DIY First-Period Kit: The Ultimate Period Survival Kit
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What does a girl need to know about her first period? It’s not an easy question, but it’s one that many parents dread. This article is a guide for parents to help their daughters understand what the first period means and how to prepare from navigating an uncomfortable conversation to creating a D.I.Y first-period kit to celebrate your daughter’s rite of passage into womanhood.
We’ll give you the low down on the signs to look for leading up to her first period, when and how to talk to your daughter about it, tips for dads on how to help your daughter without feeling like a total spaz, plus exactly what to include in your daughter’s D.I.Y first-period kit. This article has you covered!
When (and how) to Talk to Your Daughter About Her First Period
You may not want to think about it, but one day, your daughter will get her first period. And when that day comes, it will be a life-changing event. There are so many unknowns and questions on the horizon for girls who will be getting their periods soon. The best way to handle this is to be honest with her in a body-positive way to nourish her self-esteem.
Some parents might want to talk to their daughter about the changes in their bodies before she gets her first period, but others might want to wait until it happens. However, it’s better to talk to her about puberty and getting her first period before it happens.
When Will My Daughter Get Her First Period?
Many parents ask the inevitable question about when their daughter will get her period and the truth is, it varies.
“A girl’s first period is likely to occur between the ages of nine and 16. It usually lasts for three to seven days and then stops until the next period begins—usually about 21 to 28 days after it started.”
Most girls will feel more comfortable knowing the facts ahead of time, rather than being surprised and possibly scared…remember the bathroom scene from the movie My Girl where Vera was terrified by the sight of her bloody underwear? I knew the best approach with my daughter was to give the girl a solid heads-up so she’ll be better equipped to handle the situation–instead of freaking out.
Here are some additional signs that signal your daughter’s first-period is coming soon:
Periods are likely to start soon if your child has:
- had a major growth spurt
- grown some underarm and pubic hair
- developed breasts.
Wondering how to have a tough but sensitive conversation with your daughter about menstruation, periods, or puberty? You don’t want her to have shame about her period. The first period is an important milestone. It marks the moment when a girl becomes a woman and is able to bear children. This is something to be celebrated!
The first period can be a confusing time. There are a lot of things that your daughter may not know, and she might not know where to turn for information. There are a lot of myths out there about periods. Be her first source with reliable information.
I see my daughter change before my eyes each and every day. She already has friends in school who’ve already started menstruation, and it’s clear that she feels her body changing too.
That’s why we discussed some common period scenarios and what to do.
What if I start my first period at school?
Ask permission to be excused to use the restroom. If your pants feel wet, tie a sweatshirt or jacket around your waist and bring your backpack with you. Cleverly stashed inside will be everything you need, including extra underwear, a spare set of pants, and your first-period kit with pads or tampons.
What if I start my period and don’t have a pad or tampon with me?
Ask another woman, they’ll understand and be totally willing to help out if they have a pad or tampon on them. Many women carry extras in their purses in case of emergencies. Also, if you’re at school you can always ask the nurse.
If for some reason, you can’t find anyone with a spare, you can create a makeshift pad with toilet paper.
Here’s how:
“Take a long section (at least 10 squares) of toilet paper and fold the layers over each other. Place this where a pad would go — along the panel of fabric between your legs (called the gusset) that’s in the middle section of your underwear. Take another length of toilet paper and wrap it around the “pad” and your underwear a few times. This will help hold the tissue in place. Tuck the end of the tissue into the top of the finished wrap. You now have a makeshift pad.”
D.I.Y First-Period Kit Essentials
1. The Period Book. A Girl’s Guide to Growing Up.
I ordered a copy of The Period Book: A Girl’s Guide to Growing Up for my daughter as a handy reference guide for all things period (and puberty) related. The Period Book is a beautifully designed, illustrated guide for navigating all aspects of your period! It will help you and your daughter understand everything from the physical and emotional changes to dealing with breakouts, mood swings, and new social expectations.
I read it first in preparation for our first-period discussion. It was a terrific refresher for common concerns and questions girls have surrounding their first periods.
Next, I gave my daughter the book along with her stylish new first-period kit flip sequin bag, stuffed with all the goodies you’re seeing here. I asked her to read it, highlighting and bookmarking pages she had questions about. Then we had an open conversation about the book together afterward.
The discussion with my daughter about getting her first period was a smashing success and a proud mom moment for me! I assured her that the door of communication remains open anytime she has questions about her period or puberty in general. I can’t recommend this enough!
2. Cute Flip Sequin Travel Bag
This cute sequin Mermaid Toiletry Bag offers a new, cute way to store all of her period essentials in one convenient and stylish place! It’s small enough to fit in her backpack, so she’ll always be prepared on the go. Simply add period essentials like pads or tampons and a fresh pair of underwear and rest easy knowing your girl will be prepared for her first period.
3. Reusable Period Pads
Say goodbye to disposable pads and hello to reusable ones! These Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads come in a variety of patterns and colors, which is perfect for any girl’s first period. They’re super absorbent, eco-friendly, and cheaper than disposables. They come with a bonus travel wet bag for storing used pads, so she can take them anywhere, anytime.
4. Feminine Hygeine Wipes
If you’re looking for a more natural feminine hygiene wipe, look no further! These hypoallergenic Shea Coco feminine hygiene wipes are PH balanced, alcohol-free, and toxin and paraben-free. They come individually wrapped for your convenience and are 100% biodegradable, plant-based, and flushable. Your girl can feel fresh and confident anywhere, anytime. Say goodbye to messy tissues and hello to discreet and gentle cleansing.
