What to pack in a first period kit

A guide to help parents with their purchase

Managing periods on the go when you've just started, or are about to start, can feel daunting. Your child may be concerned about accessing a toilet, finding period products, or sourcing painkillers for cramps.

Here’s just a handful of examples from worried teens, who have asked luna directly in the app about managing this: 

“I think ill have my period for my residential. I also mught not be able to change my products as much as i need to. Helllpppp!!!”

“i just got my first period today im really nervous how do i handle it in school? as in how often do i change it and what do i do if a teacher won’t let me go” 

“what do i do when i leak blood in school”

At younger ages, these considerations can feel overwhelming, especially given it's hard to predict when a first period will start, and they can be pretty irregular in general at the start.

Whilst using a period tracker like luna's can help over time, there are some other ways you can ease your child's worries.

One solution is a "my first period" kit. You and your child can create this together, tailoring the products to their preferences and needs. Periods as a teenager can often be unpredictable, but a first period kit is a small, but significant, way for your child to feel more confident and in control. 

Things to include in a period starter kit:

• Their chosen period product: whatever product your child wants to use, make sure they've got a few of them in their first period kit. That way, they won’t have to resort to toilet paper and will always have something if a friend needs one too – if they’re exploring their options, here’s a resource on choosing period products for tweens and teens
• Spare underwear/tights: leaks are pretty common, so it can be useful to have a spare pair of underwear or tights rolled up in the first period kit in case of emergencies. It’ll help your child to feel much more comfortable
• Small bag/pouch: including an extra pouch (especially if it’s washable) can be really useful for your child to put in any stained underwear or reusable pads. It keeps them separate from their other things and means you can pop it straight into the wash when they get home
• Tissues: having a packet of tissues is great for keeping clean and also for your child to use as an emergency pad if they don'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 suggest carrying some painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen in their first period kit. It can make a big difference if their cramps are bothering them – just check the packaging to make sure they're age appropriate
• Spare pair of leggings: alongside extra underwear, it can help to put a pair of leggings or trousers rolled up small in their first period kit. If they experience leaking, they can change into these spare bottoms and feel much more comfortable and less self-conscious 

Why not support your teen with luna premium?

Our app, luna, has dedicated advice on this topic which can help them feel more empowered through adolescence.

You can think of luna as a modern, digital approach to wellbeing – it’s cost-effective, verified by doctors and safeguarding experts, and has a direct line into the biggest concerns facing teens today – so it’s actually addressing what they need advice on, when they need it.

If you’ve been looking for an antidote to the misinformation and negativity shared on social media or forums, you can get luna for your teen via our luna premium page for the price of a coffee each month or manage their subscription by downloading luna yourself and signing up as a parent (it's "we are luna" in app stores).

Finally, if your teen is navigating their first periods, luna also offers resources for parents on talking to your daughter about her first period and understanding signs your daughter is about to start her period.