First Bra and First Period: A Guide for Parents

Growing up brings changes, and the best thing a parent can do is be calm, open and prepared. Here is a simple guide.

Talk early and keep it normal

Do not wait for your daughter to ask. Mention bras and periods as ordinary parts of life, and let her know she can ask you anything. Listen more than you talk.

Choosing a first bra

• Start with soft cotton, non-padded and non-wired. It should feel like a vest, not a restriction.
• Let her try it on and choose. Comfort matters more than style at first.
• Sizes are often by age, so check the size chart. If she is between sizes, choose the larger one.
• Buy two or three so there is always a clean one.

Preparing for a first period

Periods often start between the ages of 9 and 15, but every girl is different. Put together a small kit she can keep in her school bag:

• Pads in a size made for teens
• A spare pair of underwear
• A small pouch or zip bag
• A note with what to do and who to ask

Using pads

Show her how to unwrap and place a pad, and explain that it should be changed every few hours. If she has questions about heavy bleeding, severe pain or irregular cycles, speak to a doctor.

Comfort at home

Soft cotton clothes, a warm drink and rest can help on tough days. A relaxed cotton night set makes sleepovers and lazy mornings easier.

Products on this site that are made for younger girls are only shown in the teen section, and they are meant to be bought by a parent or guardian.

VelvetComfort exists for these moments — the in-between times when you choose softness on purpose. Each piece in our curation is chosen with one filter: would we gift this to our most beloved friend?