One of the most important elements of a good sanitary pad is the ability to absorb a large volume of blood in a short span of time. Blood absorbed should also be locked into the centre core, eliminating the chance of backflow when pressure is applied to the pad (for example when sitting down).
One way to tell whether the discharged blood is absorbed to the centre core is to observe the colour of the blood on the pad surface. The brighter or fresher the colour, the nearer the blood is to the surface, potentially leading to backflow and dampness. Conversely, if the colour appears a duller red, this means that blood has been effectively absorbed so that you feel dry, confident and are able to go about your daily activities without worrying about any leakage!
2. Length and Flow
Blood discharge is usually heavier at the start of your period, so it is essential to choose a pad that can quickly and effectively absorb your flow.
Sanitary pads are classified as Day or Night, with Day pads being shorter (ranging from 17cm to 25cm) and Night pads going all the way to 35cm or more. The longer the pad, the more fluids it can absorb.
Night pads also come with added features like wide hip guards to effectively prevent back leakages as you lie down. Some pads also come with side gathers to fit your body contours; this is to prevent side leakage throughout the night.
3. Material Comfort
Sanitary pads are either made of cotton or plastic netted. Everyone’s skin is different, thus the comfort levels with certain materials differ as well. Some girls prefer a soft touch whilst others may prefer a netted top layer. The type of material also affects its breathability.
According to a survey conducted by Kao Laboratories in Japan, when you put on a sanitary pad, humidity levels in that area of your body elevates to 85% or higher. This change could make the skin damp, tender and very sensitive.
The menstrual flow itself could lead to your discomfort. On light flow days, moisture levels are lower but the constant rubbing of your skin against the sanitary pad can give rise to abrasions, making your skin red and itchy. A common misconception among women is that having rashes in their pubic area is something all women have to go through during their period. The truth is, the problem may quite easily be alleviated by simply changing to cotton-type sanitary pads!
I thought I was prepared for my daughter's first period. We did everything the experts tell you to do; we attended Girlology classes, had practical conversations about what to expect, and spent way too much time and money in Target sorting through what we thought were the best products to have on hand.
But times have changed since the baby boomers menstruated (no more flotation devices in your undies), and where there were once only pads and tampons, there are now a plethora of tween-friendly options for your daughter to choose from.
When will your daughter get her period?
You won't be able to circle a specific date on the calendar, but there are a few telltale signs for when your daughter is on the verge of her first visit from "Aunt Flo." About two to three years after your daughter first develops breast buds (which I mistook for a life-threatening disease, but that's an entirely different failed motherhood story), your daughter will start her period.
Navigating the first period
No matter how prepared you think you are, the first period is a lot to manage. Its arrival can leave your daughter feeling anything from scared and embarrassed to excited and grown-up. My plan had always been to celebrate this entry into womanhood with my daughter in some momentous way, but all she wanted to do was curl up in bed and pretend like it wasn't happening. And that's okay.
Keep in mind the first period can bring along with it a long list of discomforts — cramps, breast tenderness, back pain, and headaches. Be prepared to offer a heating pad, pain relievers, ice cream, and lots of hugs.
On top of dealing with the aches, pains, and emotions of her first monthly visit, your daughter will have to figure out what period products make her feel the most comfortable.
Tween-friendly period products
Not all period products are created equal, and most were not designed with tweens in mind. How can a one-size-fits-all product work for an adult woman and an eleven-year-old girl? It cannot.
After realizing the products I purchased were not going to work for my daughter, I turned to the internet. I was pleasantly surprised to find multiple tween-specific period product choices beyond what was available at my local supermarket. I'm sharing the six best products I found for my tween.
The Six Best Period Products for your Tween
1. Thinx (Btwn) Period Underwear
No pad. No tampon. Just a comfortable pair of underwear. Thinx period underwear comes in various styles and patterns and can absorb up to five tampons worth without feeling bulky.
2. Thinx (Btwn) Training Athletic Shorts
Being active on a period can be a challenge. Pads never seem to stay in place, and many young girls aren't comfortable with the idea of using a tampon. These athletic shorts offer the look of Lululemon with the absorbancy of Kotex.
3. U by Kotex Ultra Thin Teen Feminine Pads with Wings
When it comes to convenience, look no further than Kotex pads made especially for tweens. They are light and breathable but super absorbent.
4. Ruby Love Period Swimsuit
Period swimsuit - no tampons required. This product saved my daughter's life this past summer. These adorable teen-sized period swimsuits come in all shapes, styles and colors, and most importantly, offer leak0proof, all-day maximum protection in the water.
5. Rael Heating Patch
Made with lemon balm, juniper berry, jasmine, dandelion root and rosehip, these chemical-free patches instantly warm to promote blood flow and bring relief from menstrual cramps. They're small enough to wear under your clothes for all-day relief.
6. Goodwipes
Hypoallergenic, ph-balanced, plant-based, and 100% biodegradable, these wipes will keep your tween feeling fresh during her time of the month.
Did you find this article helpful? Want to see more tips and resources geared toward families with tweens and teens? Let us know! Email editor@lowcountryparent.com.