A period care kit is a small collection of menstrual products and practical essentials that helps you manage your period at school, work, home or while travelling. It can be as simple as a few pads and spare underwear in a zipped pouch, or a larger kit with reusable products, storage bags and other items you find useful.
The best kit is one that suits your flow, routine, product preferences and access to bathrooms. You do not need everything on a checklist. Start with what you will actually use and add to it over time.
What is a period care kit?
A period care kit, sometimes called a period starter kit or emergency period kit, is simply a pouch, bag or collection of supplies that makes managing menstruation easier.
You might keep a small kit in:
- a school bag
- your handbag or backpack
- a work drawer
- a sports bag
- your car
- your luggage
A larger kit at home can hold extra products for heavier days, different parts of your cycle or times when you need to change more often.
A zipped makeup bag or small toiletry pouch works well because it keeps everything together without advertising what is inside.
You can also put together a kit for someone who is approaching or has just had their first period. The goal is not to prepare for every possible scenario. It is to make a few useful products and pieces of information easy to reach when they are needed.
What to put in a period care kit
Use this as a starting point rather than a list of things you have to buy.
1. Your preferred period products
Choose one or more products that suit your flow, comfort and routine.
Disposable pads and liners
Disposable pads are simple to carry and change when a rubbish bin is available. Different sizes and absorbencies can cover lighter and heavier days.
Reusable cloth pads
Reusable cloth pads and liners are washable external products. If you carry them away from home, include a wet bag or another suitable pouch for used pads until you can wash them.
Tampons
Tampons are compact internal absorbent products available in different absorbencies. Choose an absorbency that suits your flow, follow the packet instructions and never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours.
Period underwear
Period underwear is another external option and can be worn alone or as backup depending on its absorbency and your flow. If you rely on period underwear during a long day, packing a clean spare can be useful.
Menstrual cups and discs
Menstrual cups and menstrual discs collect menstrual flow internally and can be useful when you prefer a reusable product.
Follow the instructions for your specific product, including insertion, removal, cleaning and maximum wear time. Maximum wear time is a limit rather than a target, and you may need to empty sooner depending on your flow.
A storage pouch or case can make it easier to carry a clean reusable cup or disc.
Menstrual sponges
Menstrual sponges are internal absorbent products. Natural and synthetic sponges can have different wear times, cleaning methods and replacement instructions, so follow the directions for the specific product you use.
You do not need every product type in your kit. If one product works well for you, start with that. A second option can be useful as backup, particularly if your flow varies or you sometimes have limited bathroom access.
If you are comparing products, start with the Menstrual Products Comparison Hub or take the Find Your Best Fit Quiz.
2. Spare underwear
A clean pair of underwear is one of the most useful things to include, particularly if your period starts unexpectedly or a product leaks.
If you use period underwear, a clean spare pair may also be useful for longer days away from home.
3. Storage for used products
If you use reusable cloth pads, period underwear or another reusable product that needs to be carried home for cleaning, pack a small wet bag or other leak-resistant pouch.
Keep clean and used products separate.
For disposable products, a small disposal bag can be handy when there is no rubbish bin inside the toilet cubicle. Wrap used pads or tampons and place them in a bin when one is available. Do not flush them down the toilet.
4. Tissues and hand-hygiene supplies
Tissues can be useful if toilet paper is unavailable.
Wash your hands before and after changing a period product, particularly before inserting or removing an internal product. Soap and running water are the best option where available.
Hand sanitiser can be useful as a backup for general hand hygiene when you cannot wash your hands, although it does not replace washing visibly dirty hands.
5. Wipes, if you want them
Wipes are optional and are not necessary for menstrual hygiene.
If you carry wipes for your hands or general clean-up, choose unscented products. Avoid perfumed products, baby wipes and deodorising products on the vulva if they cause irritation, and do not use wipes or other products to clean inside the vagina.
6. A comfort item
Your kit can include something small that makes an uncomfortable day easier, such as a snack, lip balm or another personal item you like to have with you.
Small adhesive heat patches may also fit in a portable kit if heat helps your period pain. Follow the product instructions, including where the patch can be placed and how long it can be worn.
