Developing breast buds is one of the first signs of puberty and a lot of girls find this part of growing up awkward and confusing. To help you learn everything there is to know about budding boobs, we’ve put together a few facts that will make everything feel clearer and more normal.

Every girl develops breast buds at different times to her friends. Some girls notice breasts starting to grow as early as seven years old, and for others, it can be in the later part of her teenage years.

• Breast buds are the first indication that something is going on in this area…but what is a breast bud? Breast development, or to give it its technical name ‘thelarche’, starts with a small lump being noticed under the skin and behind the nipple about the size of a ten pence piece.
• A breast bud can feel quite hard to the touch and is often tender or sore.
• Budding boobs are made of tissue, milk glands and fat.
• The nipple and areola (that coloured ring surrounding the nipple) may start to protrude and even look a little swollen as the bud starts to grow. Breast buds can feel itchy during this time as the skin starts to stretch and grow.
• Breast buds don’t always develop at the same time and lots of girls can mistakenly think this lump is something more serious because it has only happened in one breast. This is not something to worry about. It can take up to six months for the other breast to start developing and this is completely normal.
• Budding boobs don’t need support during this time, so there is no need to wear a bra. But if you experience tenderness, you may find a soft cup bra or crop top helpful.
• Breast buds are not replaced by anything else, nor do they disappear. They simply continue to grow into the breast shape we all recognise.

For more help and information, check out our boobs and bras advice blog