PPE for Daycare, Preschool and Kindergarten

Back to school is usually the best time of year… not least of which is because it’s back to some semblance of a normal routine. We are all really hoping and praying that this school year — unlike the last — we will get just that: a normal routine.

Even if our kiddos are now back to school full-time, we have to adapt to a “new normal.” After all, many school districts across the country are still taking precautions to keep COVID surges at bay (and to keep schools open). In addition to all your normal back to school fare — lunchboxes and water bottles, backpacks, etc. — this year (still) calls for some germ-preventing inventory. Even if your school doesn’t require masking, you may choose to have your little ones wear masks and/or keep some masks handy during classroom surges or, you know, the flu season. Not to mention, having a portable stash of hand sanitizer won’t hurt anyone.

Here are some of our favorite kids masks and mask accessories, PPE organization, and more.

Masks for Toddlers and Kids

We wrote a comprehensive guide to masks, which includes a roundup of our faves for both kids and adults. But here are some of the standouts for children. They stay on, they’re comfortable, and they’ve got fun kid-friendly prints. 

*Note that epidemiologists recommend KN95 masks or cloth masks with filter capabilities. Though they generate more waste, these disposable masks are still one of the most effective, yet breathable options out there.

GreenSprouts ~$10

These reusable face masks feature an activated carbon layer, which makes them more breathable. They also have a water-resistant outer layer and a wicking lining. 

Crayola ~$20 for 5

The crayola pack includes 5 color-coded face masks (one for each school day!), a mesh laundry bag, and a calendar card organizer, so you can easily keep track of which mask needs a good wash. The masks feature a name tag, adjustable ear straps and a nose clip. 

Joah Love ~$22-$24

Joah Love makes the comfiest masks for children, with soft cotton adjustable straps and super fun prints. They might not be the most protective, but the brand now has new masks with filter pockets. Yes, Charlene’s kids (3 and almost 6 years old) keep them on for hours on end when they play with friends outside, which is why it makes our list.

RANTO KN95 Kids Masks ~ $20 for 50 (at time of publishing)

These KN95 kids masks are a game changer, especially for parents whose little ones have small faces. The adjustable straps ensure a custom fit, and the kids love the vibrant colors. Plus, they feature 5 layers of protection but are still breathable. My kids wore these and those all year round and never (rarely) complained.

Mask Accessories

Let’s be honest — wearing a face mask gets unpleasant pretty quickly. They can irritate your ears and your skin, and don’t even get us started on the foggy glasses. Not to mention, face masks are the new socks: turn your back for just a second, and poof, it’s is gone.

From storage baskets to lanyards, we’ve hunted down the most useful accessories to make that masked life a whole lot easier for your little ones (and you).  

Mask Adjustment Buckles ~$4 for 100

Are all your little one’s masks slightly too big? Not a problem. Get these adjustment buckles to make the ear loops tighter. There are 100 pieces, so you can team up with another family to split the cost. 

Kids Ear Savers ~ starting at $4

If your kid complains about ear pain when wearing a mask with ear loops (or if she wears glasses), get one of those ear savers. They’ll relieve any pressure she may experience. Note: kids might need helping getting them on.

Face Mask Lanyard ~$4

Simple and colorful, this bestselling lanyard is going to keep your child’s mask in sight. No more masks left behind. 

Lanyard with Break-Away Connector ~$9 for 10

This lanyard features a breakaway connector, which makes it safe for kiddos.  

Anti-Fog Treatment ~$10

Begone foggy lenses. The treatment promises clear lenses in seconds, which will be a game changer for anyone (little ones and adults alike) wearing glasses. Do note that while some reviewers rave about this product, others are saying it doesn’t work at all. Warby Parker also has anti-fog spray for ~ $15.

Organization and Storage

What do you do with your face masks when you’re home? You’ll need a clean, secure place to store your growing stock — not just to keep an organized home, but also to place them where we won’t forget them next time we head out the door. Here are some of our ideas: 

Wire Cubby Shelf ~$183

A shelf with wire cubbies makes it easy to keep masks organized. Just dedicate one cubby per family member, and voilà! Many of them come with hooks as well. So you can keep backpacks or coats on there too… or you can hang the “mask du jour” on the hook the night before school! (And if you choked at this price tag, you can opt for a less chic — and less $$ — version, like this one, for just $14.)

Jewelry Stand ~$13

A jewelry stand is a great option to dry and store masks after washing them. You can also dedicate each holder to one specific person. 

Colored Hook Rack ~$22

Use a colored hook rack (or individual hooks) to color code your mask storage system. Each person chooses a color, so there’s no confusion as you get out the door. This is particularly great for toddlers, who will have fun picking their colors. Plus, with single hooks, you can bring theirs to their level! 

Over the Door Rack ~$varies 

If you have a closet door in your entry, you may want to opt for an over-the-door rack. No holes needed; plus, masks won’t be the very first thing you see when getting in the door. 

