By Bonita Turner
Best reusable face masks for kids – and getting them to keep them on!
As facemasks become the new norm we've rounded up the best and most stylish face coverings for children as well as a few tips on how to ensure they wear them too!
As we all begin to realise that face masks are now set to become part of our ‘new’ normal, it may well be time to invest in a few (if you haven’t had to need up until now). And while it’s easy for us to understand this new rule
(* Update: The government has said that face masks are compulsory in all shops in England from July 24 2020), getting kids to wear them and keep them on is a whole different story.
Following the government announcement that some form of face covering is now mandatory on public transport and in hospitals for everyone – including children over the age of 2* where social distancing is difficult to maintain, this topic is going to affect the vast majority of us. Wearing a face mask or covering (does) and is going to feel strange for everyone at first and could possibly be a little daunting to most young children. We’ve rounded up a selection of the best reusable and washable face masks from some of our favourite fashion brands and some great tips for broaching the subject of masks and making them easier to wear…
How to get kids to wear a Face Mask
-
Wear at Home: Our top tip for getting children used to wearing a face mask is to get them to wear one at home before they actually wear one outside. Maybe the whole family could wear one to play a game or watch a short TV show?
-
Lead by Example: If you are wearing your face mask children are more likely to follow suit. You could even put masks on their favourite teddy or doll to make it feel more ‘normal’ to them.
-
Practice makes Perfect. Let them put the mask on for themselves to allow them get comfortable with the process. If you can help children feel relaxed, it will be less of a challenge to get them to wear the mask and keep it on.
-
Be Honest: Talk about why we have to wear them in language they understand. They have already been exposed to the hand washing rules, so just explain that the masks prevent germs spreading further. For younger children, simply explaining that coughing and sneezing can spread germs that could make you sick may be explanation enough.
-
Share: Take a photo and share it on their class Facebook or WhatApp group – if they can see their friends and other children wearing masks it may not seem so daunting.
-
Choose with Care: Not all masks are the same. Make sure to check the recommended age range or size specifications. Some face masks come in multiple sizes, some are adjustable, and others are one-size-fits-all.
-
Make it Comfortable: If the over-the-ear loops are causing an issue try ear extenders. They basically go around the back of the head with hooks to attach the face mask’s straps taking the pressure off the ears. Useful for glasses wearers also.
-
Make it Fun: Whether that’s picking a print with a kid-friendly design, a character your child loves or even buying a plain one to decorate with iron on patches (Meri Meri has a great selection) .
-
Have a Spare: As with kids underwear, it might be useful to have a spare mask for when one is in the wash. Although, many masks are reusable some are only washable up to 30 times.
-
Best Face Masks for Stylish Kids:
Pretty certified organic poplin masks in signature Hoity-Toity fabrics – what’s not to love? Handmade and double lined with 3-layers include a pocket for additional filter layers and channel for optional face shaping wire insert. You can even team them with a matching dress for full fashion effect. £10.00, Hoity-Toity
Since 5th April our little lockdown team, the twinnies + I have been working with local Bath based initiative ‘fb group’ #thesewingcollective @sewingcollectivebanes contributing our beautiful organic prints & #lindentwins new found sewing skills. We celebrated 1K members, #1000scrubs & the current 1K face coverings goal with a virtual tea party followed by a lovely little @hoitytoityltd #twinnies #bbcradiosomerset feature. Also a mention in The Bath and Wiltshire Parent , Wow! It’s been a busy time off the radar giving a little something back to our precious front line community #nhsheroes #keyworkers #teachers #emergencyservices #postalservice #deliverydrivers a positively endless list, we thank you all ✨🙌🏼
The Bath and Wiltshire Parent
Back under Suffolk skies with our delightfully delicate, organic cotton floral cutwork dia de los muertos dress,
seen here in the light of day at the Green Room beyond beautiful back drop, in bloom, wow! Loved meeting all the
team & hearing about the visionary approach behind the New Street Market shopping experience.
