Rainbow Connection
How to Get the Best Fit for a Face Mask
by Rachel MinnieÂ
Most of us want to follow current CDC guidelines and wear a face mask - in fact, itâs a mandate in some areas - but getting your child to wear one may be a tough sell, often because they donât fit comfortably. If youâre in the same mask boat, here are some tips for how to make a mask fit better.
Problem: Mask is too large.
First, make sure youâre using a child-sized mask, like the Leotard Boutiqueâs childrenâs masks. There are lots of hacks to make masks fit more snugly, but our favorite is using mini elastic hair bands (see pic). The hair bands can be adjusted or removed to accommodate growing kids.
Problem: Mask is too small.
This is less likely to be a problem, but we can envision a scenario in which a child will only wear her favorite, but outgrown Mickey mask and nothing else. In that case, look for mask extenders, which are available in numerous styles, colors, and sizes. If youâre really in a pinch, however, loop ribbon through the elastic ear loops and tie at the back of the head for a better, more comfortable fit.
Problem: Mask makes it tougher to breathe.
This one can be solved by buying a mask that uses a double dart design like the ones here, which allows a little pocket of air space between your childâs mouth and the mask. In other words, the mask will not be flat across the front, pressing up against your childâs mouth.Â
Problem: Masks are easy to forget.
Since wearing a mask in public is a new exercise, itâs easy to forget them. Have a bunch hanging on your doorknob so you canât miss them on your way out. Youâd think there would be no way to forget to bring a mask then, right? Lemme assure you, it still happens in my house. Iâve started having extra masks for adults and the kiddo in each car and in my purse.
A Few Friendly Reminders
Children under the age of 2 should not wear a mask due to suffocation risk. Please consult your doctor for guidance. Our masks aren't medical grade, and they aren't virus-proof. We are wearing them and practicing social distancing. Please refer to the guidance from the CDC. While the Leotard Boutiqueâs masks have a pocket for a filter insert, we can't tell you whether or not to put something in there for legal reasons. Please refer to reputable sources on the web to help you decide what is right for you.
Â
Coverings for a Cause: Face Masks for Kids and Adults
Should we or shouldnât we? The decision for us to offer face masks was not taken lightly. âIt took a great deal of back and forth in our hearts and minds to decide whether or not we should offer a mask for sale,â says Melanie, Leotard Boutique founder and owner. âIn the end, we decided that we have to do something.â
Far from profiting from the masks, the Leotard Boutique is giving more than receiving. It begins by ensuring that the masks are 100% made in the USA by the same woman- and minority-owned US factory that makes our leotards. Weâve kept the price low, just $11 each, with $2 from each mask being donated to the New Hampshire Charitable Foundationâs Community Crisis Action Fund. (Thatâs not a paper mask for every mask purchased. Weâre giving cold, hard cash.)
In addition, buy any two masks and they ship for free. No need to wait a month for your masks to ship from China. Ours are ready to ship!
And weâre proud of our product: just like our leotards, our masks are soft and comfy as well as machine-washable and reusable. They have 3 layers: 2 cotton blend layers inside that are sewn together, a pocket space for a filter, and 1 nylon blend outer layer that is printed with a design. The prints are pretty and eye-catching and look great with our girls leotards and dance skirts. And we offer matching mom and me face masks.
âItâs just about being in this moment, making a difference and doing the right thing to help here and now,â says Melanie.
 Disclaimer:Â
⢠We can't accept returns on masks for sanitary reasons.
â˘Â Children under the age of 2 should not wear a mask due to suffocation risk. Please consult your doctor for guidance.Â
⢠Our masks aren't medical grade, and they aren't virus-proof. We are wearing them and practicing social distancing. Please refer to the guidance from the CDC, and check their website often for evolving information.Â
⢠There is a pocket for a filter insert, but for legal reasons, we can't tell you whether or not to put something in there. Please refer to reputable sources on the web to help you decide what is right for you.