Plastic Modular Drawers ~$varies

Storing masks in plastic drawers (one drawer for each family member) is a great way to make sure they don’t get lost and stay clean once they are washed. You could also opt for clear, sealed storage bins like these (~$8).

Baskets ~$varies

You like the drawer and bin idea, but not the aesthetic? COVID prevention doesn’t have to put a damper on your style. Baskets for masks (shall we call them “maskets?”) are prettier alternatives to plastic bins.   

Labeling Solutions

Pre-pandemic, I admit I was SUPER loosey-goosey about labeling my kids’ daycare and preschool stuff. But I know that won’t fly this year.

If keeping water bottles, lunch boxes and extra clothes straight wasn’t enough of a struggle already, it now feels all the more important. Here are some options that can help you make sure your kiddo’s stuff lands in the right hands during and at the end of the day: 

If you really want a label maker (be warned — you will start labeling everything you own…. these things are like, super addictive), we have two similar recommendations:

Brother P-touch PTD210 ~$59

(also @Walmart)

This label maker prints tags that can survive “the preschool elements” (dishwasher, laundry, grabby fingers, etc.), is intuitive to use, and is very well liked. It’s also quite affordable and comes from a trusted brand in the labeling department. **Note: it runs on batteries. 

Brother P-touch PTD450 ~$83

(also @Walmart)

If you want a little bit of an upgrade, this version is a fan fave with a few additional features. The face is a little bigger, the screen is backlit, and you can also connect it to your computer (PC or Mac) for easier use (typing). Its labels can withstand the dishwasher, which is an absolute must for sippy boxes and snack containers and the like. 

If, like me, you’d rather just order a set of premade labels you can slap on your kiddo’s things, here’s your best bet: 

Mabel’s Labels ~$varies

(multi-pack @Amazon)

Mabel’s are the go-to for daycare and preschool labels. They have labels designed for every possible surface, and they are built to last. Mabel’s are mom-designed and mom-approved for making it through to the other side of the dishwasher, laundry room, and the microwave. They are kid-approved too, with playful prints.

You can buy labels by category or pre-determined daycare or school sets, and Mabel’s Labels also supports schools with fundraising donations — you can check if yours is on the list here. 

Hand Sanitizer

You’ve probably already heard from every media outlet that hand-washing is “better” than sanitizer — and it’s true — but hand sanitizer is nonetheless a nice option, especially when you’re on the go. (Actually, sanitizer is even less effective when hands are dirty or greasy… which is a REAL shame, because having grimy hands is basically a universal truth of toddlerdom and childhood. Sigh.)

*Please note: it is dangerous for children to swallow hand sanitizer — even a small amount can actually cause alcohol poisoning in young children. In March 2020, Poison Control centers received over 75% more calls about accidental hand sanitizer ingestion compared to March 2019, most of which were in children <5. Keep it out of reach. (Deep breath, though — the FDA notes that we don’t need to worry if our kids lick their hands after applying sanitizer, whew). All in all, this means that we shouldn’t be sending toddlers and Pre-K kids off to daycare/preschool with their own hand sanitizer.

Also good to know: Hand sanitizers are FDA-regulated. 

Although many sites are rounding up “the best 38 hand sanitizers of 2021” (seriously, I’m not kidding… who the eff has the time???), the reality is that you can use whatever kind you want as long as the alcohol percentage is 60%+ (solutions with 60 to 95% alcohol will effectively kill the coronavirus). Personally, I’ve just been buying whatever’s available at our local grocery store — because it really doesn’t matter. 

But: if you’re looking for something specifically to send to school with your kids, there are a couple of compact, portable choices to mention: 

Everyone (EO) ~$23 for 6-pack of 2 oz bottles

These easy-spray bottles are perfect for a quick sanitizing spritz (contains 62% alcohol). The lavender scent is the crowd favorite, but EO also offers other varieties if you’re not a fan of lavender. 

Green Goo ~$varies 

This gel hand sanitizer comes in easy travel-sized tubes and only contains 4 ingredients (63.5% alcohol, no fragrance). It’s a minimalist plant-based product from a woman-founded company. 

Baby Bum ~$4 (2 oz.)

This sanitizer spray (62% alcohol) smells like coconuts and vacation. That’s enough of a reason for me. 

Also neat: Suds2Go Bottle ~$36 — a portable hand-washing solution. 

Full disclosure — we haven’t personally tried these bottles, and I’m not entirely sure I see them taking off in schools, but if you’re the kind of family who frequently (or ever) goes camping/hiking/etc., this could be a really useful gadget to have around (plus — diaper changes). It’s a combined soap and water dispenser that’s just about the size of a water bottle.

That’s all we’ve got in this otherworldly back-to-school list of PPE. Did we forget anything? Any other favorite brands in any of these departments? Tell us in the comments below.