More bucket-list destinations are opening up to tourists now, (especially vaccinated ones!) and you’re eager to head back out there.
But wait. Masks are still required – in airports, on flights, and some indoor places, depending on where you go.
And you have a two year old. Or three year old. (Or both?!)
Need I say more? Except maybe, “Good luck!”
As if flying with a two year old wasn’t challenging enough, now this.
But it is for good reason. The research has shown that masks help keep you and your family protected, so it is especially important while traveling as you are around so many strangers and public, crowded spaces. Germ central right?
I was surprised how easy it was to get our two year-old to wear a mask and keep it on. (Don’t hate me!). But kids will understand more than you think if you explain it in simple terms and relate it to something they care about.
I do still get some pushback at times, “But why do I have to wear a mask Mama? But I don’t want to.” Then he agrees to wear it after I simply remind him that the masks help keep us healthy so we can do fun things. Another example – “we can’t go inside the grocery store to get yummy ‘yo-yo’ if we don’t wear our masks.” Nothing stands between a kid and his yogurt, not even a mask.
I know for others it may not be that simple. I mean, forcing a toddler to do something they don’t want to do – sounds impossible. But don’t surrender yet! If you start early, soon it just becomes habit.
I’ve compiled a list of researched suggestions and some of my own crazy ideas. Use one, use ’em all! Whatever it takes to start seeing the world again and staying safe, right?
To encourage them to wear it:
- Start now (don’t wait until the day of your flight)
- First, explain why in simple, positive terms, “They help keep us healthy so we can keep doing fun things”
- If that doesn’t work, be real and honest “They won’t let us into the (park) or (store) if we don’t have it on. Don’t you want to play at the park?”
- Wear it with them
- Make it positive and fun. If they see you excited to wear it, they might be too (and vice versa – if they hear a peep of you complaining then…good luck)
- Start with a short trip to the park or somewhere fun where they will be distracted
- Use toy incentives (take LO to the dollar store and they get a toy if they leave their mask on while in the store)
- Use sweet rewards (an M&M after putting it on, and another every 20 minutes after that? Does Costco carry M&M’s???)
- You’ve heard of the Mask Fairy, right? She is always watching to make sure you have your mask on, and she leaves a surprise toy when you do. It’s similar to my “Hotel Fairy” who magically leaves new surprise toys in the hotel room.
- Use screen time incentives (or attach to their headphones if that works)
- Incorporate it into playtime at home by putting a mask on a stuffed animal or doll. My son probably wouldn’t like this…we’re talking about the boy who was mad when he found Elf on a Shelf playing with his trucks. He threw Elfie across the room
- Draw a mask on their favorite character (again, careful if your kid is protective of his toys like mine can be)
- Turn it into a superhero thing (nothin’ wrong with a cape on a plane, right?)
- No mask = No fun
Pick the right mask:
A properly fitting mask is crucial. Always use a kid-sized mask. See the CDC recs for more info.
I just ordered these from Amazon. They are for 2-5 year olds. They fit perfectly. And he loved the dinosaurs print.
And these ones are for 6-12 year-olds:
- It’s all about COMFORT, so they forget it’s even on (and giggle as they accidentally try to eat with it on)
- Have your little one pick out one they like
- Or better yet, decorate them together
- Pick one that has their favorite character or interest
- Try a different style if the first wasn’t a success: e.g. around the ears, tie behind, velcro behind, attached to an extender, or one that attaches to a headband, hat or headphones.
If your child is old enough to safely wear something around their neck, attach the mask to a lanyard. That way it’s not floating around getting lost or dirty when snack time comes around (which is too often when traveling!).
Ok, you have some ideas, now MASK UP!
If you are still concerned your toddler won’t keep the mask on for the entire flight, consider another means of transportation. Check out my tips for road trips and jump in the car and go exploring.
Don’t risk it. I’m sure you’ve seen the news – parents banned from flying. That’s the last thing you want!
Go to my destinations page for trip ideas and city guides, like Rome, Italy. Or click the link to follow me on Instagram for more tips and inspiration!
Buona fortuna!
