If you have a daughter, at some point, you’re going to be putting together a first period kit for a tween.
One of the most embarrassing things to happen to a girl is for her period to start at school and for her to not be prepared.
Of course, as adults we can look at that as not that big of a deal, but for a young girl?
Devastating.
Getting older is challenging.
Dealing with puberty, the body changes, and all of that—it’s a lot.
That’s why I’m always down to make life easier for my girl whenever possible.
The easiest thing I can do to support her is to make sure she’s prepared for the inevitable.
Her period is going to come.
Might as well make sure she has what she needs when it does.
What is a first period kit?
A period kit is exactly what it sounds like.
It’s a collection of everything a girl might need when her menstrual cycle starts.
The items in the collection include everything from personal hygiene to products that will make her comfortable while she’s menstruating.
She should be able to reach into her period kit for anything that she’d need to get through her cycle with minimal discomfort and a greater appreciation for the way our bodies work.
What do I put in a first period kit for a tween?
Making a period kit to celebrate your daughter’s first cycle doesn’t have to be hard or expensive.
At a bare minimum, the kit should include period supplies, products to ease discomfort, and something special for your girl.
Start with a period pouch.
The first thing you want to do when you’re creating a first period kit is to get a little bag to put everything in.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just big enough to hold a few period supplies.
I love these adorable waterproof bags, and they’re all less than eight bucks! Click to purchase.
This is what to put in your first period kit:
- Pads. Some girls feel more comfortable with pads than period panties. Other girls like using both.
- Ibuprofen. If your girl has bad cramps, ibuprofen can help.
- Baby wipes. These will come in handy if she needs to do a quick refresh when she’s changing her pad or dumping her cup.
- Extra pair of panties. Just in case there’s an accident.
- Bag to put soiled panties in. That way your girl won’t have to figure out what to do with them and then freak out and throw her panties away. It happens.
- Hand sanitizer. Just in case.
How To Make a First Period Kit
Want to make a DIY first period kit for school? Here's everything you need!
Period Pouch
Start with a pouch to put all of her period necessities inside. These are waterproof and fit perfectly in a backpack.
Pads
When your daughter first starts her period, she may not feel comfortable with a menstrual cup. Put some pads in her period kit to get her started.
Wipes
It's so important to stay clean when your period is on, so you'll want to toss a pack of wipes in your daughter's kit.
Extra Pair of Panties
Just in case there's an accident, roll up an extra pair of period panties so your girl can be covered.
Hand Sanitizer
Put hand sanitizer in the first period kit so your daughter can make sure her hands are clean before changing her pad and once she leaves the bathroom.
Period Medicine
Hopefully your daughter doesn't get cramps, but if she does, you want her to be prepared.
What else should I get my daughter for her first period?
The products in the first period kit should be things that are easy to carry and that your daughter can put in her backpack when she needs it.
At home, though, there are a few more things to keep on hand for when her menstrual cycle starts.
Start gathering these items now:
- Period panties. A more sustainable option than pads.
- Heating pad. If you’d prefer pain management without drugs, a heating pad will be a lifesaver.
- Menstrual cup. Another sustainable option, and one that I really love personally.
- Books about periods. Even if she’s not into reading them now, once her period starts, she’ll be a lot more interested!
- Vagina steamer. My friend Tiffany owns the Magic V Steam company and people rave about the benefits of steaming to aid cramps. Another non-drug option for comfort!
- Ginger or chamomile tea. These varieties of tea are known for their menstrual health qualities. A cup of ginger tea always helps to soothe a crampy stomach and a sour mood.
- Period tracker. Whether your daughter is an analog or digital girl, there are options to help her keep track of when to expect her new friend again.
- Chocolate. Although you want to steer your daughter away from most sugar when she’s on her period, dark chocolate does wonders for menstrual moods.
Free period tracker planner
Because I know how important it is for our daughters to be able to learn to know their body’s schedule, I made a super cute and simple period tracker planner.
You can download the period tracker planner here.
If you’d prefer a hard copy, you can purchase for $5.99 on Amazon.
Remember to be positive
Most importantly, though, make sure you’re modeling a positive attitude towards periods for your daughter.
After a very challenging menstrual history including fibroids, it is work to get me out of the negative mindset.
I’m working intentionally to change how I think about my cycle so that my daughter can have a healthy relationship with her body, including the work it does every month.
It'sThatTimeOfTheMonth
Monday 30th of October 2023
Luckily I got mine at home at age nine, but this year im ten and i decided to pack one and im glad i did! i used to just bring a pad but now im fully prepared! ty
Evelyn
Tuesday 10th of October 2023
Thank you so much I just got mine today and was looking for something to help with my cramps.
Zamaya Johnson
Monday 24th of July 2023
Thanks for telling me you save the day!
Kadynce
Thursday 13th of July 2023
Omg thank goodness my mom and I packed my period bag already
KidThatJustGotIt!
Sunday 2nd of July 2023
My mum was so unprepared! She thought I wouldn't get it till I was 14, but Mother Nature chose 10!
brandijeter
Tuesday 4th of July 2023
Oh my goodness! Congratulations! I hope you have everything you need now. This list is a great start!