First Bra Buying Basics

7 Tips to Make the First Bra a Good Experience

By Melinda Copp

Remember adolescence? That phase of your life probably wasn't the easiest – it never is. Growth spurts, hormones and first periods are a lot for anyone to handle, and then there's breasts, the most visible sign of a woman's development.

When your daughter starts showing signs of oncoming curves, you may remember all the awkward moments you experienced with your mom while buying your first bra and wonder how you can make it easier for your own daughter. Consider the following insights and tips from health experts and moms who've been there, done that.

Most girls develop breast buds between the ages of 9 and 13, but some develop earlier or later. Genetics, body weight and ethnicity all play a role in breast development.

"There is no set time to buy the first bra, but young girls often will want to wear a bra when her friends and members of her peer group start donning lingerie," says Aileen McCabe-Maucher, a licensed psychotherapist and registered nurse who has a private coaching practice and counsels teenagers at a nonprofit agency in Wilmington, Del.

"I think it is vital that parents keep the lines of communication open regarding body image, starting when a child is preverbal," McCabe-Maucher says. "Our culture can overwhelm kids with all kinds of mixed and negative messages about their bodies and parents need to counteract unhealthy images and stereotypes by focusing on a child's strengths and inner beauty from an early age. However, it is never too late to start having open and honest conversations with your child about sexuality and body image."

If your daughter seems uncomfortable when you initiate conversations, try bringing the subject up in a casual setting where eye contact is minimal, such as when you're riding in a car or seated side-by-side at a counter.

Want to see more?

• Puberty Primer: What to Expect and
  When to Expect It
• Double the Fun: Guiding Your Twins Through Puberty
• The Mysteries of Menses: What Your Mother Never Told You About Your Period
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!