So, your tween is about to start their period journey—exciting times! It can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to choosing the right period products. With so many options out there, it’s important to pick what suits them best. Let’s break it down and make this transition as smooth as possible. It might be a good idea to look through this list together and start the conversation as a team!
1. Pads
Pads are absorbent liners that lie in the inside of your underwear and catch menstrual blood. They come in different sizes and thicknesses, and some even have wings to help keep them in place.
Pros:
- Simple to Use: Pads are easy to use and don’t involve any tricky insertion.
- Comfortable: Great for those who might feel a bit unsure about internal products.
- Variety: Available in different absorbencies and sizes to fit every flow.
Cons:
- Visibility: They may be a bit more noticeable.
- Changing Routine: Pads may need to be changed every few hours to stay fresh and avoid leaks.
Best For: Tweens who are new to periods and might prefer something straightforward and external.
See our range of organic cotton pads.
2. Tampons
Tampons are little absorbent cylinders that go inside the vagina to absorb menstrual blood before it leaves the body. They come with or without applicators and in various absorbency levels.
Pros:
- Comfortable: When inserted correctly the tampon should be barely noticeable inside your body.
- Active Lifestyle: Ideal for swimming and active pursuits.
Cons:
- Insertion: Might be a bit intimidating at first, especially for beginners.
- Changing: Need to be changed throughout the day and it’s important to be aware of the rare risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Best For: Tweens who are comfortable with the idea of internal products and are more active or sporty, particularly for those who swim regularly.
Check out our organic cotton tampons.
3. Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are flexible, bell-shaped devices made from silicone or rubber like material. They’re inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood and are emptied and reused.
Pros:
- Eco-Friendly: Reusable, making them a great choice for those who want to reduce waste.
- Long-Wearing: Can be used for up to 12 hours before needing to be emptied.
- Cost Effective: A single cup can be used for ten years.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: It can take a bit of practice to get the hang of insertion and removal.
- Comfort: Finding the right fit might take some trial and error.
Best For: Tweens who are environmentally conscious and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve.
Shop our Self-sanitising Cup here
4. Period Pants
What Are They?
Period pants are specific underwear designed with built-in absorbency to catch menstrual blood. They look like regular pants but have layers of protection.
Pros:
- Super Comfortable: Feels like regular underwear, so they’re comfy and easy to wear.
- Easy to Remember: Require no conscious effort to change habits as they are worn as normal pants.
Cons:
- Price: Can have a higher upfront cost than other options.
- Absorbency: Might not be enough alone for a heavy flow.
Best For: Tweens looking for a comfortable and extra layer of protection.
Check out our full range of organic cotton pants here
Mixing It Up
What’s the Idea?
Combining different products can offer the best of both worlds. For example, using a tampon or menstrual cup during the day and switching to a pad or period pants at night.
Pros:
- Flexibility: Allows you to tailor protection based on your tween’s flow and activity levels.
- Backup: Reduces the risk of leaks and offers extra security.
Cons:
- Management: Might involve juggling different products and changing them frequently.
Best For: Tweens who want to experiment and find the perfect mix for their needs.
Check out our bundles here
Tips for Choosing Period Products
- Comfort is Key: Make sure whatever product your tween chooses feels comfortable and manageable.
- Education: Take time to explain how to use each product, including insertion, removal, and disposal.
- Trial and Error: It might take a bit of experimenting to find the right product or combo that works best.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right period product is a personal choice and can vary based on comfort and lifestyle. By exploring these options and having a chat about preferences, you can help your tween find what works best for them. Keeping the conversation open and supportive will make this new chapter a little bit easier and a lot more empowering.
