Each brand of tampon is a little different, but most call their smallest tampon “regular,” “light,” or “junior.” When you decide to try tampons for the first time, you may want to buy a couple of different brands to see which ones you prefer. You’ll notice some differences in the sizes, shapes, and ways you use the applicators – and some don’t have an applicator at all! Some women have strong opinions about which brand they use, and others (like me) don’t care much one way or the other. As you become more comfortable with the process of inserting tampons, you will find the best fit for your unique needs.
There are a variety of smaller tampons, and one of the ways to determine which the best is for you is to try them out. I know that seems a bit intimidating, but like so many other things, you need to find what works best for you. I don’t know if you are up for this idea, but I tried it with my youngest daughter when she first started. She went with me to the store and picked a couple of different brands that indicated right in the tampon description that they were small or even “extra” small. Ultimately, she ended up with the brand that was the best fit and easiest for her to use. Just know you have options out there and you don’t have to get it exactly right the first time. If it isn’t a fit, then just try again.
Regular tampons can be intimidating, so I think it’s a genius idea to give tampons a first try using the slimmer and smaller size. I definitely think “light” tampons would be the best for you to use and help you determine whether they’re your thing. A light tampon doesn’t mean if you put it on a scale it would weigh less than a regular tampon (actually, it might!). But the word “light” is more of a reference to when you should use them -- and that’s when your period is lighter and there’s less to absorb. Therefore, if you’re taking a light tampon out for a spin, I’d suggest doing so when your period is coming to a close and your flow is on the lighter side.