5. Pain Reliever Travel Packs
When period cramps arrive, you can count on Advil Liqui-Gels to provide fast relief. These discreet and easy-to-carry packets are an essential item for any daughter’s first-period kit bag. Don’t let her get caught off-guard without relief. Packaged in discreet and easy-to-carry 2-capsule packets, Advil Liqui-Gels are a discreet and convenient way for your daughter to get the pain relief she needs, no matter where she is.
6. Reusable Period Panties
This 5-pack of reusable menstrual panties will make your daughter’s period a breeze. They’re made from cotton and machine washable, so she can feel comfortable and confident no matter what. No more endless trips to the store for new tampons and pads! These reusable menstrual panties are so comfortable and durable, they’re perfect for heavy flow days or as a back-up against overflow from pads or tampons. Plus they come in a variety of cute colors!
7. A Cuddly Heating Pad
Your daughter is about to embark on a big first in her life. We’ve got the perfect first-period gift for her! Celebrate this important milestone with this cute and functional gift – a stuffed animal heating pad. Just microwave it for a few minutes and it will provide relief from menstrual cramps and even add a little snuggle time to the mix.
Congrats! You’re about to make your daughter’s first period much easier.
8. Chocolate
You know what they say: chocolate is a girl’s best friend — especially on her period. HERSHEY’S KISSES Milk Chocolate Candy is a classic choice for period comfort.
Chocolate doesn’t seem like the most intuitive choice for easing the cramps, moodiness, and energy lulls of the menstrual cycle. But in fact, chocolate can actually help alleviate all of these symptoms!
9. Pre-made First-Period Kit
No time to curate your first-period kit? Get your daughter ready for her first period with this convenient Period Kit for Girls, it includes a sleek neoprene storage bag, 2 organic tampons, 2 bamboo pantyliners, and 1 flushable organic feminine hygiene wipe. At this size, it’s small enough to be discreetly tucked into her backpack. It includes everything she needs for a carefree and great period, and it’s so easy to refill.
A Dad’s Guide to His Daughter’s First Period
Get dad involved and on board with the plan and discussion. My daughter, who is now 10, is approaching her first menstrual cycle and I have been thinking about what this monthly experience is going to be like for her. As a woman, I have first-hand knowledge to offer my daughter.
Her dad, on the other hand, has no such experience.
As a man, you can’t completely relate to what my daughter will go through when she has her first period. So what can a dad do? Help her to understand her body, manage her feelings, and generally be there for her.
Begin by making sure she understands that periods are normal- nothing dirty or shameful about them! Explain that it will happen around puberty which usually happens between ages 9 and 16. Teach her what her body is telling her before her first period arrives, and teach her how to manage her emotions and physical symptoms once her periods start.
Secondly, be ready to discuss what a period is. One of the most important things to do when talking to your daughter about her first period is educating yourself. Ask questions and read up on the topic, even if you think you know everything there is to know. Prepare yourself for an opportunity for open dialogue with your daughter.
More First Period Tips for Dads:
1. Watch for the signs her first period will arrive soon. When she gets her first period, celebrate with her.
2. Ask her for permission before touching her body during this time. (Remember, she is still a child and her body belongs to her.)
3. Stay positive and supportive: Be understanding and respectful of her newfound need for privacy.
4. Ask if she is having any symptoms, and help her alleviate them.
Here are some common period and PMS symptoms:
- Cramps (pain in your lower belly or lower back)
- Bloating (when your belly feels puffy)
- Breakouts (getting pimples)
- Sore breasts
- Feeling tired
- Mood swings (when your emotions change quickly or you feel sad, angry, or anxious)
Some people get PMS every time they have their periods. Others only get PMS every once in awhile. You may have all or just some PMS symptoms. And some people don’t get PMS at all.”
5. Stock up on period essentials: underwear, pads, ibuprofen, and purchase a heating pad. Read our list below with all the essentials she’ll need in her first-period kit.
6. Pack an extra pair of pants and underwear in her school bookbag–just in case.
While you have to be sensitive, it’s important that you don’t ignore the signs, so you can both be ready! Why not create a D.I.Y First Period Kit together to celebrate her emergence into womanhood? Don’t worry dad, everything you need to include in your daughter’s first-period kit is included in the list above!
Celebrate Your Daughter’s First Period — Together
Preparing your daughter for her first period with an empowering, loving, and honest discussion about her body and her period is the right way to go about this. Continue to prepare her by talking to her about her body on a regular basis. She’ll begin to notice changes as she goes through puberty and learn to appreciate her body. It happens to everyone.
All of the wonderful products mentioned above are perfect for preparing your daughter for her first period and making a less than fun situation a little more exciting. Enlisting your girl’s help picking patterns and colors for the items included in her first-period kit is a great opportunity to continue the discussion and allow a low-pressure chance for her to ask any additional questions she has.
Going through puberty is a process, and that’s something that’s a part of her, so talk to her about it. Having a period is part of that process, and it’s a natural and normal part of life. Help her to see it as something normal and celebrate her womanhood.
There are a lot of misconceptions and myths surrounding girls and their periods. And while that’s changing, you’ll still hear it when your daughter comes to you and is going through her first period. Many people don’t know what to do or say, especially when a child has their first period at a young age. This is why it’s so important to have this conversation with your daughter BEFORE she gets her first period.
I hope this guide will help both moms and dads get ready for this new part of their child’s life.
Like what you’ve read? Don’t miss out on important blog updates, parenting tips, & freebies to make mom life as drama-free as possible! Join the Drama Free Momma Community here.
