Create a DIY Period Kit for School: What to Pack

Wondering what to put in a DIY period kit for your child’s school bag?

A period kit is simply a small bag with the supplies your child might need if their period starts while they’re away from home.

And it doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

A few pads or a spare pair of period pants, clean underwear and a small bag for stained items are enough to get started.

But there’s one thing that’s just as important as packing the supplies.

Your child needs to know how to use them.

So, let’s look at what to pack, how to choose a bag and how to make a DIY period kit for school together.

What is a period kit?

A period kit (sometimes called a period pack or period pouch) is a small bag containing the supplies someone needs to manage their period when they’re away from home.

Your child might keep theirs in their school bag, locker or sports bag.

They might have one kit that goes everywhere with them, or a few smaller kits for different places.

The idea is simple. If their first period starts at school, they already have some of the supplies they’ll need.

And once their periods have started, the same kit can be used for managing periods away from home.

A period kit (sometimes called a period pack or period pouch) is a small bag containing the supplies someone needs to manage their period when they’re away from home.

Your child might keep theirs in their school bag, locker or sports bag.

They might have one kit that goes everywhere with them, or a few smaller kits for different places.

The idea is simple. If their first period starts at school, they already have some of the supplies they’ll need.

And once their periods have started, the same kit can be used for managing periods away from home.

What to put in a DIY period kit for school

You don’t need to pack everything you can find in the period aisle at the supermarket!
Start with the essentials.

Essential period kit supplies

That’s enough for a basic DIY period kit.

Optional extras

Depending on your child’s needs, you might also include:

You don’t need to squeeze all of this into one tiny bag.

A spare set of clothes could be kept in a locker or another place your child can access.
And remember, the kit doesn’t have to contain the same things as yours. It’s about what works for your child.

How to make your own period kit for school

There are three simple steps.

Step 1: Choose the period products

Start with one or two products your child could use for their first period.
Pads and period pants are often straightforward options.

Sanitary pads
Pads attach to the inside of underwear and absorb period blood.

If your child hasn’t used a pad before, get one out of its wrapper and show them how it works.

Let them practise:

• Peeling off the backing.
• Sticking the pad inside underwear.
• Folding the wings underneath, if it has them.
• Removing and wrapping a used pad.
• Putting the used pad in a bin, not the toilet.

They’ll also need to know when to change their pad. A useful starting point is every three to four hours, or sooner if it’s wet, full or uncomfortable.

Period pants
Period pants are underwear with an absorbent section that holds menstrual blood.

They can be worn on their own or as additional protection, depending on their absorbency and your child’s needs.

Some kids prefer them because they feel more like everyday underwear. Others prefer pads because they’re easier to change at school without taking off clothing.

Your child may need to try different products to work out what feels comfortable.

What about tampons and menstrual cups?
These are also period-product options, including for people who have recently started their periods.

But you don’t need to include every product in a first period kit.

Start with something your child understands, feels comfortable using and can manage when they’re away from home.

Step 2: Find the right period bag

Next, you need something to keep the supplies in.

There’s no need to buy a special period bag unless your child wants one.

A pencil case works beautifully!

Other options include:

• A small toiletries bag.
• A make-up pouch.
• A zip-up purse.
• A purpose-made period pouch.

I’d look for something that’s easy to open, washable or wipeable, and small enough to fit comfortably into a school bag.

It also needs to be large enough for your child to find and remove what they need.

Let your child choose what the bag looks like.

Some kids want something discreet that looks like an ordinary pencil case.
Others are quite happy to have a colourful bag with periods written all over it.
Both are fine.

What matters is that they’re comfortable carrying it and know where to find it.

Step 3: Make the period kit together

This is my favourite part!

Making a DIY period kit for school is also a practical way to start talking about periods.

Sit down together, spread the supplies out and ask your child what they’d like to include.

You could ask:
“What do you think you’d need if your period started at school?”

Or:
“Where would you like to keep your supplies so you can find them?”

I once received an email from a mum who had read this article with her daughter.

They sat down together, decided what needed to go into the kit and made one.
She also suggested using a pencil case, which I thought was a great idea.
But here’s the part I particularly liked.

Making the kit gave them an opportunity to start talking about periods and puberty.
Sometimes having something practical to do together makes those conversations much easier to begin.

When should your child start carrying a period kit?

You don’t need to wait until you’re certain their first period is close.
In fact, nobody can predict the exact date.