NSM is the kind of go-to destination you pop into briefly & leave about 3 hours later!!
If you’re in Suffolk, head over to Woodbridge & check it out immediately.
sustainable shopping/ fashion, dreamy homewares, vegan spa, plant based food available & so much more.....
GREENROOM Hydrangea Love
Our very own Secret Garden, stunning surrounds neighbouring Woodhall Manor
Wow! We’re super delighted & incredibly excited to announce another highly coveted
@juniormagazineonline award.
Not to mention extremely humbled to have such an esteemed style seal of approval for our little label.
Huge thanks to all the judges,
@mamasvib @eleonore_crompton & team #JDA19
5 years championing & sharing our passion for all things ethical in sustainable organic slow fashion
Beautiful photos: Rekhadamhar
One of our absolute favourite collections #JDA19 highly coveted accolades.
@juniormagazineonline Thanks so very much for the style seal of approval.
The fabulous "Award Winners Brunch' hosted at Immediate Media Music by Jessie Ware
#JDA19 Suitably Sustainable Slow Fashion for the award ceremony of the year & who made my....
Dress by People Tree, Footwear by BC Footwear, Hair by Flossie,
Well we simply had to share this little one! what a great capture @hoitytoityltd
not just #forpreciouslittlemadams handmade to order organic appliqué tees.
Beautiful birthday boys, thanks we so love this super twinnies shot.
info@hoity-toity.co.uk
Soaking up seasonal inspiration stemming from travels to distant shores & back home.
Secret gardens’ from Marrakesh to Mallorca all beautifully depicted by our signature hand painted florals
sat with delightfully delicate cutwork embroideries. So fortunate to have family in fabulous places.....
Balearic Islands
Tile print playsuit available in pale coral cantaloupe on natural gots certified organic cotton. Hand made to order in muted Moroccan tile print. Balearic Islands
Balearic Islands
This Summer we're welcoming the ‘Friary Flower Girl Dresses’ a shoot showcasing beautifully delicate organic
cutwork embroidered cloth & representing our feminine yet fun signature style.
Our flutter sleeve ‘Friary Flower Girl Dresses’ is available in delicate white organic cutwork strip embroidered cloth.
Fabric sourced by our suppliers from Haryana, India via @organictextilecompany transparency in sourcing is a key
element of our sustainably organic ethos.
Hand made to order DM info@hoity-toity.co.uk
Our delicately divine white organic cutwork strip embroidered cloth
The First Junior Design Award Winners Celebration Brunch. Hosted by the one & only Bonita Turner along with the
Junior Team
Wow! what an occasion surrounded by so many incredibly talented & creative people. The Junior Design Awards
recognition has to be the ultimate style seal of approval & we were thrilled to receive our glittering prize.
WINNER: GOLD FOR BEST UK CHILDREN'S FASHION BRAND is just such a huge honour
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Junior and the 7th annual Junior Design Awards 2018.
The Junior Design Awards are recognised for awarding uncompromising style, design and beauty and celebrating
the best-of-the-best in a children’s life.
So very proud our Gold, in the frame & ready for the wall #forpreciouslittlemadams
Happy 20th Anniversary Junior Magazine #JDA2018 #JuniorDesignAwards
Junior 20th Anniversary Celebration Covers
So delighted & a teeny weeny little bit over moon to share such very precious news this month: #JDA2018 Junior
Design Awards 2018 awarded @hoitytoityltd “GOLD in Best UK Children's Fashion Brand” category.
We keep re reading it, yes it really is the best UK Fashion Brand & not our former
highly coveted “Best Eco Fashion Brand Gold 2017”
Back when team @juniormagazineonline first contacted us to say they’d like to transfer our entry into the main
stream fashion category this year we were super excited, daunted & a tad humbled.
