you buy a mask or use a pattern, make sure the mask fits properly or is adjustable to fit your child’s size.

Children of all ages may have problems wearing face covers properly, so OHA recommends using face covers and closely supervising with the help of adults.

Parents can use age-appropriate language to talk to children about their motivation to wear a mask if they are afraid to wear or see it. Children can understand the concept of germs and keep themselves and others safe. Multiple videos exist online-some use recognizable actors and characters. Customize the mask with a book or cartoon character, or put the mask on a stuffed toy or doll to prevent the process from scaring you. Children should first have the opportunity to practice wearing a mask at home.

Practice proper putting on and taking off of the mask, such as washing your hands, touching the mask, and removing it from the side of the mask instead of the front.

The organization also recommends that surgical masks and N-95 masks not be used, as they must be reserved for health care workers and first aid.

And keep in mind: Face masks protect other people as much as those who wear them. It does not know who may be infected without showing symptoms.

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Jennifer Colton is the news director for KOHU and KQFM and their three Pendleton-based mothers.