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Original poster

Help-What is the smallest tampon for dd-12

38 replies

simplesusan · 30/09/2009 13:19

Hi

I am not sure where to post this but thought people who use this board are often very "in the know".
My dd who is 12 has recently started her periods.
Unfortunately her next one is due when she is to appear at a dance competition.

The problem is that she has to wear a very tight lycra leotard and is frightened of any pads showing.
I have told her that I think a tampon would be better -as to avoid her panicing about anyone being able to see the lines of the pad.
I have had a brief look in the supermarket but the smallest tampon I could find was a regular one. Is this the smallest? and also any thoughts as to whether she would be better with or without an applicator. So far she has only used pads and won't even use "winged" ones for fear of anyone noticing.

All replys very welcome.

OP posts:
Eyeballls · 30/09/2009 13:21

Lilets do a mini one which is teeny.

OrmIrian · 30/09/2009 13:22

I have no advice but will watch with interest. DD is 10 and has all the symptoms of her menstrual cycle apart from the bleeding. And she is still so small (in my eyes). I can't imagine what she will use.

theyoungvisiter · 30/09/2009 13:24

I used to use lil-lets mini at that age, but it did take a few tries before I was comfortable putting it in. I think they may be called "lights" now.

AFAIK they are the smallest, I couldn't manage tampax until I was older, and still find applicators very uncomfortable to use.

LadyOfTheFlowers · 30/09/2009 13:24

Tampax Mini I have seen and they are really tiny. Pink wrappers I think, whereas regular are yellow.
They usually come in a mutipack, not sure if you can get them on their own?

Very teeny indeed. If I remember correctly they are no bigger than the last two sections of your little finger.
Cant be too sure as i syuffed them somewhere - I have to use ones like kitchen rolls.... lol

paisleyleaf · 30/09/2009 13:24

That's unfortunate timming for her.

this one?
Although, she wants a small one she does want to make sure she uses one that's absorbant enough too iykwim.

That tampax website seems to have a 'help me chose' section which might be helpful.

notjustapuppymum · 30/09/2009 13:25

Tampax do a mini one as well, with applicator which would probably be easier for her. Their compak range is also good but not sure they do a mini size, think just regular and up.

Maybe she could wear a tampon and a very thin panty liner, like Always Discreet, so she feels reassured of any leakage being caught.

paisleyleaf · 30/09/2009 13:25

"timming" !
tut

Original poster
simplesusan · 30/09/2009 13:25

Thanks eyeballs that sounds good (well as good as can be in the circumstances!).
I will try Boots and get the lilets ones.
x

OP posts:
LadyOfTheFlowers · 30/09/2009 13:26

stuffed, not syuffed.
might be purcple wrappers actually? And yes, possibly called lites.

MadreInglese · 30/09/2009 13:26

Tbh I wouldn't consider tampons at age 12, and certainly not as a first time for a dance competion, they take so much practise to get right and be comfortable.

You can get really thin pads that won't show through at all. Let her try some on with her leotard so she can have a look and see that they're invisible.

CuppaTeaJanice · 30/09/2009 13:27

My friends and I all started with tampax mini - I guess they are still available?

Applicator will be easiest I should think, if she's not used to putting stuff up there.

LadyOfTheFlowers · 30/09/2009 13:28

Ha! Just found the empty box on top of unit!
Tampax Compack 'Lites' (purple)
Plastic applicators, very easy indeed.

llareggub · 30/09/2009 13:28

I used minis at that age as I swam every day. My mother gave me a tube of ky jelly and instructions and left me too it.

Though you should google and come to your own conclusions about the use of internal sanitaryware at such a young age. I seem to remember reading somewhere that it can cause some sort of disease (cancer?) but I have erased it from my mind as I was a young user.

theyoungvisiter · 30/09/2009 13:32

Might be worth buying both applicator and non and seeing which one she finds easier.

I found it almost impossible to use applicator ones at that age - I couldn't control the angle as easily and it hurt a lot more.

But don't be surprised if she can't use them at first - I had several false starts before I managed - so perhaps try not to put her off the idea of a pad in case it doesn't work out.

Eyeballls · 30/09/2009 13:35

I must have a bucket fanjo then I disappeared upstairs with some tampons at age 13 while my mother said 'you'll never get it in!'. Two minutes later, job done

OhYouBadBadKitten · 30/09/2009 13:35

Good thread, its going to be time for me to stock up 'just in case' soon and as I use a moon bucket cup (and I don't think I'd inflict that on a beginner) I've been wondering what to get.

Original poster
simplesusan · 30/09/2009 13:37

Sorry x posted.
The thing is she will only be onstage for a matter of minutes plus backstage time so only 20 mins max.
Ordinarily I wouldn't want her to use tampons but they are very strict about no visible underwear showing-she cannot even wear a bra. So I don't think she will like the thought of a pad as her knickers are very thin too( so as not to be visible at all).
Sounds awful written down but she loves dancing so don't want to stop her doing it for the sake of a period.

OP posts:
BobtheWoodmouse · 30/09/2009 13:39

My DD uses mini Tampax, she's 14 but may have been 13 when she first tried them. Similar reasons to you but with tight jodphurs and riding.

It took her a couple of months to get the hang of them - it might be quite stressful if your daughter doesn't get it right first time.

Would removing a pad for the couple of minutes during the routine be a possibility? - is there a loo near by at the event?

What a shame about the timing. My daughter started her very first period on day one of a week-long canoe and watersports holiday.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 30/09/2009 13:40

Poor kid, last thing she wants to be worrying about

MadreInglese · 30/09/2009 13:41

How regular is she? DD (11) started about 6 months ago and hers are still all over the place. Might your DD not even be on when the competition comes around?

MadreInglese · 30/09/2009 13:44

You seriously would not see a thin pad through a leotard

By all means let her try with the tampons if that's what she wants (but you can't really 'try' when you're not on so prior practise would be difficult) but just let her see that pads are a feasible alternative

AmazingBouncingFerret · 30/09/2009 13:45

I was about that age when I started using the mini ones, my sister told me to use vaseline for ease of application!

Original poster
simplesusan · 30/09/2009 13:48

Madreinglese-she has only just started and has had 2. I was hoping that they wouldn't be every month but so far they have been exactly 28 days apart.
Bobthewoodmouse-the toilet is not next to the stage and even though she is only dancing for a few minutes she has to wait backstage until everyone in her section has danced, usually about 10 dancers, and then they all have to come back on stage and the judge announces the winner. So I don't think it is possible to go without anything for this length of time.
I am panicing myself as to whether she will be able to do it

OP posts:
Catzee · 30/09/2009 13:50

If she struggles with the tampons you can get a course of tablets from the doctors that delay your period for a month - I'm not sure if the Dr will prescribe them for someone so young though. I'm also not sure how much in advance of your period you have to start taking them.

QueenOfFlamingEverything · 30/09/2009 13:51

Would you consider getting her some Sea Pearls?

They are reusable tampons made from natural sea sponges. Soft (unlike tampons), chemical free, and you can trim them to fit.

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