You do not need to carry pain-relief medicine, but if you do, only take medicine that is suitable for you and follow the label directions. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.
7. A way to track your period, if useful
Tracking your cycle is optional, but it can help you record when bleeding starts, how long it lasts and any symptoms you want to remember.
A paper calendar, notebook or app can all work. Cycle predictions are estimates, so a tracker cannot tell you exactly when every period will begin.
You can use the Period Shop downloadable period tracker or read our guide to period tracker apps.
How to choose period products for your kit
Your choice depends on your flow, comfort, how long you will be away from home and whether you will have access to a private bathroom, clean water, a bin or laundry facilities.
| Product | Why you might pack it | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable pads | Easy to carry and change | Bring enough for your expected flow and check that you will have access to a bin. |
| Reusable cloth pads | Washable and reusable | You will need storage for used pads and a plan for washing and drying. |
| Tampons | Compact internal option | Follow packet instructions and never exceed 8 hours. |
| Period underwear | External option that can be worn alone or as backup | Check absorbency and consider carrying a spare pair for a long day. |
| Menstrual cups | Reusable and compact | Plan for emptying, cleaning and the manufacturer's wear-time limit. |
| Menstrual discs | Reusable internal option | Follow product-specific insertion, removal, cleaning and wear-time instructions. |
| Menstrual sponges | Compact internal absorbent option | Wear time, cleaning and replacement vary by product. |
Reusable products can reduce the number of disposable products you use, but they also need suitable cleaning and storage. Disposable products may be more convenient in some settings.
Neither approach is right for everyone, and many people use a combination.
How to make a period kit for school or work
A school or work kit should be compact, easy to access and suited to the bathrooms you normally use.
A simple kit might contain:
- two or three of your usual period products as a starting supply
- one pair of clean underwear
- tissues
- a small disposal bag
- a separate pouch for used reusable products
- any small comfort item you find useful
Adjust the number of products according to your flow and the length of your day.
If you use a cup or disc, think about whether you will have privacy and suitable facilities if you need to empty it. Our public bathroom tips for cup and disc users can help.
You may prefer to carry a familiar backup for times when cleaning a reusable product is inconvenient.
Keep your kit somewhere you can reach easily, such as your everyday bag, locker or desk drawer.
How to prepare a first period kit
A first period kit can help a young person feel prepared before their first period arrives or during the first months of menstruation.
Keep it simple. A useful starter kit might include:
- a few pads or another product they have chosen to try
- spare underwear
- a small zipped pouch
- tissues
- a small disposal bag
- a simple guide explaining periods and how to use the products
- the name or contact details of a trusted adult they can ask for help
- an optional notebook, tracker, snack or small comfort item
Let the young person help choose what goes in the kit. They do not need to learn every period product at once, and there is no single product that every beginner needs to use.
Explain practical things without making menstruation feel complicated: how to change a product, where used products go, what to do if bleeding starts at school and who they can talk to if they need help.
It is also useful to explain that periods can vary. Bleeding may be lighter or heavier at different times, cycles can take time to settle and their experience does not have to look exactly like someone else's.
Useful resources include the WA Department of Health puberty booklet, Body Talk and our guide to getting your first period.
Parents and carers can also read our guide to talking to young people about periods or browse first period options.
How to pack a period care kit for travel
For travel, think about how long you will be away, the products you normally use and whether you will have access to clean water, bathrooms, bins and laundry.
In addition to your usual products, you may want to pack:
- extra products in case your period starts early or lasts longer than expected
- spare underwear
- a sealable bag for used reusable products
- tissues
- the cleaning supplies required for your reusable products
- a familiar backup product
If you are flying, keep essential products and at least one pair of clean underwear in your hand luggage in case checked baggage is delayed.
For longer trips, think about where you will wash reusable products and how they will dry or be stored between uses.
Our guide to travelling with reusable period products covers flights, public bathrooms, camping, cleaning and storage in more detail.
When to get medical help
A period care kit can help you feel prepared, but it is not a substitute for medical care when something does not seem right.
Know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare but serious and has been associated with internal menstrual products including tampons and menstrual cups.
