Dads are always thought to be brave. But, there’s one thing that wreaks fear in the hearts of many men…the tampon aisle or “feminine products” aisle as it’s often dubbed. The trip down that aisle can trigger heavy sweating, heart palpitations, and nausea.
The main reason is that the majority of dads don’t know what they’re doing down that aisle!
They don’t know what to buy or where to even start.
Pad vs. tampon?
Wings or no wings?
Light, medium, or heavy?
Cardboard or plastic?
The choices are endless!
Here’s the main thing…It’s okay if you’re wrong because you’re never going to be right! If you are (especially on the first try), kudos to you!
Whether you’re a single dad or you just happened to be the one home when the big moment arrives, we have some basic tips to help you bring something home that hopefully won’t get thrown back in your face. But, we can’t make any promises!
Pad vs. Tampon?
If you can figure this out, you’re going to narrow down your selection greatly. Generally speaking, pads are the product of choice for young girls who are just getting their period. They’re easier to use and don’t require picture diagrams that are going to make you and your daughter even more uncomfortable when you try to explain them.
Tampons should be reserved for when girls get a little older and can handle them. There’s the whole process of putting them incorrectly and knowing when you should change them that many young girls just can’t handle in the beginning. With pads, they just have to take off the adhesive strip and attach them to their underwear (that may sound easy, but it can get complicated too, we’ll explain that in a bit). This is easier to handle for their first period.
Since you’re going to leave the tampons on the shelf, for now, you don’t have to worry about the cardboard or plastic option. But, for future reference, the plastic vs. cardboard option refers to the applicator that helps to get the tampon in place. It’s a personal preference for women. So, when you do have to buy them, just grab a box of both because you’re not going to be able to make that decision!
Wings or No Wings?
Your daughter is not taking off anywhere with this option. This refers to the side flaps on either side of the pad that will fold and stick to the bottom part of their underwear. This can help with leakage and to keep the pad in place.
Since this is your introduction down the feminine product aisle, grab a box of both. This is another thing that’s going to depend on her preference. Some young girls like the wings because it does help to keep things in place, while others can’t stand them. You just don’t know.
Speaking of this, while pads are easier to use, there’s still the issue of where to place them. It has to be in a place where it’s going to absorb the blood. That means it can’t be placed too far back or too far forward. This is also why you don’t want to get the extra-large pads. Girls are going to need smaller sizes because they’re generally smaller than grown women. Also, you don’t want to get extra-thick ones. Your daughter doesn’t want to feel like she’s wearing a diaper. She’s already feeling uncomfortable and this is just going to make things worse.
In short, look for pads that are thin and have wings. Ones marked for a light or medium flow will be your best bet. If those are not doing the trick, she’ll let you know. Then you may have to get the ones marked heavy. But, those are generally thicker, so there’s a good chance she’s not going to like them.
If you strike the jackpot, your store will have pads that are clearly marked for teens (yes they do make these). This will make the process that much easier.
Another tip? If you think your daughter is around the age when she’s going to get her first period, you can be super prepared by even going online to sites like Amazon and ordering a few different kinds. Store them in a closet where your daughter won’t find them. This way when the magical day comes, you’re ready to go!
If this whole experience makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. There are plenty of dads who have been right where you are and are still having nightmares from their experience! The important thing to remember is that it’s okay if you mess up. No one expects you to get it right, especially not your daughter. The only thing you can do is try your best and learn from your mistakes!