For a little bespoke boutique organic label like ours to be deemed suitable company for the big players was such
a massive vote of confidence. On reflection since our “Highly Commended Best Eco Fashion Brand” just 6 months
into our very first year back in 2015 it is what #JDA has always done best, given us
their support with an all important vote of confidence, so just wow! with our passion for all things ethical in fashion
we have #JDA2018 The ultimate “Style Seal of Approval”
Best UK Children's Fashion Brand Junior Design Awards 2018
Find out who the winners of the Best UK Children's Fashion Brand are now.....
WINNER: GOLD FOR BEST UK CHILDREN'S FASHION BRAND
WHO: HOITY-TOITY
WHAT: A luxury British label creating timeless clothes for girls made using ethically sourced materials with a low environmental impact wherever possible. For ages 2-8 years.
WHY: The hand-made feel of these pieces designed to be passed down for generations really made an impact on our judges who loved the lace panel work, pretty cotton fabrics and exquisite ruffle details. JDA18 judge, Junior Travel writer and founder of Mini Travellers, Karen Beddow said "Exceptional quality and love the designs.", while fellow judge and Top children's Stylist Yvadney Davis simply said "Everything about this is beautiful."
WHERE: Hoity-Toity
Our hugest thanks to all those who have & continue to make this possible:
#hoitytoitytwinnies @juniormagazineonline @organic_textile_company
@offset_warehouse @siebenblau @lebenskleidung @fashioncapitaluk @franki.creativepatterncutter
@lauraholdenstudio @sophie_piper @lisaberr73 @kimjacksonphoto
@idressmyselfprint @r.a.smart @tomlindenfilmcomposer @lovesomersetonline
@somersetgardenday @hettyroseshoes to name but a few of our fabulous family of friends, followers & collaborators this really is such a massive vote of confidence.
& hugest thanks to the entire panel of esteemed judges & of course the adorable mini judging panel
#soprecious #minifashioninfluencers #allthatglitters #glitteringprize #gold #wow
#ecoluxe #sustainablekidsfashion #sustainabilitywithstyle #organicfortheplanet
#whomademyfabric #handmadewithlove #awardwinning #organickidsfashion
#forpreciouslittlemadams
Read all about it here: http://www.juniormagazine.co.uk/fashion-awards/best-uk-childrens-fashion-brand--junior-design-awards-2018/21415.html
Enter our exciting panel of esteemed judges who are not only experts in their field, highly respected social influencers and industry insiders, they are all of course, stylish parents themselves. Each one has been hand selected to ensure that Junior continues to showcase the best-of-the-best.
With awards categories for fashion, travel, books, toys, interiors & lifestyle and food & dining enlisting impartial, unbiased and outsider opinion is the best possible way to ensure that the integrity of the Junior Design Awards remains - as they always have been - a luxury signed seal of style approval.
Zoë de Pass, founder of Dress like a Mum
Chloe Thurston, founder of chloeuberkid
Ruby Hammer MBE, Make-Up Artist, presenter & beauty expert
Gemma Metcalfe-Beckers, founder of The Mutha.Hood
Sergei Urban, founder of TheDadLab
Geraldine Tan, editor and founder of Little Big Bell
Donna Wilson, founder and designer at Donna Wilson
Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior and founder of mamasvib
Lisa Mehydene, founder of edit58
Michelle Kennedy, founder of Peanut
Diana Bardega, founder of The Mamahood
Gabrielle Spang, founder & owner of indie boutique Scandi Mini
Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder of Scamp & Dude
Eleonore Crompton, Contributing Editor at Junior & founder of The Mumday Times
Karen Beddow, founder of Mini Travellers and travel contributor at Junior Magazine
Holly Anna Scarsella, founder of Pampelone Clothing
Yvadney Davis, Childrens fashion stylist & founder of Mums that Slay
Sarah Clark, is a Fashion Editor and Stylist & founder of Little Spree
How adorable is this? Meet the stellar line-up up of mini-judges for this years #JDA's the first time Children cast their votes on out prestigious awards #forpreciouslittlemadams 
JDA: Really exciting for this year and for the first time ever (in fact we think the first time ever for any children lifestyle awards) we're introducing a mini panel of judges to really find out what the kids love.
