A step by step guide to making a DIY First Period Kit!
A new school year is full of firsts, and for many Mighty Girls that may include her first period! To help her feel prepared for whenever her period starts, a "just in case" first period kit is a great addition to her backpack or school locker. And, the start of a new school year is the perfect time to stash a first period kit in her backpack and talk to her about what to expect when her period comes.
It's important to start talking about periods early; although the average age of menarche in the US is 12, girls can start their periods any time between the ages of 8 and 15. In particular, parents should keep in mind that a girl's first period usually (but not always!) happens about two years after her breasts start to develop. So as soon as you start noticing physical changes in your Mighty Girl, you should start the on-going discussion about puberty and periods. The books and resources in our blog posts A Time of Change: Talking with Tweens and Teens About Their Bodies and That Time of the Month: Teaching Your Mighty Girl About Her Menstrual Cycle are detailed and medically accurate options you can read with her or give her to reference on her own.
In your conversation about her soon-to-be monthly cycle, make sure you get into some of the details! Let her know that her first period may involve very little bleeding, and that the blood may be light red, dark red, or even brown, and that all are normal. You can tell her that she may feel some cramping, tiredness, or headaches — or she may feel nothing at all in advance. Every body is different, and she should know that she doesn't necessarily need to worry just because her friend's experience was different than her own. And make sure she knows she can always talk to you if she's concerned about a period symptom or anything related to her period.
In this blog post, we'll take you step by step through creating a first period kit that works for your Mighty Girl, as well as a few pre-made kits if you don't want to build one from scratch, and highlight a few key things to tell her along the way. This one-on-one conversation can build on the more factual information she may have learned in sex education or in puberty guides she's read. By having these positive, encouraging conversations now, and ensuring she knows what to do when she has her first cycle, she'll feel prepared for this major step into adulthood!
Step One: Pick A Pouch
A good pouch is an important part of any period kit! The pouch you choose should be large enough to hold at least a period product, a few wipes for clean-up, and a spare pair of underwear. Some girls may want it to be large enough to hold a spare pair of leggings or shorts as well. You'll also want to make sure it's small enough to fit into her backpack, and that it's something she'll feel comfortable carrying to the bathroom when she needs it.
Here are some of our favorite pouches that are the right size for a first period kit, but you can find more options in our Pouches / Supply Bags Collection.
Small Waterproof Travel Pouch
Small Waterproof Travel Pouch
Mighty Girls on the go will love this small waterproof pouch from Loomiloo! These zippered 8.6 by 5.3 inch pouches are just the right size for toiletries, school supplies, a first period kit, and more. A wide variety of colorful patterns ensure that every Mighty Girl will find a design she loves.
Wildflowers Stand Tall Pouch
Wildflowers Stand Tall Pouch
This pouch from Blue Q will remind her that she can handle anything! This 9.5 by 7.25 inch zippered pouch is made of recycled materials and features a print of wildflowers and the quote "Wildflowers stand tall in the fiercest of winds. (You are pretty and strong.)" This pouch is easy to wipe clean and durable enough to hold up to the fierce winds she faces on a busy day. Plus you'll love that 1% of proceeds are donated to charitable organizations, including those supporting environmental initiatives across the globe.
Harry Potter Character Print Pouch
Harry Potter Character Print Pouch
Let chibi-style versions of Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, Minerva McGonagall, and other characters from the Harry Potter series keep you company this year with this fun character print pouch! This 8 by 4 inch pouch is perfect as a supply pouch, and she'll love the tribute to her favorite characters from the Wizarding World.
Animal Crossing Travel Pouch
Animal Crossing Travel Pouch
Show off your love of Animal Crossing with this adorable toiletries pouch that's perfect for travel! This 6.5 by 4 by 2.5 inch pouch is made of 100% polyester so it's durable and 100% waterproof. It's compact enough to be easy to carry, but large enough to work for toiletries, school supplies, and other small kits. Plus, kids will love the selection of fun colors and the patterns which feature all their favorite characters!
Frida Kahlo Zipper Pouch
Frida Kahlo Zipper Pouch
Be inspired by Frida Kahlo with this pouch from The Unemployed Philosophers Guild! This 5 by 9 inch pouch is 2 inches wide at the base, so it can stand unsupported when you're filling it with your stuff, and it's big enough for the emergency period supplies she might need. The graphic features an image of Frida with colorful flowers and animals in the background, along with the quote, "I never painted my dreams. I only painted my own reality." It's the perfect colorful choice for young Frida fans!
