Breast Buds: How to Care for Your Child

Breast buds are small, firm lumps that develop under the nipples. They are a normal part of development. Breast buds are often the first sign of puberty in females. During puberty, the breast buds will develop into regular breast tissue.

• Talk to your child about puberty and how bodies change so they know what to expect.

• Help your child with any concerns about puberty. 

• If your child is interested, go shopping together for a bra.

• You have questions or concerns about explaining puberty to your child.

• Your child has discharge from a nipple.

What causes breast buds? Breast buds are caused by hormones (chemical messengers). These hormones also cause other changes that happen during puberty.

How long after breast buds start will my child get her period? A period is a monthly flow of blood from the vagina. Although it can vary, most females start their periods within 2½ years of getting breast buds.

Do breast buds hurt? Breast buds can feel tender. This is normal and goes away as the breast buds develop into breasts.