# How to Use a Pad for the First Time: A Step-by-Step Guide for Tweens
So your period has arrived — or maybe it's getting close and you want to be ready. Either way, you're in the right place. Learning how to use a pad for the first time might feel a little awkward, but it's actually really simple once you know what to do.
This guide walks you through everything: how to pick the right pad, how to put it on correctly, how often to change it, and what to do if you're at school or away from home. You've got this.
From The Period Academy
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What Is a Pad (and Why Do So Many People Start With One)?
A pad — sometimes called a sanitary pad, sanitary napkin, or just a liner — is a soft, absorbent strip that sticks inside your underwear to catch period blood. Pads come in different sizes and thicknesses depending on how light or heavy your flow is.
Most people start with pads because they're easy to use, don't require inserting anything into your body, and are widely available. There's no right or wrong first period product — but pads are a perfectly comfortable, reliable choice for most tweens and teens.
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What You'll Need
Before you start, gather:
That's it. No special equipment needed.
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How to Use a Pad for the First Time: Step by Step
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Before you do anything, wash your hands with soap and water. This is good hygiene practice any time you're managing your period.
Step 2: Open the Pad Wrapper Carefully
Most pads come individually wrapped in paper or a thin plastic sleeve. Tear it open along the notch or fold — it should open easily without ripping the pad itself. Set the wrapper aside; you'll use it in a moment.
Step 3: Peel Off the Backing Strip
Flip the pad over and you'll see one or two paper strips covering the sticky adhesive on the back. Peel these off. This sticky side is what will hold the pad in place against your underwear.
If your pad has wings — those little flaps on the sides — don't peel those yet. We'll get to those in a moment.
Step 4: Place the Pad in Your Underwear
Place your underwear on a flat surface (or hold it open in front of you). Position the pad sticky-side-down in the center of the crotch of your underwear — the narrowest part that sits against your body. The middle of the pad should roughly line up with where your vaginal opening is.
A common mistake: placing the pad too far forward or backward. The pad should cover the area from just in front of your vaginal opening to just behind it. If you're not sure, center it and adjust.
Step 5: Fold and Press Down the Wings (If Your Pad Has Them)
If your pad has wings, peel the paper off each wing's sticky strip. Fold each wing under your underwear — one on each side — and press firmly so they stick to the outside of the fabric. Wings help keep the pad from shifting around and protect the sides of your underwear.
Not all pads have wings, and that's totally fine. Wingless pads work great too.
Step 6: Put On Your Underwear and Check the Fit
Pull on your underwear. The pad should feel snug and centered. Walk around a little — if it feels like it's sliding, readjust so it sits flat and secure.
You're ready.
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How Often Should You Change Your Pad?
This is one of the most important things to know. Change your pad every 4–6 hours, or sooner if it feels wet or full. Don't wait until it's completely saturated — changing more frequently is better for comfort and hygiene.
On lighter days (often the first day or the last couple of days of your period), you may be able to go longer between changes. On heavier days — usually days 2–3 — you might need to change every 2–3 hours. You'll quickly learn your own flow.
A good rule of thumb: check every time you use the bathroom. If the pad looks more than half-full, swap it out.
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How to Dispose of a Used Pad
Never flush a pad down the toilet. Pads aren't flushable and can clog plumbing.
Instead:
Most public restrooms have small trash bins inside the stall for exactly this purpose. If you're at school and there isn't one, wrap the pad in toilet paper and place it in the main trash can when you wash your hands.
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What to Do If You're at School or Away From Home
Getting your period at school can feel stressful — but you can handle it. Here's how to be prepared:
Want to build out a full period kit so you're always prepared? Check out our guide to what to include in a first period kit — it covers everything you'd want to have on hand.
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Choosing the Right Pad for Your Flow
Not all pads are the same. Here's a quick guide:
When your period is new, flow can be unpredictable. Starting with regular pads gives you a solid middle ground. If you find yourself leaking through, size up to a maxi. If you're barely filling a regular pad, try a thin pad.
For a full breakdown of products — including pads, period underwear, and more — our guide to the best period products for tweens has everything you need to know.
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A Few Things Nobody Tells You
You might not feel it. A properly placed pad is pretty comfortable. If you're constantly aware of it, try readjusting or switching to a different brand — they vary quite a bit in softness and fit.
Blood looks different than you might expect. It can range from bright red to dark brown, and it won't look like the bright red you see in movies. All of that is completely normal.
Your flow will vary. Some days will be heavier, some lighter. Your first few periods may be irregular in timing and flow. That's normal too — it takes time for your cycle to settle into a pattern.
Accidents happen to everyone. If you leak onto your underwear or clothes, it's not a disaster. Cold water (not hot) takes blood out of fabric most effectively. Keep a spare pair of underwear in your bag if you're worried.
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You've Got This
Learning how to use a pad for the first time is one of those things that feels bigger than it is. After a couple of tries, it becomes second nature — just another part of your routine.
Your period is a normal, healthy part of growing up. And now you know exactly how to handle it.
If you have questions, talk to a parent, guardian, nurse, or trusted adult. Or explore more resources at The Period Academy, where we cover everything about periods, puberty, and growing up — clearly and without the awkwardness.
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Written by The Period Academy Team | Reviewed for accuracy and tween-readiness
The Period Academy Team
Reviewed for accuracy and tween-readiness
Nurse Al is a certified nurse-midwife and the founder of The Period Academy. She has helped over 1,000 families navigate the period conversation with confidence — and built a video so good, kids ask to watch it again.
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