Our mini-panel of 'kidfluencers' (yes, it is a word) will be helping us narrow down what the winners in fashion, travel, books, toys, interiors & lifestyle and food & dining awards with their own discerning eyes.
Each one has been hand selected to ensure that Junior continues to showcase the best-of-the-best - and with their social influence helps o spread the word that Junior really cares about what children want!
The Junior Design Awards remain a signed seal of style approval - and this this the mini-judges will have a say too.
FAROUK JAMES
FLEUR ISTED
JD THE KID
AMAZING ARABELLA
HARLOW LUNA WHITE
SURI GOUVEIA
NANCY ALEYA
Wow! so the big news is just starting to sink in & we're super delighted to announce our #JDA2018 Shortlisting..... although it's very exciting, it's also just a teeny weeny little bit daunting.
Our humble little label has previously submitted #juniordesignawards entries in the "Best Eco" category as you will know, however this year #JDA2018 have popped us into the main fashion brand category!
Oh my we're in with the big players.... Junior Magazine thanks so much for the vote of confidence #gulp
The Junior Design Awards #JDA18 are a unique opportunity to win a luxury award that is - and will continue to be - the most esteemed accolade in the family lifestyle award arena, recognised by brands, clients and consumers alike. Winners will be handpicked by the Junior editorial team and a host of highly respected judges.
Read all about the awards including the recent Q&A, the new updated categories & the phenimonal panel of judges: http://www.juniormagazine.co.uk/
Somerset Garden Day 2018
The Hoity-Toity twinnies hosted their very own little Somerset Garden Day party. See below for superbly stunning shots as we had so much fun rocking our own handmade foraged #flowercrowns same time next year, can't wait.....
Well we've been simply bursting & now we finally can share
this incredible image shot of the Hoity-Toity twinnies rocking
their flower crowns by the one & only @almahaser
Somerset is once again basking in glorious sunshine today & long 'May' it last! Here at Hoity-Toity HQ we're so looking forward to #somersetgardenday & busily planning our very own little #twinnies garden party gathering. This year it's all about rocking a #flowercrown so the girls will be creating their very own crowns along with a handful of their closest friends.
Super excited to share these stunning shots of our very own Somerset Garden Day #twinnie ambassadors. How proud & delighted they are to model their fabulous flower crowns & such truly exquisite floral artistry created by the one and only Fiona Haser Bizony @electricdaisyflowerfarm Hoity-Toity are huge fans of her beautiful blooms.
Here's some inspiration from our ambassadors. How will you style yours? We so love sharing our passion for accessorising with beautiful blooms
'Organic Flower Art' perfectly matched with 'Organic Hand Painted Floral Print Dresses' #handmadetoorder #ethicallyharvested #gotscertifiedorganiccotton #forpreciouslittlemadams
THE 2nd SOMERSET GARDEN DAY IS HAPPENING ON SUNDAY 13 MAY 2018
No matter how big or small your garden is – whether you have rolling lawns, an allotment or simple window box display – Somerset Garden Day is all about downing tools and celebrating the fruits of your labour with neighbours, family & friends
For further details on how you, your friends & family can join in & celebrate this wonderful event click on this link & pop over to the Somerset Garden Day site
The team are travelling the county with their free flower-crown making workshops. So if you're local this Sunday 6th May why not head over to The Frome Independent & find them outside the Library, by the Village Green.
Super exciting news from @muddy_somerset so delighted to announce Hoity-Toity has been nominated in the Best Children’s Business category for the #muddystilettosawards Wow! watch this space.....
