Getting a first period is a big moment in a girl’s life. It can feel exciting, scary, confusing — or all three at once. As a parent, you want to help your daughter feel calm, prepared and confident. That starts with making sure she has the right products when her period begins.
You don’t need to buy everything at once. But knowing what’s out there and what might work best for your daughter will help you get started.
We spoke with Nicole King, MD, a pediatrician with Banner Children’s who shares five essential products to have on hand and some practical tips to help your daughter feel confident and ready.
1. Start with pads
For most girls, pads are the easiest and most comfortable place to begin.
Why pads?
- They are simple to use.
- They don’t need to be inserted like tampons or menstrual cups.
- They come in many sizes for different body types and flow levels. Some brands make teen-sized options that fit smaller underwear.
What to buy:
- Regular pads: Look for unscented options labeled regular flow. These are good for the first few periods.
- Thin or ultra-thin pads: Some girls prefer these because they feel less bulky.
- Overnight pads: These are longer and more absorbent for nighttime.
How many? Start with one pack of each so your daughter can try different kinds.
Tip: Show her how to stick a pad onto her underwear. Practice together before her first period starts.
Thinking about organic? Organic cotton pads are made without fragrances, dyes or chlorine bleach and are often better for girls with sensitive skin. If your daughter is prone to irritation or you prefer natural materials, organic products can be a good choice.
2. Add panty liners
Panty liners are like mini pads. They’re not as absorbent but they work well for light flow or spotting at the beginning or end of a period.
Why they’re helpful:
- Useful for the first signs of a period
- Help with light discharge between periods
- Small and easy to carry
What to buy: Look for unscented panty liners. Some brands make teen-sized options that fit smaller underwear.
3. Consider period underwear
Period underwear looks like regular underwear but has built-in absorbent layers. Some girls prefer them to pads.
Why it’s a good choice:
- No shifting or sticking pads
- Less waste
- Can be worn alone on light days or as a backup on heavy days
What to know:
- They cost more upfront but can be reused for years.
- Your daughter will need several pairs to get through a full cycle.
“Period underwear is a great option but it might be a little harder to use on the go,” Dr. King said. “Some period underwear still needs to be changed a few times a day, so the convenience factor and flow should be taken into account.”
Tip: Look for period underwear made for teens. These styles are cut for growing bodies and come in fun, teen-friendly colors. “I would double-check that the product you choose doesn’t have any PFAS chemicals (or forever chemicals) added,” Dr. King added.
4. Tampons: A good option for active girls
There’s no age limit for using tampons. If your daughter feels ready, she can use them from her first period.
“It is safe to use products that require insertion, even for beginners,” Dr. King said. “As long as your daughter knows how to use them properly and the products are not left inside the body for too long.”
Tampons are great for girls who:
- Swim
- Dance or play sports
- Find pads uncomfortable or bulky
Things to know:
- Tampons go inside the body to absorb blood.
- They can practice inserting them correctly.
- Always follow the directions that come with the box.
- Tampons should be changed every four to eight hours.
Safety tip: The maximum time to wear a tampon is eight hours. Leaving one in for too long increases the risk for a rare but serious infection called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This risk is higher when super-absorbent tampons are used for a light flow, so start with the smallest size needed.
Help your daughter read the leaflet in the tampon package. Show her how to safely insert and remove the tampon and how often to change it. Remind them to talk to you if one gets stuck.
5. Menstrual cups: Another reusable choice
Menstrual cups are small, flexible cups made of medical-grade silicone or rubber. They’re worn inside the body and collect blood instead of absorbing it.
Why some girls like them:
- Reusable and eco-friendly
- Can be worn up to 12 hours
- No need to change during school
What to know:
- Inserting a menstrual cup takes practice.
- Your daughter will need to be comfortable with her body.
- She’ll also need to clean the cup properly after each use.
If your daughter wants to try a cup, talk through the steps together. Some cups are made specifically for teens and first-time users, which may be a better fit.
Pack a small period kit for school
A small period kit can help your daughter feel prepared, no matter where she is.
“A period kit is something that either you or your child can carry with them when out of the home, in case your child’s period comes unexpectedly,” Dr. King said. “It usually consists of a few menstrual hygiene products that can be used if there are any surprises. Some kids who might be worried about leakage might want to include two different products to double up.”
What to include:
- 2-3 pads (regular or thin)
- 2 panty liners
- 1 pair of clean underwear
- Travel-sized wipes (unscented)
- A resealable plastic bag for accidents
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever (if approved by her school)
- A small note from you (optional, but sweet!)
“It's a good idea to discuss how to use the products before she needs to use them and help her choose which ones she wants to use,” Dr. King said.
Tip: Choose a pouch that fits easily in her backpack. Look for one with a style she likes.
Skip scented wipes and sprays
You may see scented products marketed for freshness, such as scented wipes, sprays or feminine washes. But these are not needed and could be harmful.
“I would definitely avoid products with fragrance or scents added,” Dr. King said. “These can cause irritation, itching or allergic reactions, especially in a sensitive area.”
Here’s why to skip them:
- The vagina cleans itself naturally
- Using them can upset the pH balance of healthy bacteria
What to do instead:
- Shower daily
- Use warm water and a soft washcloth
- Mild, fragrance-free soap on the outside only (vulva)
- Unscented baby wipes—only if she prefers
- Never use douches or internal cleansers
Talk about period pain relief
Cramps, backaches or feeling extra tired are common. Help your daughter know what to expect and how to handle it.
Helpful products:
- Heating pad or heat patch
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen
- Cozy socks or a warm blanket
Track her cycle
Periods are often irregular at first.
“Her period can be irregular or unpredictable for the first one to two years as the body and hormonal balance are maturing,” Dr. King said. “I recommend carrying the period kit even after the first period.”
Tracking helps your daughter:
- Understand her body
- Predict her next period
- Share details with her health care provider if needed
How to track it:
- Use a paper calendar or journal
- Try an app designed for periods
- Mark when the period starts, ends and any symptoms
Don’t forget the basics
Along with period products, your daughter may also need:
- Comfortable, full-coverage cotton underwear
- Dark pants or shorts to help her feel confident
- A stain remover stick or wipes for leaks
- Emotional support because this is a big milestone
Dr. King recommends using medically accurate terms and even suggests getting a hand mirror.
“That allows kids to get acquainted with their anatomy and learn the names of their various parts,” she said. “It can be a big confidence booster, so they feel well prepared and empowered to care for themselves.”
Try to avoid using nicknames or made-up placeholders for body parts, as this can be confusing and lead to miscommunication.
Takeaway
Your daughter’s first period doesn’t need to be scary or awkward. With a bit of planning, you can help her feel ready and supported. You don’t need all the answers. What matters most is being present, listening and helping when she needs it.
Every girl is different. Some are excited. Others feel shy. Some don’t want to talk much at all — and that’s OK. Keep the conversation open. Let her lead. And remind her that having a period is a normal, healthy part of growing up.
If you or your daughter has questions, don’t hesitate to talk to her health care provider or a Banner Health specialist.
