Since most nipple shields are made out of silicone, it can be helpful to look for labels like “BPA-free” and “food-grade.” This will ensure that it’s made with high-quality silicone that will not harm your baby. We researched various options, considering size, comfort, material, and price. Here are the best nipple shields on the market. Medela Contact Nipple Shields come in three different sizes to accommodate different nipple shapes—16 millimeters, 20 millimeters, and 24 millimeters. Users of the nipple shield should consult a lactation consultant or specialist to determine what size works best for their body. Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $10 Made of food-grade silicone, the nipple shields have perforated ridges on the base where the nipple meets the areola, allowing for a comfortable fit. Reviewers note that the purifyou nipple shields are durable and make a marked improvement in difficult breastfeeding experiences. Price at time of publication: $10 The nipple itself is designed to allow a consistent, but not too strong, flow of milk and has air holes to prevent gas bubbles from being ingested by a nursing infant—which can lead to colic, among other conditions. Reviewers rave that the Haakaa nipple shield suctioned well to their breasts, and was great for preemies, babies with latch issues, and moms with painful nipples alike. Price at time of publication: N/A The NUK Barely There Nipple Shield has a triangular design with raised ridges around the base that both stimulate milk flow and help the nipples to stay in place. Moms with inverted nipples say that hard nipple shields can be difficult to keep in place, but the NUK Barely There Nipple Shield, which is made from soft, pliable silicone, holds suction well. Mothers with large breasts also praised the product. Price at time of publication: N/A MAM Nipple Shields are a great product for any and all nipple problems. Made of soft silicone, the Nipple Shields are shaped like a pacifier and have raised dots at the base that stimulate milk flow. Reviewers say that they preferred MAM to other brands when it came to fixing a problematic latch. Price at time of publication: $8 The breast shells can be worn to collect letdown from the opposite breast of the one you’re nursing on so that none of your milk will go to waste. You can store the collected breastmilk for later or use it to soothe your cracked and dry nipples after breastfeeding. Price at time of publication: $14 The nipple shields come in three sizes—16 millimeters, 20 millimeters, and 24 millimeters—to fit various nipple sizes. Reviewers note that the nipple shield is slightly more pliable than others, allowing your baby to get a more comfortable latch. An added bonus? The nipple shields come with a case so they’ll stay clean if you need to toss them into your diaper bag. Price at time of publication: $10 Made from soft, flexible silicone, the Lansinoh Contact Nipple Shield has a special cut-out design to maximize skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. Mothers who had babies with tongue ties rave that the Lansinoh Contact Nipple Shields feel the closest to not wearing anything at all, and the shields helped moms continue to breastfeed, even when they were ready to give up. Price at time of publication: $12 To determine your nipple shield size, grab a ruler or measuring tape and measure the diameter of your nipple at the base, but be sure to not include the areola and measure in millimeters. If you find yourself confused, just remember that 1 centimeter is equivalent to 10 millimeters. “Selecting the right size shield is important for many reasons. When the shield size closely matches your own nipple, it may help your baby transition to your breast without the use of a shield later,” Amy Peterson, IBCLC and Evenflo Feeding Infant Feeding Consultant, tells Verywell Family. “With the right shield size, your baby may be able to get more breast into his mouth; babies should latch onto the nipple and the areola. Some babies have a hard time latching beyond the nipple portion of the shield, particularly if it’s too big. Sucking on the nipple alone does not stimulate milk supply.”
Material
When you’re shopping for a nipple shield, you’ll notice nearly all of them are made of silicone. For those who have an allergy against silicone, or sensitive skin, it may be best to shop for a non-silicone nipple shield. If you have no issues using silicone, there are many benefits to the material. Silicone is a great material for a nipple shield as it’s water-resistant and flexible, allowing the shield to fit perfectly and comfortably. It’s also more durable, so the shield should last throughout your breastfeeding journey. And, when compared to a material like plastic, it’s more eco-friendly, too.
Comfort
You and baby feeling comfortable goes hand-in-hand with finding the correct nipple shield size. If you have the incorrect size, you may experience more pain, and baby might not get a great feed. Be sure to buy your correct size to ensure you both feel extra comfortable. If the wrong-sized shield is used, that can affect just how much milk a baby is able to get. For example, if the shield is too big, a baby may have to try harder during feeding and not get a proper amount of milk. Ensuring you’re both comfortable will make the experience better in the long run.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting content. Katrina is a parent herself and found a nipple shield to be a lifesaver while on her own breastfeeding journey. It helped relieve the pain and soreness during those early days of breastfeeding. “Nipple shields are a great tool in that they keep the baby feeding at the breast,” Peterson says. “When a baby has a good latch and good milk transfer, pumping after feeding and/or topping off won’t be needed. Other times shields are particularly helpful is if a baby is born early or has low tone or oral motor weakness; the shield helps this babies feed more effectively and fatigue less.” You may need a nipple shield if you have flat or inverted nipples, your little one has a tongue-tie, your baby was born premature, or if you simply are sore from breastfeeding. A nipple shield can offer support and relief for these different reasons, and they’re worth trying if you find yourself struggling with breastfeeding. “To find the best size nipple shield, measure the base of your nipple, where the nipple meets the areola,” Peterson says. “Measure in millimeters, then add about 4 mm to this measurement—this allows for nipple expansion while your baby sucks. Remember to round up when selecting a shield.” “The shield is too small if mom’s nipple expands and fills the entire tip of the shield or if it pulls through the holes on the tip (ouch!),” Peterson explains. “The shield is too large if there is lots of space between mom’s nipple and the shield, or if baby is unable to latch onto the nipple and areola.” Once you decide to wean from the nipple shield, you can try removing the shield during a feeding earlier and earlier each time so baby can get an idea of what it’s like without it.