According to the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, first periods usually start between ages 9 and 15, with the average around 12.

There are some puberty changes that can give you clues, including:

• Breast development.
• Pubic or underarm hair.
• Vaginal discharge (clear or white fluid that comes from the vagina).

These changes don’t tell you exactly when a first period will happen. But they can help you recognise that puberty is progressing and that period preparation is becoming relevant. And you can read more in my article, 3 Signs Your Child Is About to Start Their Period.

And if you’re wondering how close your child’s first period might be, I’ve created a First Period Quiz for Parents.
It looks at your child’s age and puberty changes to give you a general idea of whether their first period might still be some time away or could be getting closer.

Just remember, you don’t need to wait for a quiz result before helping your child prepare.

What if their first period starts at school?

Having a period kit is helpful.

But what happens if your child opens their school bag, finds their pads and then doesn’t know what to do?
Or discovers they’ve forgotten their kit?

This is why I encourage parents to go one step further.
Help your child make a simple plan for when their period starts and you’re not there.

Start by asking:
“If your period started at school tomorrow, what would you do?”

Then work through a few possibilities together.

Where would they go?
Would they use the nearest toilet, or is there another bathroom where they’d feel more comfortable?

Who could they ask for help?
A teacher, school nurse, office staff member or another trusted adult?

What if they don’t have a pad?
Find out where period products are available at school. Many schools keep supplies for students who need them.

What if blood gets onto their clothes?
Could they change into spare underwear or clothing? Is there somewhere they could get help?

What if they need to contact you?
Make sure they know how to do that.

You don’t have to plan for every possible situation.
The important thing is that your child knows the first few steps and doesn’t have to work everything out on their own.

Extra period kit tips for autistic and ADHDer kids

Some children need more than an explanation or a bag of supplies before they can manage a period at school.
This can be especially relevant for autistic and ADHD kids, although every child has different needs.

Here are a few things worth considering.

Sensory preferences
Pads can feel bulky, scratchy or damp. Period pants can feel different from everyday underwear.
Let your child handle and try products before their period starts, where possible.

Remembering the kit
A period kit isn’t much help if it’s always left on the bedroom floor!
Try keeping one permanently in the school bag, or using a reminder to check and restock it.

Recognising body signals
Some kids may not notice wetness, cramps or other body signals straight away.
Rather than relying on your child noticing that their pad needs changing, you could practise checking at predictable times.

Asking for help
Knowing that they can ask a teacher for help isn’t the same as knowing what to say.

Practise a short sentence together, such as:
“I think my period has started. Can you help me get a pad?”

If speaking is difficult, consider whether your child could use a written message or another agreed way of asking.

Making the steps visible
A small checklist inside the period bag can be useful.

For example:
1. Go to the toilet.
2. Check whether your period has started.
3. Get a pad or clean period pants.
4. Change your underwear if needed.
5. Ask for help if you’re unsure.

You can change the steps to suit what your child needs.

The goal isn’t to make your child manage everything independently.
It’s to work out what they can do, what they might need help with and how that support will be available.

Want to prepare your child for more than just their period kit?

Making a DIY period kit for school is a great start.

But your child also needs to understand what a period is, what their first period might look like and what to do when it happens.

That’s why I’ve created a free First Period Guide for parents.

Inside, you’ll find five practical steps to help you prepare your child, including what to say, what to practise and how to plan for periods when you’re not there.
There’s also a checklist so you can see what you’ve already covered and what to do next.

Get your free First Period Guide

Don’t forget to check the period kit

Once you’ve made the kit, don’t just put it in their school bag and forget about it.

Every now and then, check that the supplies are still there, the products still fit and your child knows how to use them.

You might need to replace a pad, add clean underwear or change the bag as your child gets older.

And if their period hasn’t started yet, that’s fine.
The kit will be there when they need it.

For more help explaining periods and preparing your child, visit my Period Talk page.

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath

References and further reading

• Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne – Periods – First-period timing, puberty signs and menstrual health.
• Raising Children Network – Periods – Preparing children for periods and helping them use period products.
• Raising Children Network – Periods and autism – Practical support for autistic children, including sensory needs, visual reminders and school preparation.
• NHS – Starting your periods – First periods, period products and preparation.

This article provides general educational information and doesn’t replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s puberty development or menstrual health, speak with your family doctor.