Large Waterproof Pouch
Large Waterproof Pouch
This large waterproof pouch from Bumkins is the perfect solution if your Mighty Girl wants to include a spare pair of leggings or shorts in her first period kit! This 12 by 14 inch pouch is made from Bumkins' signature polyester fabric with a waterproof layer; it's easy to clean and you can even carry a wet swimsuit in it without leaks. Kids will love the colorful designs, which include both licensed patterns, like a print of golden snitches from the Harry Potter series and one featuring retro Nintendo controllers, and fun prints like cacti, rainbows, and palm leaves. Meanwhile, parents will love that it's easy to clean and is BPA, lead, and phthalate free.
Step Two: Choose A Period Product
The most important consideration for your Mighty Girl's first period kit is what product she's comfortable using! It's a good idea to talk to her about what she might prefer; she can always explore the broader selection of period products later. Most girls will be most comfortable with a pad at first, but some may be interested in using a product like a cup from the beginning. She might even want a simple pair of period underwear in her kit, either as her permanent preferred product or as a familiar item to use until she gets home. Whatever product she picks, encourage her to take a look at it ahead of time, and even practice putting it on and taking it off, so that she's not trying it for the first time when she needs it.
Totally Teen Radiant Infinity Pads
Totally Teen Radiant Infinity Pads
These teen-sized disposable pads from Always Infinity are a great choice for tween and teen girls. These ultra-thin pads are also smaller, shorter, and narrower than standard pads, so they'll fit smaller girls better than one designed for a full-grown woman. Wings help keep the pad in place, while the lotion- and fragrance-free materials are easy on her skin. Plus, the Infinity material is absorbent enough to last 8 hours — through a whole school day. This package comes with 14 pads each
Thinx BTWN Period Underwear
Thinx BTWN Period Underwear
Since their launch, women have loved Thinx period underwear, either alone or as a backup to another period product; now tweens and teens can enjoy them too! Thinx are washable, reusable period underwear with an absorbent layer in the gusset. Just like women's Thinx, there are a selection of absorbency levels to choose from, regular and super, so you can pick the pair that's perfect for you. Available in girls' sizes 9/10, 11/12, 13/14, and 15/16.
Leak Proof Cotton Period Underwear (3-Pack)
Leak Proof Cotton Period Underwear (3-Pack)
These period underwear from Tanscan are a terrific option for tweens and teens as a backup for their favorite period product so she'll never have to worry about leaks! These 95% cotton, 5% spandex underwear have a leakproof lining just in case a pad shifts or a tampon or cup leaks. Each pack comes with three colorful pairs, so she'll have enough for a few days before she needs to do a wash. Available in sizes to fit girls 70 to 100 pounds, 100 to 120 pounds, and 120 to 145 pounds.
Bamboo Menstrual Pads with Wet Bag
Bamboo Menstrual Pads with Wet Bag
This six pack of bamboo menstrual pads from Wegreeco even comes with its own wet bag! Wegreeco pads come in multiple sizes, including this small 8" long size that's perfect for tweens and young teens. The bamboo layer is soft on the skin, while the outer cover is both waterproof and comes in a variety of fun, colorful prints. Plus, girls will love how easy it is to pop the pads into the included bag for cleaning.
Nighttime Reusable Menstrual Pads 5-Pack
Nighttime Reusable Menstrual Pads 5-Pack
Sleep soundly with these cloth menstrual pads from Wegreeco! This 5-pack of pads is 12" long for extra coverage while you move in your sleep, with three absorbent microfiber layers to help hold heavy flow. A colorfully printed waterproof layer on the bottom prevents leaks, while a soft bamboo charcoal layer on top is comfortable against the skin and wicks away wetness. Plus, Wegreeco's two-snap design ensures you can securely fasten your pad on a variety of different underwear styles. This set comes with five pads and a mini wet bag.
LENA Menstrual Cup
LENA Menstrual Cup
If she'd like to try a menstrual cup for her periods, this menstrual cup from LENA is a great place to start! Made from 100% medical grade silicone and registered with the FDA, this cup is available in two sizes: the small size is best for first-time users and girls and women with a light flow, while the larger size is best for older teens and women or those with a heavy flow. While using a menstrual cup takes some practice, girls will love being able to do whatever they want — dance, run, even swim! — for a full day without worrying about their menstrual product.
