First Period Preparedness: A Guide for Preteens and Parents 

For kids born with a uterus, a big part of puberty is expecting their first period. It is a change that may feel weird at first but learning what to expect beforehand can increase confidence in managing periods like a pro! It also helps when parents and caregivers can feel comfortable in discussing the topic.

What is a period?

A “period” is the name for the time when the uterus sheds its lining, which comes out of the vagina and looks like blood. Periods last 3-7 days and happen once per month, but at first might happen randomly about every 3-6 weeks.

Signs a period is coming

“Puberty” is the name for hormonal changes that affect all kids as they move from child to teenager. For most girls, the first change is called “breast budding” caused by the hormone estrogen, which also causes the uterus to grow. The first period happens about 2-3 years after breast budding. The average age for a first period is 12 years old, but the normal age range is 9-15. Everyone is different, so knowing when breast budding starts may help predict when to expect your child’s first period.

Preparing for the first period and what to expect

After breast changes have occurred, parents and preteens can make a “period kit.” This is a small bag with a clean pair of underwear and 2-3 pads. It’s smart to keep the kit in a school backpack and even have multiple kits for different activities.

With the first period, your young person will probably first notice the blood in their underwear or when wiping. Sometimes, they don’t notice until the blood has soaked through their clothes. This may feel embarrassing or scary, but it happens to lots of kids and it is not their fault. Teach your young person that if they ever notice this happen to another kid, it is kind to let them know privately and to help them.

Teach your young person that if they are alone when they first notice blood, they should find their “period kit” to put a pad in place and then tell a trusted adult that they started their first period.

Period supplies for the first period

• Pad – a layered cloth placed in underwear to soak up blood. The soft side goes near the body, and the sticky side goes on the underwear. The paper is peeled off, and the sticky side is placed inside the underwear along the narrow part between the leg holes. Some pads also have “wings,” which help prevent leaks and keep the pad in place. Most kids do this part while sitting on the toilet with the underwear between their knees. If your child is worried that it might be tricky, it could be helpful to practice or choose ones without wings for their first “period kit.”
• Period underwear – special underwear with multiple layers of fabric to help to soak up the blood. They can be worn by themselves or with a pad inside. They can be helpful to prevent leaks around pads (if using both), for kids who find pads uncomfortable, or for kids who have trouble using pads. There are also swimsuit versions.
• Tampon – cotton cylinder placed inside the vagina to soak up the blood before it exits the body. Most girls do not use tampons with their first period, but a few may be motivated to try, especially for swimming. Tampons are safe to use, if desired, even during the first period.

Other tips & tricks

• A pad should be changed at least every 4 hours during the day when first getting a period. Changing more frequently helps prevent accidents while learning flow level and not knowing what to expect.
• Usually, the first few periods aren’t crampy, but periods can cause cramps (pain in the lower belly). If your child is having pain, you can give them medicine or a heating pad.
• Keeping track of periods is important health information. It can be helpful for them to write down, mark in a calendar, or use a phone app to help track the periods.
• Most of all, let your young person know that they should be kind to themselves when they get their first period. It is normal to feel overwhelmed when learning to deal with a new body function and periods can affect how the whole body feels. Make sure they get lots of sleep and rest time, drink plenty of water and do something they enjoy. A special treat might even be in order for the first period!