Will your 2yo wear a face mask?

[Molocosh]

The government has said that children aged two and over need to wear face masks. Will your 2yo wear a mask?

A friend posted the government advice and I commented that my toddler won’t even keep his hat, socks or trousers on never mind a mask. Loads of people including the friend piled on and said I’m an inadequate parent and if I can’t make my child wear a mask he shouldn’t be allowed out in public. I’m not looking forward to going out because people have openly admitted that they plan to confront anyone not wearing a mask. One person said their child also has SEN so if she can be persuaded to wear a mask then anyone can. Others liked his post and said that children or people with SEN who won’t wear a mask should be “locked up” to protect everyone else. I really despair if this is people’s attitude and I’m really worried they’re going to get nasty when my DS inevitably won’t keep a mask on.

My 3 yr old has a medical appointment end of June if it doesn’t get pushed, no way am I going to put a mask on her. The advise seems to be only
If possible, as her mother I’m saying it’s not, and I refuse to distress my child by insisting.

That article doesn't say that a 3 year old SHOULD wear a mask, it said under 3 SHOULD NOT wear a mask, and nor should other young ones who can't look after it themselves. I wouldn't attempt to put a mask on my 2 year old, he wouldn't be able to wear it effectively enough to be useful, he'd just pull it on and off to play peekaboo. Anyway he's terrified of adults in masks (cries at doctors or dentists) and he won't be on public transport.

I'm getting a bit bored of the judgemental attitudes cropping up, I can only assume it's because the fear factor has passed and boredom set in, so people want to find something to grumble about. Sorry to hear you came across some dickheads OP.

I was surprised to see my 2 year old neice in Asia wearing one happily along with all the other very young kids, she's certainly a livewire so wouldn't have expected it to be easy. I think I'd just avoid going anywhere that required one if at all possible

I've bought one for my 2 year old... I doubt he will wear it though... Got one that elastic goes over his head in attempt to make it stay on longer... Tbh though his granny is going through cancer treatment and it'll really only be for him to hopefully give her a hug as soon as they say it is OK for him to do so... We have been shielding here also and other than our daily walk haven't been anywhere else so fingers crossed not long to family bubble... Please.

I've ordered DD (just turned 3) a cotton face mask with cotton ties and in nice material that I think she'll like.

I'm not intending on using it but just want to know it's there in case she needs to attend a medical appointment and it's a requirement.

@OnlyFoolsnMothers

They refused my friends child for their appointment the other day because she refused to put him in a mask. Just to warn you. Sigh. Shocking really.

Yes mine does I've only taken her to the shop twice. And she has. I had one made with her favourite character. And bribed her with a chocolate bar. If she kept it on

They’re dangerous for under 4s, so no my 2 year old will not be wearing a mask.

My instincts as a parent tells me no .. no chance will I get my toddler a mask

Hoggleludo seriously? May I ask what age the child and what department?
I’m pissed off enough I have to wear one to my next scan as I’m short of breath a lot this pregnancy but I’ll suck that up.

I completely understand the difficulties and I doubt my D's would have worn one easily as a toddler but people in this country really are so insular

There are many pictures in the media of very young children and even babies with masks on in many countries. It is perfectly possible.

At the same time I doubt it will become the norm here so I wouldn't worry about it too much

There are many pictures in the media of very young children and even babies with masks on
It seems very dangerous. They tell you not to cover your baby’s face due to the risk of cot death... how is it safe for them to wear masks?

Children have been disrupted enough, in particular when you consider how minuscule the risk even is for them. I don’t want my child to be further freaked out in her day to day life, forcing a mask on her and unable to see people’s expressions and features.
Within a day we’ve gone from masks on public transport and for over 6’s, to in hospitals and for toddlers and pre schoolers. I dread to think about tomorrow, must wear one in your house and stick ones on newborns.

www.gumtree.sg/a-medical-equipment/sembawang-yishun/face-shield-with-hat-children/1007200716100910675100709

Of course a two year old eont wear a mask. They cannot understand the reasoning and its contrary to instinct to have something put over their nose and mouth. They simply wont keep it on.
In germany the face govering rule has been in place for some weeks and it doesnt apply to children under 6.

thestir.cafemom.com/parenting_news/224708/babies-thailand-protective-face-shields

Just looked up the guidelines for Italy. Compulsary on public transport and in shops for ages 6 and up (unless you have a disability). Recommended from ages 3+.
Seems a sensible compromise.

From fb pics of my cousins DC the primary aged ones all seem happy enough in masks on days out, and the toddlers haven't got them.

I'll put a mask on my 4 year old if we have to but I will avoid taking her anywhere she needs one. I'll get one on her no problem but she will 100% fiddle with it and she has asthmatic symptoms (will likely be diagnosed when shes 5), so I'm not sure I want to be giving her anything that would restrict her breathing

My two year old would rip it off and that would be that

I thought it was 5 and above?

My DH works on public transport and is exactly the person who is going to be expected to enforce this. Asked him if they were expecting small kids to be wearing masks and the answer was "fuck no! No chance!" And then went on about smothering and choking and tiny wind pipes for a bit.

I won't be making our 3.5 yo wear one. I'd rather fold him into a buggy with the rain cover down.

I can’t get my 3 year old to keep a hat on either. No chance he would wear a mask! I won’t be taking him on public transport any time soon.

Neither my 2 or 8 year old (ASD) will wear a mask. Not about to make them either.

@PennyArrowBar - that's a good point for an emergency trip, pushchair with raincover might be annoying for toddlers but would be at least possible with a few toys and books under there.

If I had a 2yo then no, because I wouldn't have spent 2 years avoiding cot bumpers, ties, wires, blind pulleys etc to then attach a potential strangulation device to his/her face.