Huge thanks to all our fabulous followers and clientele this is just #soprecious please do head over to their website for further details on how to vote & support our passion for sustainable girls fashion https://somerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/vote/
The Muddy Stilettos Awards celebrate the very best of local business in Somerset. If you do love what we do please vote for us and support our passion for sustainable girls fashion. Check out their wonderful website we are super delighted to be in the running for Best Children’s Business #muddystilettosawards #soprecious
Muddy Stilettos first tottered into the world in Bucks/Oxon in 2011 as a bit of fun. Launched by national journalist Hero Brown, the idea was a simple one: to write a witty but indispensable guide to the very best restaurants, walks, boutiques, day trips, hotels, interiors and events in the local counties and in doing so, perk up her social life.
In Nov 2012 the blog turned into a business, and seven years on, Muddy Bucks/Oxon has become so successful that it has moved into 19 counties, including Berkshire, Cambridgeshire, Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants, Norfolk, Kent, Norfolk, Surrey, Sussex, Wiltshire, Warwickshire – and of course, Somerset.....thanks to our very own freelance writer and multi-media scriptwriter Sue Tucker,
click here to find out more about the fascinating Muddy Stiletto story, a journey from blog to rather fabulous business:
https://somerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/about/
Magical Morroco
Easter in Essaouira viewing distant shores through the eyes of a child or two!! It’s just so endearingly infectious sharing their inquisitive delight & thirst for an insight into all things Moroccan..... So young yet such a spirit of adventure, twinnies travels. Our favourite family fun time game had to be the hunting of the blue door....
The most perfect photo opportunity, showcasing our dottily dotty flutter sleeve dress in organic polkadot poplin cotton
Bahia Palace Marrakesh, a stunningly serene location for a lovely little shoot detailing our delightfully delicately dotty organic voile flutter sleeve blouse.....
Jardin Majorelle a pilgrimage to the one time dreamy home of the one & only YSL,
encapsulating the intensity of light and vivid colour of Marrakesh serving as the most divine contrast for our embroidered cutwork drop waist dress
More magical moments & such a precious image, twinnies togetherness the same but very different. Intensely vivid hues as 'Majorelle Blue' meets 'Cherry Tomato' in the Moroccan gardens of Yves Saint Laurent. A location befitting our stunning handwoven artisan embroidered cutwork cloth. Gots certified organic cotton.
Revisiting our signature heritage prints in subtle hues, no collection is complete without an everyday essential, meet the blossom button eye birdie appliqué Tee. Gots certified organic cotton jersey eco care hand wash or 30°
Finally just time to share our beautiful third birthday celebrations, in the most stunningly serene surrounds of Beldi Country Club. Set among rose gardens & olive groves Beldi is simply the most magical rural eco retreat. Housing a unique series of craft workshops, a bakery and it's own mini artisan souk selling Safi pottery, hand-embroidered linens and Berber carpets. So heartening to discover more about their amazing embroidery initiative supporting "Association Les Ecoles et Ateliers de l'Atlas" a not for profit organisation financing schooling for orphans in the mountains outside Marrakesh #soprecious
Spring’s sprung, the snow has passed & Somerset is finally basking in glorious sunshine today. Super excited to share another little sneak peak from behind the scenes at #somersetgardenday So looking forward to the big reveal.. stunning shots & the twinnies were delighted with their invitation to model their fabulous flower crowns, truly exquisite floral artistry created by the one and only Fiona Haser Bizony @electricdaisyflowerfarm Hoity-Toity are huge fans of her beautiful blooms, such a treat. We had so much fun & the girls even took their crowns upstairs to bed #soprecious
For further details on how you, your friends & family can join in & celebrate this wonderful event click on this link & pop over to the Somerset Garden Day site
'Organic Flower Art' perfectly matched with 'Organic Hand Painted Floral Print Dresses' #handmadetoorder #ethicallyharvested
We simply can't wait to share the incredible images shot by @almahaser
watch this space.... here's a taster
❤️ There's much excitement at The Old Rectory today with the arrival of a vibrant new splash of colour in the shape of our ‘Bespoke Valentines Frida Dress’.
