steppingstonemomma Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 My 11yodd is nearing the time when her cycle is to begin- all the signs are there! So, I'm wondering if a particular brand of pad is better for young girls just starting out. She is very small for her age and skinny as a stick and I just KNOW she's going to be self-conscious about a "big, adult sized" pad. Back when I started, Always brand had a "teen" version that was slimmer and shorter, but I can't seem to find anything like that in the stores. Any opinions on brands? Or any advice as we get closer to the momentous occasion? LOL! Thanks, Tiffany Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 I remember my mum wrote to a company and they sent me a beginner pack, with a range of products (smaller) and lots of information. it was many years ago, so I am not sure if the companies still do this . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Can't you get pads in different sizes? We have maxi, mini and night pads available. Some brands are super thin, others are bulky. I usually use cloth pads, which are also made in different sizes, but I keep a packet of disposable slim pads in the drawer for emergencies. Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay in Cal Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Well... I got my period when I was 9. Mom handed me a couple of huge pads and that was it.:001_huh: I hated the ginormous pads, and even though my cycle wasn't regular for a couple of years... it was a pain. What I really wish is that my mom had talked to me about using tampons and walked me through it. My mom was NOT interested in talking about "that sort of thing". I finally got up the courage to try them on my own when I was about 13 or so. Let's just say that the learning curve was steep, even with the little booklet. :blink: It would have been sooooo wonderful if mom had been more informative. Even if she still started me with pads, a discussion about tampons, using them as a virgin, etc would have been the most helpful thing ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
springmama Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 some of the pad companies' web sites allow you to register online and they will mail you a sample pack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 The momentous occasion happened to my dd when she was on a week long camp. Her friend immediately introduced her to tampons. So much for anything I might have thought about waiting a while before introducing them! But, no harm done- she was 14 and mature enough to use them. Oh, and any thoughts I had about making it a special occasion, taking her out to a meal, buying her something lovely....well, they haven't happened either. She is so matter of fact. For her, having her best friend help her through it was the best thing that could have happened. She just brushed it all off, but asked me to bring her some tampons and some pain killers to the camp for her. This kid just brings herself up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steppingstonemomma Posted April 8, 2009 Author Share Posted April 8, 2009 Thanks, ladies! I ordered a free "girl" pack from Always, and I'm going to look at Kotex today. I think we'll pass on the tampons for now. I talked to her about it recently (the topic is very open and casual so no fearfulness on her part) and she absolutely DID NOT like the idea of a tampon! LOL! She's funny, once she sets her mind to something, the world could turn upside down and she'd never change! LOL! I was just looking for pads that weren't so long for her size and it looks like the Always Ultra Thin Slender may fit the bill- we'll see. Also, I really recommend the booklet called Lady Day by Joy Moore. I've met the author at our convention and she is the sweetest woman with 4 (I think) great young girls. We went through the booklet and had a "Lady Day" where we picked out face cleansers, bras and other girly products all in preparation for the changes coming. There is a beautiful message and letters that you read with your daughter during the day. I highly recommend it! http://daughters4god.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=40 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraceyS/FL Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 My DD hated the Always she tried (i can't stand them either). We both use Stayfree Ultra thin pads. I've told her she can pick whatever she wants - she's sticking with those for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaof2andtwins Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 We use cloth. I made her a set of her own. Jennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 For those of you whose dds use tampons... exactly HOW steep is that learning curve? My dd started a few months ago... (on my birthday, no less.) She really wants to use them, NEEDS to use them because of her involvement in dance, but hasn't been able to yet. She says they hurt and she feels like a total loser. She's not comfortable talking about it with her friends and there is no way she's going to let me come in and help her. Yes, she's read the booklet in the box and I've bought the smallest size I can find, but still we've been unsuccesful. Any hints? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrixieB Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 For those of you whose dds use tampons... exactly HOW steep is that learning curve? My dd started a few months ago... (on my birthday, no less.) She really wants to use them, NEEDS to use them because of her involvement in dance, but hasn't been able to yet. She says they hurt and she feels like a total loser. She's not comfortable talking about it with her friends and there is no way she's going to let me come in and help her. Yes, she's read the booklet in the box and I've bought the smallest size I can find, but still we've been unsuccesful. Any hints? Your dd is not going to like this answer. I had to help my dd the first couple of times, when she needed to use them for swimming (she was invited to a pool party during her first cycle). After she felt what the correct placement was like, she was able to use tampons on her own. I don't recall the brand, but at the store where I bought them there was only one brand of very slim size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrixieB Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 A sample pack is a good idea, so your dd can try out various options. My dd tried the ultrathin