I know I’m a bit delayed with this comment. It was well known that children should never wear masks during this period as it was no good for their health ???? my young child never wore one.

My grandson had to go to childcare. Both his parents and grandparents worked through the first wave. For the 2nd wave, his mum was able to work from home so he got to stay home too

I know this has changed a bit, since you first posted since we are in stage 4. I have had masks made for my 3.5year old. and made it into a game, and she loves wearing it. I am fairly concerned about her not having one on, especially since when they are that young they don’t fully understand, not touching their face etc, but the mask is a barrier as well for her.

I find it hard to believe that children under 12 do not need masks. Even a young baby is very vulnerable. I think it would be difficult to keep one on a baby though, or even to buy one small enough. Some schools closed and the option was home schooling, Child care centres in SA didn’t close. Because the Govt. made fees free a lot of people who didn’t work sent their kids along. One of the reasons it was made free was that frontline staff could work extra hours to cope with additional cases of illness. I know one couple who increased the number of days for that reason. Medical staff were working extra hours to cope with the extra patients needing treatment. Not all had covid but weren’t well and took precautions.

We decided to keep home

A nervous time for all 8n Victoria at the moment. They say kids are pretty safe. But if you have doubts and are in the position to keep them home, then do that.

I’m an early childhood educator and my centre has made them mandatory that we wear them during our entire shift. If childcare is something you need to utilise Because you’re working etc then continue to do so otherwise personally I wouldn’t send my child not in these trying times. It’s getting to unpredictable out there with this virus. It’s not even worth the risk at the end of the day.

I don’t think its a real problem as its just the adults that need to wear them, and the kids have just taken it in their stride that adults are walking around with them. Children are very adaptable and resilient.

Kids under 12 no need masks.But quite hard time for working mums to ensure their kids safety.

Good luck to mummas who dont have any other option.

I am not in melbourne, but I just want to shout out to you all! Good luck through all of this! No one can tell you what’s right or wrong for your little family

Masks are not mandatory for little ones. My kids are school aged, but if they were younger, I would be okay providing the child care centre had appropriate hygiene procedures in place.

I dont think kids need to wear them…if your kid has some health issue i will consider to keep it home

Personally I think when you follow all the guidelines and the child care center does so too, it should be ok. But I can totally understand as well those who prefer to keep their family at home, especially those who have a weaker immune system

My understanding is that children under 12 don’t need to wear a mask and child care workers don’t have to either?

Im not in Melbourne but Id be trying to find alternate arrangements if I could. The mask requirement only applies to kids 12 and over.