How to Put Together a First Period Kit

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Three Methods:Help Making Your KitIncluding the NecessitiesAdding Extra ItemsCommunity Q&A

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.

Steps

Method 1

Including the Necessities

1. 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.

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   • 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. 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.

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   • 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. 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.

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   • 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. 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.

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   • 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. 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.

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   • If you end up using the bag, be sure to replace it as soon as possible.

Method 2

Adding Extra Items

1. 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.”

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   • If you don’t like dark chocolate, add a package of mints, which can help to soothe mild cramps and stomach pain.

2. 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.

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   • 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. 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.

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   • 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. 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.

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   • 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!

Community Q&A

Add New Question

• Question

  How will I know when my first period is ending?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Community Answer

  The average period lasts for about a week (but it's different for each person). However, your first few periods may be shorter, lighter, and irregular. If you seem to be losing less blood than the days before, your period is probably ending, but you should still keep supplies on hand in case you need them.

• Question

  What if you bleed in front of every one from your period?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Community Answer

  Stay calm and understand that you won't bleed in front of everyone. You'll notice feeling a little wet and that will allow you to go to the bathroom and use a pad or tell the teacher or nurse that you need a pad. Don't panic, that's the best advice.

• Question

  I just peed and saw brown liquid on the toilet seat, and I have been having discharge for a while now. Does that mean I'll start mine soon?

  HappyWikiHelper

  Community Answer

  That is probably your period. If you experience it again after a few days or hours, that is your period.

• Question

  At what age do most girls get their period?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Community Answer

  It depends on when you going through puberty. Some girls can start their period as young as 10, while others don't start until they are 15. In general, however, most girls will start when they are 12.

• Question

  How do I ask a male teacher if I don't have supplies?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Community Answer

  Politely ask your male teacher if you can go to the nurse or to the restroom. If the nurse is female, you can ask her. You can also ask a female teacher on the way to the restroom. You could also ask a friend to lend you some pads or tampons. As a last resort, get some toilet paper and wrap it around your hand a few times, then place it in your underwear to offer protection.

• Question

  How do I know when I'll get my first period?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Community Answer

• Question

  Is it normal to have no periods at thirteen?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Community Answer

  Many people vary on when they receive their first signs of puberty. If you are 15 and have not experienced any symptoms of puberty or your first period, then you should see a doctor.

• Question

  How can I ask for pads without feeling awkward and embarrassed?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Community Answer

  It's normal to ask a parent or guardian for pads. It may seem awkward to you, but just relax and have a private talk with someone you trust. Remember, if it a woman, she's been there before too.

• Question

  What is the best way to tell my mom that my period has started?

  HappyWikiHelper

  Community Answer

  Don't be embarrassed. It's a completely normal thing that happens to all healthy girls! She will tell you all about it and teach you how to cope with your periods. Just tell her, simply.

• Question

  How do you prepare for an irregular period?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Community Answer

  Try noting down your last period date. A week before, line your underwear with pantyliners (if possible). Or, in case you see any spotting, use a thin pad, to be on the safe side. If your underwear feels wet, go to the bathroom and check yourself. Always keep some supplies with you. If your periods have just started, then there is a high chance for it to irregular and some people experience irregular periods during stress, after pregnancy and at peri-menopause.

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Tips

• 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.

Warnings

• 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.

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