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Getting your first period is a sign that you're growing up, and periods in general are a good sign that your body is healthy and working the way it's supposed to. Unfortunately, periods are also quite messy, and they can sometimes pop up in unexpected moments. To make sure you're always prepared, follow our guide on how to make a period kit!
Steps
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Get a small bag or purse. [1] X Research source You need something to serve as your kit! But make sure it is big enough to hold pads and, if you use them, tampons. It would be handy if it had compartments!
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Get some menstrual products. Usually, your first period is very light and just spotting, so pantyliners are perfect. For a heavier flow, you'll want pads or tampons. Alternatives are menstrual/soft cups or reusable, cloth pads. You'll need about 3 liners and 3 pads or tampons to last you through a work or school day. Be sure to change your pad every 4-6 hours and your tampon every 6-8 hours. [2] X Research source
- Try out different levels of absorbency for tampons to find out what works for you. [3]
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Expert Source
Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
Advertisement - Try out different levels of absorbency for tampons to find out what works for you. [3]
X
Expert Source
Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
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Add pain medications. There's a high possibility you'll get period cramps, which aren't pleasant. Ibuprofen works well to reduce the pain and it may reduce flow for some people. [4] X Expert Source Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020. If you're really hurting badly, you can take up to four at a time as long as you don't exceed the daily limit listed on the label. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source -
Add a small calendar and pen. If you're unsure of when exactly your period is, write down the date every month until you find your pattern. [6] X Research source
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Include extra underwear. [7] X Research source Extra underwear can be helpful, especially if you stain your current pair of undies. In this case, you'll want a Ziploc bag to hold your stained panties.
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If you have space in your bag, you can add in an extra pair of pants as well, in case your period is exceptionally heavy and your pad/tampon leaks. (If this is a regular problem, consider wearing both a pad and a tampon, changing your product to something that doesn't leak, or taking birth control for lighter periods.)
- Be aware of the hormonal changes that occur with the consumption of birth control pills. Only use it if you know the pros and cons. [8] X Research source
- Talk to your doctor if you experience a lot of leakage and excessively heavy flow! [9]
X
Expert Source
Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
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Get some hand sanitizer. It always helps when the bathroom's out of soap!
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It can help to include some flushable wipes. Make sure that they are biodegradable and not scented.
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Add in a plastic baggy to hold soiled underwear and/or pants. A plastic bag can also be useful if there is not a place to dispose of a used tampon or pad (on a hike, at the beach, etc.)
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Also put in a dollar's worth of quarters, in case you forget to refill your kit and need to get some from a machine.
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Put in some chocolate (optional), especially dark chocolate - make sure it's in a Ziploc bag as well. The chemicals in chocolate can help with your cramps and satisfy that craving you're probably having. [10] X Research source
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Finished!
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QuestionI'm nervous about losing a tampon up there. What happens if the string breaks?Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.Don't worry! Your tampon won't actually go anywhere or "get lost." If the string breaks, you can just reach up and pull it out. Wear a glove and use lubricant to be safe and make the process easier.
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Tips
- If you're in school, make sure you and your friends have extra kits in your lockers just in case one person forgets. You will always have a friend to help you out.Thanks
- If you're embarrassed when you are at school, just hide your pad or tampon in your shoe, up your sleeve, or even in your pocket if you have one.Thanks
- If you don't have any pads or tampons, use some toilet paper until you are able to get some.Thanks
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Warnings
- Never leave a tampon in for more than eight hours. Doing so could cause toxic shock syndrome.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Small bag or purse
- 2-3 pads
- 1-2 tampons
- Panty liners
- Pain medication
- Small calendar
- A pen
- Underwear
- Pants, shorts, skirt, or any other comfortable extra clothing
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes
- Chocolate
- Money
References
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/daughters-first-period-how-to-prepare#1
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/pads-tampons.html
- ↑ Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
- ↑ Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944
- ↑ https://youngwomenshealth.org/askus/how-do-i-keep-track-of-my-periods-each-month/
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/daughters-first-period-how-to-prepare#1
- ↑ https://americanpregnancy.org/preventing-pregnancy/birth-control-pills/
- ↑ Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
About This Article
Article Summary
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To make a period kit, first get a small bag with a zipper that you can take on the go discreetly, like a pencil case, make-up bag, or small clutch. Start with 3 sanitary pads or tampons, which should be enough to get you through the day if you get your period. You should also add some ibuprofen (like Advil), which can help with pain from cramps, as well as an extra pair of underwear in case you need to change. It's also a good idea to include a plastic bag in case you need to store stained underwear or used sanitary items, and a to-go pack of cleansing wipes just in case. Finally, don't forget to pack something that will cheer you up in the moment if you need it, like some candy or gum. To learn what to do if you run out of pads or tampons, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "My period kit is VERY helpful when I'm at school, the gym, and even at home. I'm open to share my period products with friends also!" ..." more
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"My period kit is VERY helpful when I'm at school, the gym, and even at home. I'm open to share my period products with friends also!"
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"It helps me to make a general good period kit."
"I got my first period when I was on vacation in another state. I was so unprepared. When I got home, I found this article and I was so excited that I had my very own period kit that I made myself. Now I always have it with me and it has been such a lifesaver, especially since I almost always get my period when I'm on vacation or right before a big event. I also made my friend one who just got her period! 2 things that I would recommend to add to this kit are tissues and candy!"
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"I haven't gotten my period but I've had discharge for 3 months, and want to be prepared. I've done a lot of sex ed., so I won't be scared or surprised when I get it. The only thing I'm scared of is asking my mom about panty liners for discharge, because it's staying my underwear a lot."
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"This helped me as It showed and helped me prepare step by step for what I will need in my period kit as I had no idea what to do out in public.This article also has good advice of how to get through your first cycle too! This was by far the best website."
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