Wearing a face mask is the most common public measure to protect against COVID-19, but their appropriateness for children is sometimes misunderstood.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, face masks can help block the transmission of respiratory droplets from an infected person, however two groups of people are exempt from covering up in public: Children under the age of 2 and those with difficulty breathing or who can’t remove their masks without assistance.

The American Academy of Pediatrics adds that in certain situations, children (older than two) don’t need masks “as long as they can stay at least 6 feet away from others and can avoid touching surfaces.

Face mask recommendations have changed this year — in April, upon learning that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVD-19) can spread among people without symptoms or those who haven’t yet developed symptoms, the CDC said that everyone should cover their faces in public.

“Face masks protect when in close proximity of others and children under the age of 2 generally shouldn’t be at risk [of contamination] if they’re restrained in a stroller or a carrier,” she tells Yahoo Lifestyle.

Bernstein, M.D., a physician at North Suburban Pediatrics in Chicago, toddlers have smaller airways than older children and adults, which matters if a mask obstructs or is fastened too tightly.

It’s for that reason that the CDC recommends anyone who cannot easily remove a mask themselves shouldn’t wear one.

Although parents should avoid putting kids under two in masks to be safe, Bernstein says the guidelines about toddlers shouldn’t cause fear among the general population.

“Face masks aren’t designed or studied for infants and children under two,” he says?