Has your daughter just had her first period (or you suspect she will soon)? You may be at a loss about what to do and how to teach her about her first period. As a mom, you want to make sure she understands her options and what is happening to her body so that the transition is easier for her.

We have some resources to help you support your daughter as she starts her period and some great tips for creating a first period kit.

When I had my first period, my mom danced around me yelling, “you’re a woman now!”.

Super awkward.

Your daughter’s first period is a huge milestone but it’s important to remember that she probably feels a bit awkward about it. I’d recommend creating a first period kit and having it ready to go well before you think that your daughter will have her first period. It will help you prepare for what to do and say when your daughter comes to you with questions.

Being a parent is hard sometimes. If your daughter’s first period makes you nervous, take a deep breath, remember what the experience was like for you, and help her through it — because she feels just as awkward as you do.

What to include in a first period kit

You can put together a really cute first period kit for your daughter and really customize it to her individual style. You can start with only a few things and add to it as you’d like or let your daughter choose a few things once she starts her period.

A cute bag

Your daughter is going to need a cute (and discreet) zipper pouch to keep the supplies she needs for her period in her backpack or purse. Look for something that is big enough to fit a day’s worth of supplies but not so big that it’s to bulky for her to carry around.

These little floral canvas pencil bags are super cute and they come in a pack of 4 so your daughter can keep a period kit in each bag she uses. If you want something more discreet, these cotton zipper pouches are fantastic.

If your teen wants a bit more style to her bag, these waterproof toiletry bags are adorable.

Sanitary Pads

The first period is awkward enough without having to learn how to use tampons or menstrual cups. Your daughter will probably want to explore those options down the road, but in the beginning keep it simple with some basic pads.

Her flow is likely to be light in the beginning too, which means she won’t need heavy protection.

She’ll probably want to try out a few different styles before she discovers which style she likes the best. I love the idea of this pad sampler kit that has assorted pads for a girl’s first period.

I love that U by Kotex makes pads in tween size. That’s the first thing I’d add to your first period kit if you don’t want to get an assortment. If you want an organic option, Natratouch has a smaller pack of assorted sizes. For a light period, your daughter may even be interested in trying cloth pads. They come in really cute patterns and they are comfortable to wear.

Period Underwear

If you haven’t tried using period underwear yourself, it may be something you want to try. Period Underwear is absorbent underwear that is designed to be used instead of a pad and we think it’s perfect for young teens who are getting used to having their period.

If you don’t want to go that route, at least get a pack of cheap underwear your tween or teen can use for her first few cycles because they will likely get stained.

Pocket Calendar

Your teen is going to want to keep track of her period so she isn’t surprised and caught away from home without any supplies. Your teen’s period will likely be irregular for a while but having a general idea of when she can expect her period will help her plan. She probably doesn’t want to set up an alert in her phone but a tiny pocket calendar would come in handy. You can find some really cute styles too, like this one from Orange Circle Studio.

Books about her First Period

Your daughter probably has all kinds of questions about her first period and her menstrual cycle in general but she may feel awkward asking.

There are some great books out there that she can read to help answer some of her questions. Let her know that you are available if she has questions or wants to talk, but a book may help her feel more comfortable talking with you since she’ll know the basics.

First Period Books We recommend:

• • The Period Book: A Girl’s Guide to Growing Up
  • The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls
  • The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Older Girls
  • The Feelings Book: The Care and Keeping of Your Emotions
  • Is This Normal?
    
  • Period. A Girl’s Guide.
  • The “What’s Happening to My Body” Book for Girls

The Period Book: A Girl’s Guide to Growing UpBuy NowThe Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls, Revised EditionBuy NowThe Feelings Book (Revised): The Care and Keeping of Your EmotionsBuy NowIs This Normal (Revised): MORE Girls’ Questions, Answered by the Editors of The Care & Keeping of YouBuy NowPeriod.: A Girl’s GuideBuy NowWhat’s Happening to My Body? Book for Girls: Revised EditionBuy Now

Pre-made First Period Kits

If you don’t want to put together your own first period kit, there are some great ones that are already done for you. These can be a great way to save time (and sometimes money) and make a great gift when your daughter has her first period.

HelloFlo Period Starter Kit

The Period Starter Kit from HelloFlo has a great assortment of products that are perfect for your daughter when she has her first period.

Period Starter Kit

This period starter kit comes in a cute back and is great if you are on a budget. It has all the essentials that your tween will need and all products are eco-friendly.

NatraTouch WorryFree First Period Kit

This first period kit from NatraTouch includes leakproof period underwear. Leaking is a huge worry for tween girls who have just started their period so this is a great option if you want to help her feel more confident.

 

Your daughter’s first period is a huge milestone and it can be a little overwhelming for both of you. By sitting down before hand and creating a first period kit, both you and your daughter will be more prepared to handle it when it happens.

Menstruation Kit – First Period Kit To-go! (Period Starter Kit with all Natural Pads)Buy NowHelloflo Period Starter KitBuy NowMy First Period Sampler Kit – Blue Gift BoxBuy NowThe Period Book: A Girl’s Guide to Growing UpBuy NowAlways Totally Teen Always Radiant Infinity Pads, 14 CountBuy NowAnigan First Period Kit with Hipster Menstrual Panties, Instant Heat Pad, Informational Booklet & More, SBuy NowThe Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older GirlsBuy NowNatraTouch WorryFree First Period Kit (Polka Dots Medium)Buy NowFirst Period Kit – Bundle of 11 (Lemon)Buy NowBlossom Girl’s Survival KitBuy NowFirst Menstrual Period Kit – Spanish VersionBuy NowPeriod.: A Girl’s GuideBuy Now

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