Make This “first Lesson Kit” for Your Teen.
The first menstrual cycle usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 16 years, with the average age of first menstruation being 12.4 years. That’s a pretty wide range, so how do you know when your baby will need a first period kit? Talking about menstruation and putting together a kit with your child is a good idea as early as nine or 10 years old. It is at this point that they will start giving presentations about puberty at school and notice that their friends are going through various changes.
However, there are a few clues to help you guess which age periods will begin. Menarche usually occurs two to three years after breast development begins and about six months after “peak growth velocity”—or the growth spurt during puberty.
The sooner you can get that kit together and start talking about periods, the more time they have to feel ready for the day to come.
First Lesson Kit Basics
There is no way to know which period products are right for your baby. You can explain how each option works and let them know what to expect based on your experience. If you’re both willing to talk about periods, they’ll let you know which products they prefer. Give them the best chance to find their favorites by collecting an assortment of historical options:
-
Pads in different sizes and styles
-
Earbuds
-
Extra underwear or menstrual underwear
-
Menstrual cup
-
Tampons
-
Napkins
Period Kit Add-ons
This is the part that will make your first period fun (or at least more comfortable). You can go crazy with spa day supplies, snacks and motivational slogans, or take it seriously if your child isn’t into all that stuff. Other materials worth paying attention to:
-
A period tracker, calendar or notepad to help them record and become familiar with their body rhythm.
-
A spare pair of black leggings so they don’t have to track them down during a period surprise.
-
Something for cramps—pain patches, a heating pad, or reusable heating pads.
-
Containers. Ideally, you will keep all your supplies in a convenient place in your home. But we don’t just have our periods at home, right? Before their first period, your teen will probably want to get used to having an exercise kit on hand wherever they go. This means you’ll need several small bags or bags for your backpacks, gym bags, lockers, and car. Here’s what to look for in a menstrual kit travel bag:
-
It should be washable or wipeable.
-
The package should include one or two plastic bags for dirty underwear or used supplies.
-
There should be room for extra underwear or even a pair of leggings if they want.
-
Cosmetic bags and pencil cases are usually the right size, easy to clean, and come in enough styles and colors to suit everyone.
-
The best ready-made kits for the first period
If you want to leave this summer kit business to the professionals, there are plenty of options that you can already put together.
-
Red Drop Period Prep Kit , $24.99. The kit includes pads, one pair of menstrual underwear, wipes, a bag and a period tracker. Red Drop supplies and kits (there are several options) are designed specifically for teenagers. They even have an educational package for teen dads .
-
Ruby Love First Period Kit , $79.99 and up. Includes pads and vintage underwear, but otherwise lots of cute comfort items like a face mask, socks and a heart-shaped mirror.
-
The Honey Pot Company Lesson One Ritual , $39.91. It’s essentially a branded sampler set with pads, inserts, and wipes (plus a cute, simple travel bag).
-
GladRags First Period Kit , $86. Reusable pads and liners in a variety of colors and designs, with carrying case and period guide.
-
The Body Agency First Period Kit , $125. Includes organic tampons, disposable pads, reusable period cup, period underwear, reusable panty liner, face serum, cool handheld tracker and “Vuppet” – a plush, hand-sewn learning tool to help them learn about anatomy and… How do menstrual products work? Job.
-
Dot Girl First Period Kit , $24.95. A small carrying kit with a reusable anti-cramp heating pad.
-
Be ready. Period. Take your first lesson kit with you! , $14.97. A cute, tiny bag with basic essentials for teens.
-
Check out even more first period kit options on Etsy .
When putting together or choosing your baby’s first period kit, make it as personal as possible. Are they going to have a whole “lunar holiday” in honor of menarche? Or will they prefer something more practical and secretive? You can personalize the bags and accessories in any colors and designs they like.
Books to help start a conversation about periods
Here are some great book options to introduce your child to puberty and menstruation. Depending on how comfortable they are talking about it, you can read the book, then pass it to them, or read it together.