beginners period kit?

[inkedmamajama]

So my daughter is getting close to the age I was when I started my first period, and I'm thinking its a good idea to have a beginners kit here at the house in a closet or something for her.

I started with tampons as a girl, but I dont want to give them those kind of products. (bleached one use cotton things)

while i use a keeper, im sure thats probably not the best for a first timer.

Im thinking some cloth pads and perhaps some sea sponges? would the sea sponges be easy to use for a beginner?

[zech13_9_goforgold]

I don't know about sea sponges, because I've never used them. In general, though, I think the "kit" is a good idea. I would also get her nice zipper pouch to put in her backpack in case she starts at school. Maybe you could go the the fabric store and pick out some patterns for her? Or look at Etsy together to find some she'd like? I'd also give her some wet wipes and maybe some nice smelling hand soap. Have her start carrying an extra pair of panties as the first period could come quickly. Maybe you could also add in some hot pads for cramps. I think this is really neat.

[Adele_Mommy]

I also think a kit is a great idea. I did want to mention that some girls cannot use tampons and would not be able to use sea sponges either. This probably will not apply to your daughter since you said you started with tampons. I tried to use tampons and was physically unable to. I discussed it with my mother and she said she wasn't able to use tampons until she lost her virginity. I think this is pretty rare though and probably at least partially inherited.

[inkedmamajama]

thank you ladies for the ideas! im going to start compiling things now and look for or make a cute bag to put it all in.

[~Leonor~]

Why not ask her, or if she's uncomfortable, wait until she actually has her period, then she'll have to talk about it at least briefly. Ii think most girls start with using pads, she might be grossed out by cloth ones.

[terrordactyl]

i know that when i was a young teenager ( a few years ago) using cloth pads at school was really hard so you might want to make sure she's comfortable with that

[lindberg99]

While the idea of a kit is nice, I think you need to see what she would like you to buy rather than picking it out for her. It's a very personal decision. Who knows, she might be into using a Keeper or Diva cup. She might want to use cloth pads or maybe would prefer disposable. Or she might want tampons, esp. if she is in gymnastics or swimming. Seventh Generation makes chlorine free products, maybe those would be acceptable to you if she wants to use disposable products.

[glitterdaisymom]

Originally Posted by lindberg99

While the idea of a kit is nice, I think you need to see what she would like you to buy rather than picking it out for her. It's a very personal decision. Who knows, she might be into using a Keeper or Diva cup. She might want to use cloth pads or maybe would prefer disposable. Or she might want tampons, esp. if she is in gymnastics or swimming. Seventh Generation makes chlorine free products, maybe those would be acceptable to you if she wants to use disposable products.

I agree that it would best to let your daughter pick out the items that she would like to have in her kit. I would definitely still do the kit idea. I remember wanting something like that when I was approaching puberty... but never felt comfortable asking my mom. Then, when my period did start, I never told anyone. I just "rolled" my own pads out of toilet paper (not the greatest idea... but I was 11...) Then when my mom started bringing home deodorant, pads, and other items... I didn't want to use them because it was the same deodorant that my grandma used (i wanted Teen Spirit... it had really cool teenagers on the ad) and the pads smelled like my grandma and were HUGE. Now that I think about it... I was probably a stinky girl for a while.. at least until I had the courage two years later to tell my mom that I wanted tampons because I can't run in gym class with a pad in my undies (I had started wearing the pads by that time.) Long story short... It made my transition into "womanhood" much easier when I got to choose how I made that transition.

[lifeguard]

I love the idea! So nice to make the transition that can be so tough a little more gentle!

I would include a hot pad (hot water bottle or rice bag or such) as I got terrible cramps right from day one. Maybe some soothing tea or eo to go along?

I agree with pp that although you may prefer she used the cloth pads she may find it embarassing or uncomfortable to be doing something so different from most of her friends. Maybe let her try a couple different things - cloth at home, unbleached disposable at school, sea sponges, etc. It took all of us awhile to find what worked best for each of us & I know I went through a fair bit of trial & error first.

[NettleTea]

Here are a few different menarche kits:

http://www.celebrategirls.com/

http://www.womanwisdom.com/w_coa-menarchekit.shtml


There are also kits like this available:

http://www.lunapads.com/Product.aspx...t=2&Lang=EN-US

http://www.gladrags.com/c-16-sponge-and-cup-kits.aspx (kits with sea sponges, cups)


And some books:

http://www.joanmorais.com/joansbooks...celebrate.html

http://www.ashtreepublishing.com/boo...prod=134&cat=5

[inkedmamajama]

we are actually compiling the 'kit' together.

she is not grossed out by cloth pads in the slightest. in fact we have been talking about them, and looking on etsy, etc...she is thinking she might like to sew her own (unless she decides on a snap version)