♡ A note from Gemma

When I first started thinking about preparing my own daughter for her first period, one question kept coming back to me...

Should she use pads or period pants?

The truth is, there isn't one right answer. Every girl is different, and what feels comfortable for one may not suit another.

I wanted this article to help parents understand both options, so they can choose what feels right for their daughter.

Period Pants vs Pads for First Periods

If you're preparing your daughter for her first period, you've probably wondered whether period pants or pads are the better option.

The good news is that both can be excellent choices.

The most important thing is helping your daughter feel comfortable, confident and prepared.

Let's look at each option.

What are period pants?

Period pants look and feel like ordinary underwear but contain specially designed absorbent layers that collect menstrual flow.

Many girls like them because there's nothing extra to stick in place and they can feel more like wearing normal underwear.

What are pads?

Pads are absorbent products that attach to underwear and are changed throughout the day.

They're often the product many parents remember using when they first started their own periods.

Pads are widely available and simple to carry as spares.

Benefits of period pants

♡ They feel like normal underwear.

♡ No sticking pads into underwear.

♡ Comfortable for school and sports.

♡ Designed to absorb menstrual flow.

♡ Many girls find them reassuring for their first period.

Benefits of pads

♡ Easy to change when needed.

♡ Available almost everywhere.

♡ Different sizes and absorbencies.

♡ A familiar option for many families.

Which is better?

There isn't one correct answer.

Some girls love period pants from day one.

Others feel more confident using pads.

Some even choose to use both.

The most important thing is giving your daughter options and helping her discover what feels most comfortable for her.

Why I chose period pants for with you

When I was creating with you, I spent a long time researching different options.

In the end, I chose to include period pants because I wanted girls to have something that felt comfortable, reassuring and simple to use.

The period pants in every with you First Period Confidence Pouch are designed with heavy absorbency and can hold the equivalent of up to 5–6 regular tampons, helping many girls feel confident throughout the school day.*

* Of course, every girl's flow is different, and how often period pants need changing will vary from person to person.

There isn't one perfect choice ♡

Whether your daughter chooses period pants, pads or a combination of both, she's making the right choice if she feels comfortable and confident.

Helping her understand that she has options can make starting her first period feel far less overwhelming.

Helping her feel prepared

When I created with you, I wanted every pouch to include thoughtfully chosen essentials that help girls feel prepared from the very beginning.

The period pants are just one part of that journey, alongside reassurance cards, a soothing heat pack and other carefully selected items designed to help girls feel calm, confident and supported whenever the time comes.

If you're looking for a ready-made first period kit, our with you starter pack has everything covered — shop here.