If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

The first few years of having your period are an absolute rollercoaster. You’re wading through the ups and downs of hormonal change (thanks puberty!), discovering all the joys of cramps and PMS (… thanks, puberty), and of course, learning what period products you prefer. Many teens and tweens opt for pads during those first few years: they’re simple, easy to use, and don’t involve as much of a learning curve as tampons or menstrual cups. (Although many companies are making it much easier to use those options now, too.) But the period aisle looks a little different now than it did when we were teens, and all those options can get confusing even to the most savvy of parents. So what exactly are the best pads for your teen or tween?