The 'Cherry Tomato' cloth with its stunning orangey red hue exudes the Summers heat and warmth we are all so longing for.....
We shot our delightfully delicate embroidered cutwork dress against the dreamy backdrop of our neighbouring
St Mary Magdalene Church.
An 'English Rose' in her 'Gots Certified Organic Cotton Dress', ages 2 - 8 years £165.
Perfect for your precious little Madam....
GOTS certified organic cotton, eco care hand wash 30°
due to the delicate nature of this beautiful hand loom woven cloth
we recommend hand wash only
hand make to order, please email info@hoity-toity.co.uk
orders are delivered within 7-14 days
Super delighted with our fabulous feature: LOVE SOMERSET -ONLINE-
Thanks so very much to Kate & Team LSO head over the website & discover more about
all all thing Hoity-Toity, our passion for organic fashion, the origins of our name & why
we love Somerset life: https://lovesomersetonline.com/2017/11/29/hoity_toity_bath/
The Smallish Design Awards Party & our amazing award
✨Gold, so precious✨ in Best Eco Fashion Brand category #smallishdesignawards2017
How amazing to have judges Jakki Jones, Carolyn Asome and Bev Turner presenting the awards.....
Thanks to Estelle and Team Smallish, So honoured to be there.....
@bevturnerlbc @jakkidoodles & @smallishmagazine_estelle
"Christmas at Kew Trail" what a wonderful way to kick off the festive season with a twilight stroll. Such fun preceded by the awards party of the year @smallish_magazine thank you so much, stunning surroundings, amazing awards. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....
Happy Halloween delighted to be revealing our lovely "LBD" Little Black Dress in Organic hand woven fair trade cotton with divinely delicate cut work detail....
The West Country Girls: Pumpkin patch princesses.....
Wow! Sharing such exciting news... Look what just arrived over the rolling hills of Somerset. Super delighted to have been awarded WINNER (Gold) of the Eco Fashion Brand category ~ so precious, thanks so very much Estelle & all @smallish_magazine Hoity-Toity are so honoured to receive such a high accolade from the number one contemporary parenting and lifestyle magazine in the UK.
Thanking the esteemed panel of Judges:
& @SmallishEstelle
Look out for the next update 'Smallish Design Awards 2017 awards party', can't wait.....
#smallishdesignawards2017
Summer's almost gone & what a beautiful ending to our holiday season. The Hoity-Toity precious little madams were delighted to join in the celebrations at our dear friends very special occasion. Such an enchanting location set among the rolling hills above Dürnstein, a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Flower Girls looked adorable in their delicate cutwork organic cotton dresses, the perfect choice for the occasion & the glorious 35 °C of sun shinning down on vineyards above the Danube.
"Foxcote Flower Girl Dress" in organic cotton lawn with delicate cutwork insert detail
We all enjoyed an amazing wedding with the most breath taking views.....
Oh & spot of sight seeing in Vienna en route home, where we all fell in love with the Chanel shop, divinely ethereal!
Our very own Secret Garden, stunning surrounds neighbouring 
Beautiful photos: 
Junior 20th Anniversary Celebration Covers 
Our hugest thanks to all those who have & continue to make this possible: 
http://www.juniormagazine.co.uk/fashion-awards/junior-design-awards-2018--meet-the-judging-panel/21342.html
The most perfect photo opportunity, showcasing our dottily dotty flutter sleeve dress in organic polkadot poplin cotton
More magical moments & such a precious image, twinnies togetherness the same but very different. Intensely vivid hues as 'Majorelle Blue' meets 'Cherry Tomato' in the 
Revisiting our signature heritage prints in subtle hues, no collection is complete without an everyday essential, meet the blossom button eye birdie appliqué Tee. Gots certified organic cotton jersey 
Finally just time to share our beautiful third birthday celebrations, in the most stunningly serene surrounds of 
