How to find the best mask for your money as kids prepare to return to school amid a pandemic

As you shop for masks for your kids they can run anywhere from a few bucks to $20. They can cost even more depending on fabric and design.

WINK News reporter Therese O’Shea set out to find the best kids’ masks for your money.

“We have one’s for children and they come in two different colors,” said Millstead Boutique owner, Kristy Molloy.

Molloy plans to send her daughter and son back to class this school year. Doctors agree that masks are crucial for heading back to school safely.

Medical-grade N-95 masks are in short supply and can’t be re-used, so the cost adds up over time.

That’s a big reason pediatric infectious diseases doctor, Maria Rosas says cloth masks are the best options for kids.

“You shouldn’t be sending your kids to school with an N-95. The N-95 is really more for healthcare workers and they are a little bit harder to breathe on,” Rosas said.

The fit of the mask is also important, something Molloy has taken into consideration.

“They have the really soft ear wrappings, they are machine washable,” Molloy said.

Which in the long run will save you money.

“The cloth mask gives you the advantage that you can change it every day and wash it and as they become soiled or get a little bit damp,” Molloy said.

“They’re also made of a dry-wicking material, so if it’s raining outside or you get them a little wet, it’s really not a problem.”

The masks at Millstead boutique cost $14. Other places like Old Navy is selling 5-packs of cotton masks for $15, breaking down to $3 a mask. Target sells the 3-packs for $10. And The Pottery Barn kids’ cotton-poly blend comes in a two-pack for $20. But they’ll donate 30-percent of your sale to a charity that feeds hungry kids.