What to put in a period kit for your daughter’s first period?
Period starter pack checklist for parents
Quick summary
- Managing periods on the go can feel overwhelming – teens often worry about accessing toilets, changing products, or handling leaks
- A period starter kit can help them feel more confident, including essentials like pads, spare underwear, painkillers, and a small pouch for emergencies
- luna’s period tracker can also help teens feel more prepared as it helps them to predict their period
Managing periods on the go can feel daunting.
Your daughter may be concerned about accessing a toilet in a new place, finding period products when she’s forgotten hers, or sourcing painkillers for period pain relief.
Here’s just a handful of examples from worried teens:
These considerations can feel overwhelming at younger ages, especially as irregular periods within the first two years of menstruation are very common.
In other words, there’s more chance of unexpectedly starting.
Having an emergency period kit handy can be the ultimate solution for your teen.
You and your daughter can create this together, tailoring the products to her preferences and needs.
Periods can be uncontrollable, but an emergency period kit is a small, but significant, way for your daughter to feel more confident and in control each month.
What to include in a period starter pack?
As soon as you notice signs that your daughter is about to start her period, preparing a period kit for them should be the first thing on your list.
You should also know how to communicate with them about the first period and the changes they can expect.
Here are a few suggestions that can help you pack your daughter’s period kit with confidence.
Her chosen period product
Once you have discussed different period products with your teen, pack multiple items of their chosen product in the period kit.
This way, she won’t have to resort to toilet paper and will always have something if a friend needs one too.
Spare underwear/tights
Leaks are really common, so it can be useful to have a spare pair of underwear or tights rolled up in the period kit in case of emergencies.
It’ll help your daughter to feel much more comfortable.
Small bag/pouch
Including an extra pouch (especially if it’s washable) can be really useful for your daughter to put in any stained underwear, period pants or reusable pads.
It keeps them separate from her other things and means you can pop it straight into the wash when she gets home.
Tissues
Having a packet of tissues is great for keeping clean and also for your daughter to use as an emergency pad if she doesn’t have access to one.
Wipes
There are lots of small packets of wipes you can buy from the supermarket to include in a period kit.
They’re great for keeping clean and feeling fresh.
Make sure these are specifically designed for intimate use and are free of harsh chemicals which could cause irritation.
Painkillers
Periods can be painful for many people, so if they’re suitable for your daughter you could suggest carrying some painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen in her period kit.
It can make a big difference if her period pain is bothering her.
Spare pair of leggings
Alongside extra underwear, it can help to put a pair of leggings or trousers rolled up small in your daughter’s kit.
If she experiences leaking, she can change into these spare bottoms and feel much more comfortable and less self-conscious.
What to pack in a period kit for school
Having a multiple period kit bag ready for your teen can be a great idea, especially if you prepare one and leave it in their school bag for emergencies.
Here are some things that you can pack in a period kit for school just so your girl feels more confident:
- Pads and/or tampons: a few of your preferred type (consider different absorbencies)
- Panty liners: for light days or backup
- Extra pair of underwear: just in case of leaks
- Pain killers: e.g. ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Wipes: unscented and gentle for freshening up
- Hand sanitiser: bathrooms aren’t always fully stocked
- Heating patch or mini heat pack: there are small stick-on ones that help with cramps
- Plastic bag or ziplock: for leaked-on underwear or used products (in case there’s no bin)
- Mini mirror: for quick checks
- Lip balm and hair tie: just to make them feel more put together
- Granola bar or chocolate: for comfort and as a cute surprise
Equipped with this kit, your daughter should hopefully feel more empowered to manage her periods when out of the home.
Bonus tip: track it, don’t stress it
You can also introduce your teen to a period tracking app like luna so they’re less stressed about when their next period is coming.
With luna, they can:
- Log when their period starts and ends
- Track symptoms like cramps, mood swings, or cravings
- Get predictions for upcoming cycles
- Learn more about their body and what’s normal for them
It’s a great way to feel more in control and less caught off guard, because nobody likes surprise visits.
How we created this article:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.
Find out about trends when your teen does
Sign up to our parent newsletter for emails on the latest teen trends, insights into our luna community and to keep up to date
By signing up, you are agreeing that we can use your email address to market to you. You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by using the link in our emails. For more information, please review our privacy statement.