Watching your daughter grow up is a bag of mixed emotions really. Getting used to the changes can be both challenging and thrilling at the same time. They start sprouting hair all over, there are body developments, her first period and not to mention the hormone and mood swings.
Among the plethora of changes taking place, there is no denying the fact that getting the very first bra for your daughter is definitely a big thing. When my daughter started slouching and wearing T-shirts that were loose for her I knew it was time to take her shopping. She was at that awkward age where this “extra growth” was just odd. We had obviously had the talk about puberty and her first period. But I guess nothing really prepares you for it till it happens to you.
Anyway, so this is what helped me and I hope this will help you navigate through it too!
When Do Breasts Start Growing?
Most breasts can start growing as early as age 8 or as late as 15 years. Every child’s growth and development process is different. One girl might have more developed breasts at 12, while her friend could be still flat as a board. We need to just tell our little girls that they have to be proud of their body and breast/boobs are not something to feel ashamed about.
When Is It Time To Get Her A Bra
- If your daughter tells you that she’s feeling a loose “wobbling” in her chest area
- When the nipples start protruding and show as an impression
- When you are into one of those body-hugging tops
Getting a Bra
Once a girl starts developing breasts, a bra is a good idea, especially if she is exercising and playing sports. Bras can protect breast tissue and keep the breasts supported. It can also make a girl feel less exposed when she’s wearing a light shirt, such as a T-shirt.
Some girls look forward to getting their first bras, but others dread it. Like anything new, wearing a bra can be tough to adjust to. They can be hard to fasten and adjust. The straps can slide off a girl’s shoulders or dig into them. Little things can make the whole process uncomfortable and unpleasant for them. As a parent, let’s enable them to make the right choices.
The Beginner’s Bra
Beginner’s bra is a simple hook-free bra that is specially designed for tween/teenagers who are starting their bra-wearing journey. The cotton stretchable fabric is uncomplicated and can be just slipped on like a camisole or a vest; the difference is that is made to accommodate and support the developing busts.
First-timers need to get comfortable before moving to the next stage of the regular bras we wear with have cups, hooks, wires etc
The Cup Dilemma
The size of her breasts will change as she grows. This is normal for us adults also right – we put on weight, and lose it. So keep an eye on that and make sure the bra isn’t biting into her shoulder or near her ribcage. If that is the case, then you know it’s time to move to the next size.
A girl might feel shy about her growing breasts and not want other people talking about them, looking at them, and measuring them. But you should get her measured or do it yourself so you and her know her correct bra size.
Measure Up
- Run a tape measure just under the breasts, all the way around the back and ribcage. The tape measure should rest flat on your skin and lie straight across your back — not so tight that it digs in, but not so loose that it sags down in the back. Add 5 inches to it – this is the chest size.
- To measure cup size, take the tape measure around your body across the fullest part of your breasts.
- Write down this number and subtract your chest measurement from it. The difference between the numbers is a way of figuring out your cup size. If the difference between the two numbers is less than 1 inch, your cup size is AA. If it’s 1 inch, your cup size is A; 2 inches, you’re a B; 3 inches you’re a C, and so on. For instance, if your cup measurement was 33 and your chest measurement was 32, that’s a 1-inch difference. Your bra size is 32A.
Here is a guide to help you as well
Image Source: https://www.zivame.com
Things To Check For When You Buy A Bra
- Too Tight?
Chafing occurs when the beginner’s bra is too tight. Not only does chafing constricts blood flow, but it also leaves red marks and rashes. Pay attention to that.
- Any Spillage?
One can feel the presence of flabby tissues under the arm or bust spill at the front which is a sign that the beginner’s bra is too tight. Move one size up then.
- Check Your Under band & Shoulder Straps
If you experience your back band riding up, run this quick check. Place your finger underneath the underband and see if you’re able to move it freely. If not, it’s too tight and in case, there’s space for more than one finger, then the band is too loose.
Beginner Bras Brands You Should Check (these are based on recommendations we received)
From One Mom to Another
They will complain about it being tight. They will complain about the bra being scratchy. You might think it’s OK I can wait she’s still my little baby. But trust me it is better to equip them with the right tools at the right time. Other kids can be real bullies sometimes and that can lead to things far worse. When you see body developments take the step to sit her down and explain it to her matter of factly, but without scaring her. Let her feel no shame in talking to you about what she wants to buy – it is her comfort we need to be mindful of after all.
We hope you have got answers to your questions and are ready to embark on this journey with your daughter. If you have brand recommendations that you think we should add to our list talk to us in the comments below.
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KSP Team
