My daughter is showing all of the signs of getting her period in the next few months. When I was her age, my mom had ordered a supply kit that had lots of different brands and styles of pads, etc. so that I could try them out and see what I liked. Does anyone know of anything like that? If not, what supplies have your girls liked? I'm guessing I need to get prepared!
Thanks ladies for your suggestions. I will look at some of the websites to see what samples I can get (especially if they're free). I will be holding off on the tampons for at least a while. I wasn't able to wear them comfortably until I was almost out of high school. I had never thought of TSS, but my daughter has pretty severe ADHD and can have a terrible memory. I can totally see her forgetting about it!
Small pads and tampons, Pamprin.
Mine quickly decided that pads were for the birds and asked for tampons.
You can create your own kit by going to the travel size section of any good supermarket or pharmacy. Get a few different samples of products without investing a whole lot of money until you determine her preferences.
I think tampons with applicators are the easiest for first-time users, vs. the applicator-less products like O.B. I preferred O.B. for myself (less disposal issue, more compact for the purse) but I think they require a certain knowledge of anatomy as well as a comfort level with the body that a lot of young tweens don't yet have. I'd include a few higher absorbency pads that you think will fit her body (maybe some straight, some narrower in the middle), 2 types of tampons, some thin panty liners, a spray bottle of stain remover, some new underwear, maybe a small bottle of tylenol. You might consider a pack of adult cleansing wipes - sometimes if kids get their periods and have a little mess, they don't know where to start. I'd specifically leave out feminine sprays and douches - I think they are a terrible idea and they cause health problems. Also figure out your plan for disposal of tampons or pads. Perhaps a small lined can with a step-on lid so used products are protected from family pets and any younger, curious children. (I don't know what other people have used - it's been a long time since I've had a girl in the house!)
I also think a good book is a great resource - diagrams of female organs, explanations of periods (some balance between "cramps suck" and "it's a glorious time to be a woman", you know?), and discussions of various products and their use. Kids will sometimes actually look things up rather than go to a parent all the time, and it keeps them off the internet which can be super scary if they see that "bloating" can mean ovarian cancer vs. normal premenstrual body changes.
Most big name companies have a starter kit. Order a few, pick the pamphlet or other informational material you like (my SD got The Care And Keeping Of You from her mom) and talk to your DD. My mom shoved the supplies in the closet until the day I needed them. I was grateful I didn't have to ask. We also told SD that the supplies were there for her or any friends/cousins. We still keep spares under the sink for anyone who needs them. Also, Kotex now has a "U" line she might like.
Hey, I remember that kit! For my oldest 2 girls, we had tons of supplies in the house since I was still getting my period back then. My poor 3rd daughter got hers a few years earlier than her sisters (so it was unexpected) and in a house where no supplies existed any more (had been done with my period for 10 years by that time). I did get her "teen" tampons, "teen" pads, and a box of pantyliners. Between those 3 things, we were able to kind of figure out what she did or didn't like and went from there. She was a tampon kid from day 1 so it was just a matter of figuring out which brand she liked best.
Good luck!
My mom got me a box of tampons. Not sure what else you would need or why.
Please include Tampons. I still remember the horror of having to deal with a heavy period at that age and my mom refusing to get me tampons. It was awful. I couldn't even sit through one 45 minute class without leaking through the huge pillow of pad between my legs. Also, get her some extra long pads for night time. I moved around all the time and was constantly leaking. Grant it it was 25 years ago and product has come a long way, but I can remember how mortified I was every month like it was yesterday.
I personally like Playtex because of the plastic applicator. I found it went in easier than the others which is nice when just starting out. Also, they have a slim version which maybe nice for your daughter.
Also, let her know that heavy bleeding and severe cramps are not normal. I had them and thought that's what your period was, I didn't know I shouldn't heavily bleed for 10 days and have cramps so bad I threw up. Because my mom never talked about anything having to do with the female body, I just accepted everything as normal.
Sorry, I'm projecting, but I have a lot of negative feelings about what my period was like. I swore I would never let my daughter feel the way I did, so I guess I'm not trying to prevent everyone's daughter from having my same experience.
As for getting ready, I agree with the trial section until she knows what she likes.
If you search "first period kit" on Amazon, you'll find a number of overpriced kits out there that will give you ideas on what to put in your own.
Also, each of the major brands has pages and tons of info on their websites. Always/Tampax (Procter&Gamble) has one called "BeingGirl" that has several articles for youud tween/teens.
Good luck!
Go to Playtex or always website I think you can sign up for a free kit
I ordered some sort of packet from Playtex. I don't recall everything that was in it because my daughter is now 20.
I did have a stash of varied products, pads, liners, tampons, Midol and we out a small garbage can with a lid beside her toilet.
From day 1 she opted for tampons and I don't blame her. She ONLY wears a pad at night.
I had my hysterectomy when she was in 1st grade and didn't need supplies anymore but I still keep some on hand in case something is needed if she or a friend is visiting. She knows where the stash is located so there is no issue with getting to it if needed.
You've gotten tons of suggestions for pads and tampons.
Please include chocolate in your supply kit!
Just for laughs watch the "First Moon Party" on YouTube. It's about a girl who fakes having her first period and her Mom's hilarious over the top reaction.
Here's the link:
http://youtu.be/NEcZmT0fiNM
Best,
T. Y
One thing I will mention. TSS. A girl new to periods and dealing with the changes in her body might actually forget to remove a tampon. Then get TSS and she could die.
So I wouldn't do a tampon until the girl was over the hump of starting and had enough experience to understand her health is at risk if she uses a tampon. Hopefully you won't have to remind her every day to go pull it out.
So I'm not offering tampons to our girls as a choice. Summer is half way over and if she is on her period later this month and she wants to go swimming or something I might make that offer but I'd be making sure she understands it's dangerous and she needs to mentally make a commitment to get them out as soon as she is done swimming.
Try the new Always panty liners/pads, cool black box w/bright colors (yes like the kotex but not the same) they have an all new feel to them more like foam & they really do a great job of wicking away all the moisture and protecting the panties...& very very thin!
I always had a mix of tampons and different pads and liners.. She knew she could use or try any of them.. Once she figured out what she liked, I purchased her a supply.