Possible symptoms include:
- sudden high temperature
- vomiting or diarrhoea
- dizziness or faintness
- muscle aches
- confusion
- a widespread red rash that may look like sunburn
- suddenly feeling very unwell
If you think you may have TSS, remove the internal product if you can do so easily and seek urgent medical help. In Australia, call triple zero (000) or go to the nearest emergency department.
Read more in our guide to toxic shock syndrome.
Other menstrual changes worth discussing with a doctor
Speak with a doctor if your periods become much heavier, last more than 8 days, you bleed between periods or after sex, your cycle changes significantly or period pain regularly interferes with school, work, sleep or everyday activities.
If a first period has not started by around age 16 to 17, it is also worth discussing with a doctor.
Heavy bleeding and significant period pain should not simply be dismissed as something you have to put up with.
How to maintain your period kit
- Check your supplies. Replace products you have used and make sure packaging is clean, dry and undamaged.
- Separate clean and used items. Keep used reusable products in their own pouch or wet bag.
- Follow care instructions. Wash, dry and store reusable products according to their manufacturer's directions.
- Review what you actually use. Your flow, routine and preferences can change, so your kit can change too.
- Keep it accessible. A perfectly stocked kit is not very useful if you can never find it when you need it.
Reusable products should be completely clean and dry before long-term storage. Avoid sealing damp textiles or other reusable products away.
Frequently asked questions
What should I put in an emergency period kit for school?
A few of your preferred period products, spare underwear, tissues and a small disposal bag are enough for a basic school kit. If you use reusable products, add a separate pouch for used items. Adjust the amount to your flow and the length of your school day.
How do I make a first period kit?
Start with a few products the young person feels comfortable trying, spare underwear, a zipped pouch and straightforward information about periods. Let them help choose the contents and make sure they know which trusted adult they can ask for help.
Can I make a reusable period care kit?
Yes. You can include cloth pads, a menstrual cup, disc or sponge depending on what suits you. Include storage for clean and used products and think about how reusable items will be cleaned and dried. A backup product can be useful when cleaning is not practical.
How many period products should I carry?
There is no set number. Think about how long you will be away, your usual flow, how often your product needs changing or emptying and whether you can easily get more supplies. For a full day away from home, carry enough for your expected needs plus one or two extras if practical.
How often should I change or empty products in my kit?
Follow the instructions for the specific product and your own flow. Change or empty sooner if the product is full, leaking or uncomfortable, and never exceed the stated maximum wear time.
Can I use wipes on my vulva?
You do not need wipes to keep the vulva or vagina clean. If you carry wipes for general clean-up, unscented options may be less irritating for some people. Avoid perfumed products, baby wipes and deodorising products if they cause irritation, and do not clean inside the vagina or douche.
Should I include pain relief in my period kit?
Only if it is useful and suitable for you. Follow the medicine label and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you have questions. You may prefer to carry a heat patch or another comfort item instead. Severe or persistent period pain that disrupts everyday activities is worth discussing with a doctor.
What size pouch do I need for a period kit?
There is no set size. A small zipped makeup or toiletry pouch is usually enough for an everyday kit with a few products, tissues and spare underwear. A home or travel kit can be larger depending on what you use.
What are the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome?
Possible symptoms include sudden high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, muscle aches, confusion, a widespread red rash or suddenly feeling very unwell. If you think you may have TSS, seek urgent medical help rather than waiting to see whether the symptoms improve.
Make your period care kit work for you
A useful period kit does not need to be large, expensive or filled with every menstrual product available.
A few well-chosen essentials can help you feel prepared at school, work, home or while travelling. Start with the products you already know suit your flow and routine, then add only the things that make your life easier.
If you are still deciding which period products to try, compare your options in the Menstrual Products Comparison Hub or take the Find Your Best Fit Quiz.
Related reading
- Everything You Need to Know About Getting Your Period
- Talking to Young People About Periods
- Travelling With Reusable Period Products
- A Guide to Period Tracker Apps
- Toxic Shock Syndrome
- How Long Can You Wear a Menstrual Cup or Disc?
Sources
- Healthdirect Australia, Menstruation
- Healthdirect Australia, Personal hygiene
- Healthdirect Australia, Toxic shock syndrome
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Follow the instructions supplied with your period products and speak with a doctor or pharmacist about individual health concerns.