How to Put Together a First Period Kit

Most girls get their first period between the ages of 9 and 16. If you’ve started to notice a change in your mood, heavier discharge from your vagina, new body hair, or sudden breakouts, your first period will probably be coming sometime soon. However, you don’t need to be worried or afraid! You can make a kit with all of the items that you need while on your period, like pads, tampons, and spare underwear, and put it in your bag so that you’re prepared.

EditSteps

EditHelp Making Your Kit

First Period Kit Checklist

EditIncluding the Necessities

1. Pick a bag that will fit in a backpack or tote. Look for a medium-sized cosmetic bag that will fit in the bag that you take to school. Try to find one that is a solid color or printed on the outside if you don’t want anyone to know what’s inside of the bag.^[1]
   
   • If you’re having trouble finding one, try looking in the cosmetic section of the supermarket, or order a cosmetic bag from an online retailer.
2. Put 2 panty liners and 3 pads in the bag. Panty liner are great for protecting your underwear from discharge, or wearing on lighter days. On days with a heavier flow, you’ll need to use a pad. Whatever you decide to wear, make sure you change it every 4-6 hours to ensure that you don’t have any leaks.^[2]
   
   • If you’ve never used a sanitary pad before, don’t worry. It’s easy to learn how to use a pad. Simply remove the plastic wrapper and protective paper strip from the back, and place the sticky side onto the inside of your underwear.
   • If the pad has wings, remove the paper strips from the adhesive and fold them out and around your underwear to keep the pad in place.
   • Never flush a pad or panty liner down the toilet. When you’re done with the pad, take it out of your underwear and fold it up to throw it in the trash.
3. Include 2-3 tampons in the bag if you know how to use them. Tampons are made of cotton and other fibers and can be inserted into your vagina to absorb some of your flow. Many women use tampons when they’re going swimming or doing other activities that would be uncomfortable while wearing a pad. Like pads, change your tampon every 4-6 hours.^[3]
   
   • Generally, you should try to avoid wearing a tampon during your first period. It can be difficult to predict how heavy your flow will be, and wearing the wrong size tampon can cause discomfort or leaks.
   • If you want to wear a tampon, practice before you get your period so that you know what to do.
   • Try to avoid flushing your tampons down the toilet because they can expand in the water and cause the toilet to clog.
4. Add a spare pair of underwear to the bag. Since your first period might catch you off guard, it’s good to have an extra pair of clean underwear in case you have a leak. Fold them up so that they fit into the bag, with the rest of your items.^[4]
   
   • Try to pick a dark-colored, comfortable pair of underwear that will fit a pad or panty liner. Darker colors tend to show stains less than lighter colors.
5. Fold a resealable plastic bag and place it in the bag. If you do happen to have a leak in your underwear, you’ll need to keep them separate from the rest of the items in your bag until you can wash them. Include a sandwich-sized resealable bag in your kit just in case.^[5]
   
   • If you end up using the bag, be sure to replace it as soon as possible.

EditAdding Extra Items

1. Include a piece of dark chocolate. Studies show that eating dark chocolate can help to make your period easier to deal with. Eat a piece of chocolate to boost your mood between classes or for a burst of energy when you’re just feeling “blah.”^[6]
   
   • If you don’t like dark chocolate, add a package of mints, which can help to soothe mild cramps and stomach pain.
2. Add a small package of ibuprofen or naproxen if you're allowed. Ibuprofen and naproxen are helpful medications that can temporarily relieve cramps. Check your school’s policy before purchasing the medication. Look for a small package to fit in your bag, and only include it if you’re allowed to take them to school.^[7]
   
   • Some schools don’t let students carry medicine with them. However, you can talk to your school nurse, and have a parent drop off a bottle of ibuprofen or naproxen in the office in case you need it to handle cramps or a headache. If you have cramps, ask to visit the nurse, and they will give you the right dose.
   • You can find small containers of medication at most grocery stores and pharmacies.
3. Put a travel-sized container of hand sanitizer in the bag. In some bathrooms, you might not be able to wash your hands after changing your pad or tampon. In that case, use a drop of hand sanitizer to ensure that your hands are clean and free of germs.^[8]
   
   • Be sure to seal the bottle of hand sanitizer tightly when you put it back in the bag to prevent it from spilling on the rest of the items.
   • If you don’t want to include liquid hand sanitizer, look for sanitizing wipes in the supermarket. With wipes, there’s no risk for a leak or spill!
4. Consider including a pocket calendar if you want to track your period. Most women have a menstrual cycle that takes about 28-30 days, with their period lasting for 5-7 days. It can be helpful to have a calendar or notepad on hand to mark the first and last day of your period, and to check that it's coming every month.^[9]
   
   • If you notice that you don't get a monthly period or have your period for more than 7 days at a time after the first 5-6 months, talk to your doctor about possible causes for this. It can take some time for your period to become regular, so be patient and try not to worry!

EditTips

• Remember to replace the items in your bag when you use them. If you don’t, you might need to improvise a pad by folding toilet paper and placing that in your underwear until you can restock.
• If you're at school when you get your period, and find that you don't have the proper things with you, don’t be embarrassed. Ask a friend, the school nurse, or a teacher that you trust if they have any spare supplies. Most school nurses will have extra supplies if you're out.
• Having your period isn’t something that you should be ashamed of. It’s completely normal and natural!
• If you’re confused or worried about getting your first period, talk to someone who you trust.

EditWarnings

• Always change your panty liner, pad, or tampon every 4-6 hours. Waiting too long can cause a urinary tract infection or Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which are dangerous and uncomfortable medical conditions.
• Try to stay away from scented wipes or other products that are meant to “freshen up” your vulva or vagina during your period. Sometimes, they can cause redness and irritation.

EditThings You'll Need

• Cosmetic bag
• Panty liners
• Pads
• Tampons
• Pair of underwear
• Resealable plastic bag
• Dark chocolate (optional)
• Ibuprofen or naproxen (optional)
• Liquid hand sanitizer or wipes (optional)
• Pocket calendar (optional)

EditSources and Citations

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