When to introduce the training bra?

[SarahM]

Yikes! My 8 year old (9 in Nov) has gone through some big developments this summer and I'm not sure I'm ready for the latest one. Already she has had to start shaving her armpits, by next summer, her legs will be a must. Now, all of a sudden, I'm noticing she's getting "breast buds". They're still small, but are definitely noticeable through her shirt. To a point that her father even mentioned it to me. I hate to introduce a training bra already. What do I do?
SWEETIE -
I didn't start wearing a bra until I was12 and didn't get my first period until I was 14. My sister was a bit younger than me, she got her first bra at 11 and started her period at 12.

 

[zakyam]

Once you can see her breasts, I would suggest something along the lines of a training bra. My daughter is the same age, but I buy her the sports type bras. She will not go out without one. She gets very embarrassed at how much it is noticed through her shirt.

 

[Crystal]

yes even though u don't want to... she'll blame U if she gets teased so ya.

 

[Taylor]

Even though you'd hate to do it, you need to get her a few before she starts really showing and getting noticed and teased for it. She's an early bloomer! Although you're not ready for all this to be happening so quickly, her body is. If her father mentions it, it's time for a training bra.

 

[Taylor]

just tell her to wear a tanktop under it.

 

[Caroline M]

If its noticeable then definitely get her some. Explain to her that she is going through puberty and she will have to wear one sooner or later. 8 is a little young but everyone develops at different times. I think I did at about 9 or 10. Also you will have to get used to these things because there are many more things like this that will happen!

 

[Irenie Leigh]

I know that it is very hard to have a child that develops at a faster rate than their peers, chances are she is feeling very self conscious right now. However, when the time has come that her development is noticeable through her shirt, it is time for some form of "support".

For now a camisole tank top may be all she needs under her tops, it's not actually a bra and is discreet under her clothes (something like this http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11003483)

Or they make training bras with cute designs on them, designed for younger girls http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10811848.

It doesn't have to be something you make a big deal out of, next time you're in the store with her purchase one, make sure she knows that it's a perfectly normal thing and nothing to be embarrassed about.

Also, I would recommend the American Girl book "The care and keeping of you", it's a book about puberty aimed at younger girls. It gives them the information they need, without going into issues about sex.

 

[Cookie]

Sports bra is a good start. im in the same boat. I took her with me and she picked lots of colors she liked.Once they start getting bigger then look into training bras. Sports bras do the job well. They are in the same section as the girls bras and undies

 

[Ana]

well as much as a mother hates to see her little girl grow up,you have to be prepared for this stuff,but i know what ya mean.that's an early age. u must get her atleast 2 training bras,you don't want her chest piercing through her shirt. if her dad noticed it and you,im sure other people do too

 

[cathrl69]

She doesn't need a training bra - what's it supposed to do, train her breasts?

Training bras are for kids who are old enough to be embarrassed but who don't actually have any breasts to fill out a real bra yet. If her breasts are embarrassing her, get her a bra that fits her, which might be a training one or might be a small size "real" one. If not, she doesn't need one.

 

[CCMM]

If they're noticeable through her shirt, it's probably time to get her one. Otherwise she may start getting teased at school - and that's the last thing you want.

 

[Sweetie]

Get her one as soon as possible, or a camisole with a built in bra because people wont noticed. I wore a cami in 3rd grade because I was developed a little bit more but not quite ready for a bra, you don't want her to get embarrassed or teased at school. Kids are starting to develop earlier and earlier these days. Sad, isn't it? Does she have her period? She probably will soon. Poor girl I thought I was early... Oh, and when did you get your period and first bra and other family members? It will probably be around then. If she gets her period early, tell her NOT to tell anyone but a doctor and you and your husband. She WILL get very embarrassed if she has it before age 12/13 and people know about it.

 

[l?z (?? ?? ??¢???)]

I wore one at that age *wrinkles nose in annoyance*
It wasn't fun, because people can notice it when you're wearing a white shirt, but I needed it, because I had bouncin' buds under my teeshirt. Maybe she can wear a tank top under her shirt so you can't really see it, if she's self conscious over it.