Backup Period Underwear 4-Pack
Backup Period Underwear 4-Pack
She'll know she's got backup on hand with these period underwear from Yoyi Fashion! These 82.2% viscose, 17.8% cotton briefs feature a 84% nylon, 16% Spandex waterproof lining, perfect for catching spotting or small leaks. This four pack comes in a pretty floral design and includes four different colors, perfect for starting her period underwear stash. These underwear are available in women's sizes extra-small to 4XL.
Intimate Portal Period Underwear 5-Pack
Intimate Portal Period Underwear 5-Pack
Be ready for unexpected flow with these period underwear from Intimate Portal! These bikini-cut underwear are made from 48% cotton, 48% rayon, 4% Spandex modal fabric, with a cotton gusset and a waterproof outer layer. The absorbent layers can hold up to 20mL of fluid, equivalent to two regular tampons, and the protection extends up the back of the underwear for extra security. Plus, with 5 pairs in the pack, she'll have enough to get her through multiple days without doing a load of laundry!
Step Three: Add Wipes For Easy Cleanup
The first time your Mighty Girl has her period, she probably won't recognize the feeling right away, so there may be some cleanup involved! Toilet paper alone probably won't be up to the challenge, so make sure that she has some pre-moistened wipes (ones that are gentle enough to be appropriate for the sensitive skin around her vulva) on hand to help out. Just make sure that she knows not to flush them; she should put them in the designated bin for menstrual products if one is available, or wrap them in toilet paper and throw them in the main garbage can if not.
Stall Mates Wipes
Stall Mates Wipes
This pack of 30 individually wrapped moist wipes from Stall Mates are the just the right size to toss in a backpack pocket, period kit, or toiletries bag! These 8 by 6 inch wipes come in sealed 3 by 3 inch packages that are small enough to tuck just about anywhere. The hypoallergenic formula, which includes aloe, cucumber, and chamomile, is paraben, alcohol, and fragrance free, so it's gentle on sensitive skin. Plus, Stall Mates is committed to environmentally friendly manufacturing, including biodegradable products, solar powered facilities, and no animal testing.
Step Four: Extras and Final Touches
For final touches on your kit, make sure your Mighty Girl has a pair of spare underwear; you can toss in a spare regular pair, or use a product like Thinx mentioned above as both a spare pair and a period product. If she's worried that she'll stain her pants as well, picking a larger pouch gives you the option to add a spare pair of shorts or leggings, just in case!
Some parents like to include a few products in case she experiences pain with her first period, like a small self-warming pad; if your school policy allows it, you could also include a single dose of an over-the-counter painkiller. And as an extra special touch, you could add a little gift or a supportive note to celebrate this big transition! A surprise from you could go a long way to making her first period experience a positive one.
Pre-Made First Period Kits
Not every parent wants to build a kit from scratch! If you'd prefer a pre-made kit, here are some of our favorite options.
The Dot Girl First Period Kit
The Dot Girl First Period Kit
Everything you need for your first period is tucked away in this neat little package! This handy kit from Dot Girl includes a book of 20 common questions, as well as pads, disposal bags, hand wipes, and a reusable heating pad, all of which pack away in a carrying case that fits in a purse or a backpack. The pack also includes a period diary to help her track her first year of cycles. This kit assumes some degree of knowledge — it’s not for teaching her all about menstruation, but for reminding her of key points — but the included supplies will make sure that she doesn’t get caught without the products she needs.
Be Prepared. Period. First Period Kit
Be Prepared. Period. First Period Kit
The Be Prepared. Period Survival Kit gives you everything you need to go with the flow, no matter where it happens! This complete period kit that can easily fit in your purse, backpack or gym bag to ensure that you're always prepared. The set comes with a sequin bag full of eco-friendly products, including two natural pads with wings, a pantyliner, disposal bags, and a wipe. Plus, it's meant to be refillable; you can replace the products from their website or with additional products of your own.
Luna Cup and Pads Menstrual Starter Kit
Luna Cup and Pads Menstrual Starter Kit
Get her started on reusable menstrual products with this starter kit from Luna Cup that gives her a selection of products she can use! The Period Starter Kit includes Luna menstrual cups in small and large sizes, so she can figure out which fits her best; two reusable cloth pads; and two pouches, one silky and one waterproof, so she can carry her products discreetly. Luna cups are 100% medical grade silicone, so they're soft and comfortable, while the pads feature an absorbent bamboo fiber layer on top and a waterproof layer on the bottom. This all-in-one kit gives her everything she needs to start trying reusable products!
