The practicalities of being prepared for periods starting

[greencybermummy]

Can I pick the brains of some experienced MNetters please. For some reason I noticed the shelves in the supermarket with sanitary wear and suddenly thought I should maybe be prepared for DD, she is coming up 9 now.

Does anyone have any advice about which pads would be good to have in in preparation? I haven't used any for years and years so feel a bit out of touch with the different brands and makes that are available these days. Also how soon did any of you introduce your DD's to tampons?

Any experiences welcome please.

My dd didn't start until she was 14, she started off with Always although they seem to be filled with irritating scent now. Lil-lets do pads aimed at teens, but have not bought them.
She was fifteen when she switched to Tampax, but i encouraged her to use a pad at night as i was worried about Toxic shock syndrome.

Sorry I don't have DDs (have sons), but I think girls should be given the option of using tampons - applicator ones, I think, the thin ones. And I'd definitely advise using with a lubricant.

My mum bought me sanitary towels, which, to be fair, were much thicker in those days. But I felt much better about the whole thing when I switched to tampons on my second period.

I'd also get panty liners, like Alldays as well, to use with tampons.

So, in summary, I'd buy a pack of towels and a pack of tampons.

Lillets have brought out some pads for young girls which, according to my DD, are really comfy! And they come in a nice cheery packet. My DD didn't start til she was 14 so you may have a while to wait, but better to be prepared :)

My dd is 11, and not started her periods yet, but since she started secondary school she has started taking in a little make up bag with a selection of towels, spare pants and wipes.
I am keeping well stocked on a variety of pads until she knows what she likes. I will also keep a variety of tampons in small size for her to try, but will wait until she actually has periods before getting them in.

My dd started at 11 and she uses the lilets teen ones and prefers them to others she has tried.
Dd 2 is just 10 but I think she will be starting soon so will start her with lilets teen ones and see how she goes.
Not long ago you could send off for a free starter pack which included a booklet, tampon and towels from lilets.

I agree with Carla, my DDs carried a small make up bag, with pads and pants in. I felt thus was important, especially on school trips/residentials. I also told them both not to panic if their underwear gets too badly soiled, especially at school, as I didn't want that to be a worry for them.
I have given my elder DD some tampons to try when she feels ready.