Menstruation marks a new and exciting stage in most girl’s life, signaling the start of their transition into womanhood. This also means exploring different menstruation products that help make the journey more comfortable.
Of course, it’s important to make sure that you choose the right products for periods, especially if you want to make practical, high-quality choices. The great news is, there are so many options fit for every preference and need.
A Short History of Menstruation Products
Although the women of today enjoy a lot of options when it comes to their period, this wasn’t always the case. There was a time when there were a lot of stigmas attached to this natural biological process.
Period pads in the 1800s were either made of woven fabric or of flannel. Over time, this raised concerns about bacterial growth.
This prompted an influx of patent submissions for various menstrual products.
The first menstrual cups were created using hard rubber and aluminium. Rubber pants were also introduced to the market. These were bloomers that are lined with rubber to avoid leaks. Women were also encouraged to try lister’s towels, which work the same way as the modern maxi pad.
Most of these products were sold door-to-door around the 1870’s.
By the 1890’s, more products were released. The “elastic doily belt” was one of them – an elastic silk belt where you attach an absorbent pad. The 1900’s also saw the birth of the first-ever kotex sanitary pad, which was inspired by the kind of absorbent material nurses used on injured soldiers during WWI.
Tampons were introduced in 1933, a ground breaking product for women. At the time, there was still concern about bacteria build-up when using pads. That’s why women who finally learned how to insert the tampons incorrectly decided that this was a far better alternative.
However, some also raised concerns about whether inserting a tampon into the vagina was “moral”. Because of this, the industry continued to innovate.
In 1956, a more modern version of the menstrual cup was released, this time using softer materials. Beltless pads were released in 1972, with different options depending on how light or heavy the flow is. By the 80’s, other variations like pads with wings and maxi pads were added to the choices.
Today, women are opting for more sustainable and eco-friendly products. Reusable pads and period underwear are quickly becoming more popular, and concerns about bacteria build-up and odour continue to be addressed with the modern technology used in product development.
When Does a First Period Occur?
Most girl’s first period usually happens in the 4th stage of puberty, which happens around the age of 12 to 14. The first stages of puberty can start as early as a child’s 8th birthday, so their hormones will slowly start to trigger changes throughout the body from this point onwards.
Read more about the 5 stages of puberty in most girls here.
It’s a good thing that there are so many options for those looking for the best sanitary products for first periods. In fact, you can start putting together a first period starter kit even before your child starts having their period. Initiate conversations about puberty as early as possible so that your child knows what to expect.
You can discuss the pros and cons of using different menstrual products too so that they can decide whether they want to buy their first menstrual cup or maybe check out the best pads for their first period.
Best Sanitary Pads for Most Girl’s First Period
Menstrual pads or period pads are among the most popular choices for a girl’s first period. Because pads are easy to use, they require very little adjustment even for first time users.
There are different types of period pads to choose from depending on a young girl’s needs. There are pads meant for heavy flow, and there are overnight pads that give more coverage especially while the user is asleep. For active young girls, they can use Teen Radiant Pads with wings to make sure the pads stay in place even if they move around.
Pads could either be disposable or reusable. Reusable menstrual pads are more practical and eco-friendly, but would also require maintenance in the form of proper washing to avoid bacteria.
Using Period Panties
For those who want to avoid leaks, period panties are recommended. Also referred to as menstrual pants, they’re like regular underwear, but with an extra absorbent lining that works the same way as pads.
A child experiencing their period for the first time will find these disposable period underwear fun for sure, knowing that they often come in trendy designs.
Click here to read our blog about the best period underwear for tweens.
Using Menstrual Tampons
Tampons are another popular option for girls who are looking for menstrual products that could make their period easier to deal with.
However, tampon use for periods, especially for first-timers, comes with a bit of a learning curve. The user needs to learn how to properly insert the tampon first, knowing that the way it is inserted.
Tampons are completely invisible and do not cause any visible bulging. There are also fewer chances of a tampon getting out of place even if you have an active day ahead.
Eco-Friendly Period Products
Over time, most girls ends up using an unbelievable amount of menstrual products. This contributes to the already alarming state of the environment. Because of this, people have started to shift to eco-friendly menstruation products.
Going for sustainable period products often means two things – going for reusable products instead of disposable ones, and finding products that use organic, eco-friendly materials.
This is why many people are now choosing to use reusable pads over disposable pads, or eco-friendly period underwear instead of tampons. There is also a noticeable rise in the use of silicone menstrual cups such as the Intimina Lily Cup One, which was specifically designed as a menstrual cup for teens.
Preparing Your Child's First Period Kit
Getting confused about which products to choose for your child? That’s completely understandable. With the huge number of options, it’s tough to zero in on a single product that your child can use.
This is why preparation is key. It’s best to put together a first period bag that combines different types of menstrual products. After all, your child may have a different set of preferences compared to you. By giving her a number of choices within a menstrual starter kit for young girls, she can explore and experiment until they find the most comfortable products.
It’s best to jumpstart the conversation about puberty as well, preferably before it even starts. This will help your child prepare for what’s to come.
What’s the Big Deal About Puberty is my interactive online course about puberty.
This puberty course is ideal for both parents/carers to do together with their pre-teens aged 9-12 years. This can also be completed by your child on their own.
Click below to buy the course for only AUD $69.
Books about periods
There are a lot of parenting books that help you start positive conversations with your tween daughter about her first period. Below are a few books I recommend. Click on either one of the photos to read my book review.
Piper gets her period
Click here to read my book review
Puberty, periods, and all that stuff
Click here to read my book review
Helloflo; The Guide. Period.
Click here to read my book review