and didn't like them. She prefers regular pads. If your sample pack doesn't include them, you might want to get a couple of different styles of nighttime pads for her to try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 For those of you whose dds use tampons... exactly HOW steep is that learning curve? My dd started a few months ago... (on my birthday, no less.) She really wants to use them, NEEDS to use them because of her involvement in dance, but hasn't been able to yet. She says they hurt and she feels like a total loser. She's not comfortable talking about it with her friends and there is no way she's going to let me come in and help her. Yes, she's read the booklet in the box and I've bought the smallest size I can find, but still we've been unsuccesful. Any hints? My dds aren't that age yet, but I do remember trying to use cardboard applicators at first and wondering what the heck was wrong with me that they were so difficult. Discovering plastic applicators was wonderful :D! After some practice with those, it was easier to go back to earth-friendlier cardboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Your dd is not going to like this answer. I had to help my dd the first couple of times, when she needed to use them for swimming (she was invited to a pool party during her first cycle). After she felt what the correct placement was like, she was able to use tampons on her own. I don't recall the brand, but at the store where I bought them there was only one brand of very slim size. Oh my! Not sure how well that would go over with dd. I could try.... and perhaps you could send flowers to my funeral! LOL! I have offered to help her, but so far she isn't going for it. Maybe when she gets desperate enough... Thanks for your help. I'm going to try a few different pharmacies, to see if I'm missing some special "extra slim" brand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaterbabs Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 I have found the new Always Infinity pads to be the most comfortable among disposable products. they're a little more expensive, but they have smaller sizes and they work VERY well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet in Toronto Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 My dds aren't that age yet, but I do remember trying to use cardboard applicators at first and wondering what the heck was wrong with me that they were so difficult. Discovering plastic applicators was wonderful :D! After some practice with those, it was easier to go back to earth-friendlier cardboard. :iagree:.. try the plastic applicators and remind her that it will feel like the tampon is pointing towards her tailbone, NOT directly vertical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialmama Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 My DD hated the Always she tried (i can't stand them either). We both use Stayfree Ultra thin pads. I've told her she can pick whatever she wants - she's sticking with those for now. I second these ones. I can't stand Always either... they give me a rash by th end of the cycle. I've been using Stayfree for 10 yrs and although I've tried other brands, the Stayfree ones are tops IMO. They do have compact sizes with the diagram on the outside to compare. I'd use them *gasp* for my 10yr old dd when the time *gasp* arrives *choke* *faint* (must. not. think. about. it) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnetteB Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 For those of you whose dds use tampons... exactly HOW steep is that learning curve? My dd started a few months ago... (on my birthday, no less.) She really wants to use them, NEEDS to use them because of her involvement in dance, but hasn't been able to yet. She says they hurt and she feels like a total loser. She's not comfortable talking about it with her friends and there is no way she's going to let me come in and help her. Yes, she's read the booklet in the box and I've bought the smallest size I can find, but still we've been unsuccesful. Any hints? I'm not sure that it is a learning curve, but for some they are painful and cause cramping. My own experience was that my body rejected them and my periods were far more painful. We buy a variety of pads for the ladies in our home to cover all the bases of varied needs. I like the idea of washable cloth and use them on light days, but have found them "shifty." lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialmama Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 You know, there is such a creature out there called a "menstrual cup", and although I've never seen/used one, I know at least 2 women who use them and love them. They say they'll never use pons or pads again. Perhaps that is something worth looking into? :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mims Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Look for Diva or Luna menstruation cups. They are usually more comfortable, reusable and have no history of toxic shock syndrome like tampons. They will end up saving you a huge amount of money in the long run and they have small sizes. I have heard (second hand) that Luna is usually better for young girls but I believe they are out of England so a little more hassle to buy. Our Good Foods Store carries Diva. About $40 and last forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutor Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Your dd is not going to like this answer. I had to help my dd the first couple of times, when she needed to use them for swimming (she was invited to a pool party during her first cycle). After she felt what the correct placement was like, she was able to use tampons on her own. I don't recall the brand, but at the store where I bought them there was only one brand of very slim size. This is what I did as well. Neither of us was really thrilled at the experience, but in hindsight we both agree that it was the best option and saved her a lot of frustration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 We use cloth. I made her a set of her own. I was going to suggest cloth too. It's so much better for the skin, they are just far more comfortable. I'm not industrious enough to make my own, but there are lots of online stores that sell them, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles. I've even seen "teen packs", which I plan to buy for my dd eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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