If you want to fly with your toddler that is over the age of 2, then they will have to wear a face mask. A toddler is a ticking time bomb. I know it. Here are 10 ways on how to get a toddler to wear a mask.
- Talk to your kids and explain why they must wear a mask. My daughter won’t do anything until I answer 100 whys. There are multiple books for children in regards to covid-19. Get some. During the shutdown, we read “Covid the Bad Germ.” There are also books specifically regarding wearing a mask. I recently came across, “Why a Mask you Ask.” Start reading covid books before bedtime.
- Practice BEFORE you go. Get a mask for your kid and have them wear it everywhere in public. Run errands with them and put it on them at the grocery store, the park, to your office. Anywhere and everywhere. Also… If you are as thrilled as I am that vaccinated people don’t have to wear masks in certain places, great. But if you are with your kid, wear a mask. Kids idolize their parents. So wear one when you are in public with your kiddo.
- Have them pick out a mask. Does your kid like a certain Disney movie or color? Make it fun for them and have them pick out MULTIPLE masks. Also, if they get attached to one, buy several. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared. But remember to keep in mind that certain airlines have mask rules. For example, American Airlines does not allow gaiters as a face covering.
- Play with masks. Does your child have a favorite stuffed animal or doll? Get mini masks for them! Have your child put a mask on their animal before leaving the house. My daughter is obsessed with her baby dolls. She makes me dress them over and over again so naturally a mini mask was perfect! Or are they into coloring, painting? Draw masks on their coloring books. Try to make masks fun. I know, masks are not fun, but your toddler doesn’t have to know this.
- Get a face mask lanyard. I found some locally at Tot to Teen kids in Fort Worth but you can also find them at The Dollar Store, Amazon, etc. This makes it much easier to not lose track of their mask.
- Pack multiple in your carry on. Kids lose stuff. Be prepared.
- Bring multiple snacks + liquids. Okay sooooo your kid is losing their sh#t right after you board the plane. Just start feeding them snacks. Remember you do not have to wear a mask while you are eating and drinking. This is also another reason why they have the mask lanyard around their neck.
- Relax and be polite to those around you. Traveling with kids is rough. It was rough BEFORE they added the mandatory mask for a 2 year old ticking time bomb. People are more likely to be patient and kind to you if you are kind to them.
- Don’t be rude to flight attendants or airline employees: They are just doing their job people! Again, with being kind!
- Relax….. My kids have always been pretty good travelers. But that’s because I LOVE TO TRAVEL. I love it and am genuinely happy at the airport. My kids can feel this. If you are stressed out, your kids will pick up on this. If they are losing it and fighting the mask relax. Do not panic. Easier said than done but my daughter was over the mask after multiple hours of wearing it. I just held her, talked to her and reminded her of the importance of wearing a mask. Mommy was just trying to keep her safe. And she put it back on.
Now that you know how to get your toddler to wear a mask, I hope you have booked a flight! Traveling with my 1 and 3 year old girls is NOT a vacation. But it makes for a hell of a trip. Throwing the added mask requirement sure makes things interesting. The easiest way to travel is by leaving the kiddos with a caregiver. But what’s the fun in that!
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