Swimming & periods

[Hotdoggy]

Hi, looking for some advice on what to do, as dd started her first period yesterday (age 11). She's in the local swim squad. Is there anything you can recommend she use and still be able to swim? I did think of tampons, but it just doesn't feel right to let her use them at her age. Any advice welcome.

[Cliveybaby]

tampons or cup.
What's wrong with tampons?
Think I used a sanitary towel once (started at 13) and hated the gross "wet nappy" feeling, so then always used tampons.
To be fair though, I hadn't heard of menstrual cups, or I might have used those.

[IncyWincyMouseRat]

It’s her body and her choice what sort of sanitary protection she uses, surely it’s not a case of ‘letting’ her do anything. At 11 it’s possible that her periods might be quite irregular for a little while so it might not impact her swimming too much at this stage.

Help her to research all the different types of sanitary protection: free bleeding, disposable pads, cloth pads, period pants, menstrual cups, soft cups, tampons, sponges... there might even be more! And let her make the decision that suits her body without judgement or trying to steer her in any one direction.