Breastfeeding can sometimes come with challenges—sore nipples, a baby who struggles to get a good latch, or flat nipples that make frequent feedings in the early weeks stressful. Nipple shields can be a helpful tool in these situations, giving both you and your baby a little support while you work on building a successful breastfeeding routine.

What Is a Nipple Shield? 

A nipple shield is a thin feeding aid made of flexible silicone that fits over the mother’s nipple and the surrounding areola (the darker area around your nipple) and is worn during feedings. It has small holes at the tip of the nipple that let your baby drink your milk while protecting your nipple. Nipple shield design can vary, and the style that works best often depends on your baby’s latch and your nipple shape.

Common nipple shield designs include:

  • Contact nipple shields: These shields have cutouts that allow your baby’s nose or chin—depending on how the shield is oriented—to touch your skin during feeding. This added skin contact can feel more natural for babies and may support milk flow and connection while breastfeeding.

  • Rounded or full-coverage nipple shields: These designs do not have cutouts and may stay in place more easily during feedings. They can provide a firmer surface for babies who need extra help maintaining a latch.

Nipple shields also come in different nipple shapes, including:

  • Conical nipple shields: May work well for babies who prefer a longer, tapered shape and may feel more familiar to babies who have used bottle nipples.

  • Cherry-shaped nipple shields: Offer a fuller shape in the baby’s mouth, and may encourage the baby's transition to the breast more easily for some families.

Nipple shields are soft, flexible, and available in different sizes. When used appropriately, they can provide relief from sore nipples, help babies who have trouble latching, and support a smooth transition to breastfeeding.

Do I Need a Nipple Shield for Breastfeeding? 

Most new mothers do not need a nipple shield to overcome common breastfeeding challenges, but in some situations a silicone shield can be a helpful short-term tool to support and may even lengthen your breastfeeding journey. When needed, a lactation consultant can guide you on their use, while supporting your breastfeeding goals.

When a Nipple Shield Might Help

For some babies and mothers, breastfeeding can involve more complex challenges that make latching or milk transfer difficult. In these situations, a nipple shield can be a helpful tool to support feeding while you and your baby work on building a more effective and comfortable breastfeeding routine.

The following situations are some common times when a nipple shield may help:

In the NICU

Babies cared for in the NICU are often born at an earlier gestational age and may not yet have the strength or coordination needed for effective breastfeeding. Premature or ill babies can struggle with coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing at the breast. In these situations, a nipple shield may encourage a more efficient latch until your baby is older, stronger, and able to feed with a more coordinated suck.

Late Preterm Babies

Babies born after 34 and before 37 weeks are considered late preterm. Although they may look like full-term babies, they often tire easily and may have weaker or uncoordinated sucking patterns. A nipple shield may help some late preterm babies maintain a latch and transfer milk more effectively while they build strength and stamina during feedings.

Sore or Cracked Nipples

When nipples are sore, cracked, or damaged, breastfeeding can become painful and stressful. Using a nipple shield may provide relief by reducing friction on the nipple and allowing time for healing. During this time, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to identify and address the underlying cause—such as latch or positioning—to prevent further damage.

Flat or Inverted Nipples

If you have flat or inverted nipples, your baby may have difficulty achieving a deep latch. A nipple shield can provide a shape your baby can latch onto more easily. Gently stimulating your nipple—or using a nipple everter—before feeding may draw it out prior to latching with the shield. Over time, many nipples naturally evert more with breastfeeding. If this doesn’t occur and latching remains difficult, you may choose to continue using the nipple shield longer.

Tongue and Lip Ties

Babies with tongue ties or lip ties may have limited tongue range of motion or lip movement, which can lead to a poor latch and increased stress on a mom’s nipple. This can result in nipple pain, compression, or damage. In some cases, the use of a nipple shield may reduce discomfort during feedings and improve milk transfer while you work with your healthcare team to address the oral restriction and support more effective feeding.

Preference for an Artificial Nipple

Some babies who regularly drink from a bottle may begin to prefer an artificial nipple and have difficulty latching directly to the breast. This is sometimes referred to as nipple confusion. Transitioning from bottle to breast can take time and patience. During this process, a nipple shield can provide a familiar feeling in your baby’s mouth, encouraging effective sucking while continuing to stimulate your milk production.

How to Use a Nipple Shield

Using a nipple shield can take a little practice. These steps can set you and your baby up for a more comfortable, effective feeding.

Choose the Correct Size

Measure your nipple diameter before pumping or breastfeeding, and select a nipple shield that is closest to your size. A good fit helps support milk flow and comfort, but it may take some experimenting with sizes to find the one that works best for you.

Apply the Shield Properly

Gently pull back on the edges of the shield, turning it halfway inside out. Place your nipple into the tip of the shield, then unfold the edges over your areola. The shield should fit securely over both your nipple and areola.

Help the Shield Stay in Place

Apply a small amount of nipple cream or a few drops of water or breast milk around the outer edge of the shield. This can create a better seal during feedings for some moms.

Encourage Your Baby to Latch

If needed, hand express a few drops of breast milk into the shield to entice your baby to latch and begin sucking. Using gentle breast compressions throughout the feeding can also improve milk transfer and feeding efficiency.

Watch for Good Milk Flow

Signs of effective feeding include seeing and hearing your baby swallow, noticing milk in the shield when your baby unlatches from the breast, and your baby appearing satisfied after feeding. Work closely with your lactation and healthcare providers to ensure your baby is getting plenty of milk and growing well.

Should I Start Pumping if Using a Nipple Shield?

When using a nipple shield, it’s important to pay close attention to milk removal. While many babies feed well with a shield, in some cases milk transfer may be less effective. When milk is left behind in the breast, your body may receive the signal to make less milk, which can impact milk supply over time.

To support adequate breast stimulation and establish an abundant milk supply—especially in the early weeks—it is often recommended to initiate pumping in addition to breastfeeding when using a shield. This is especially important if your baby is sleepy at the breast, feeds for long periods without obvious swallowing, or is not gaining weight as expected.

If you are working toward exclusive breastfeeding, pumping can be a powerful tool to protect your supply while feeding issues are addressed. Using a hospital-strength, double-electric breast pump after feedings can more fully drain your breasts and provide the stimulation needed to build and maintain your supply.

Where to Buy a Nipple Shield

Quality nipple shields for breastfeeding are available online or in stores. For example, Aeroflow provides a variety of nipple shields that can be purchased online. Many hospitals and lactation consultants also provide nipple shields if needed, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. Working with a lactation professional can guide you in choosing the right size and shape for your baby, and ensure you are using it safely and effectively.

Even if you buy a nipple shield on your own, it’s a good idea to check in with a lactation consultant, especially if your baby is having trouble transferring milk or you plan to use the shield for more than a few days. Proper fit and guidance can make a big difference in comfort, latch, and milk supply.

How to Clean a Nipple Shield

To keep your nipple shield safe and hygienic:

  • Replace when needed: Get a new nipple shield if you notice signs of wear, thinning, or damage. A damaged shield can affect fit and feeding.

  • Wash after each use: Clean your shield in hot, soapy water, rinsing thoroughly.

  • Store properly: Keep the shield in a cool, dry place between uses.

  • Sanitize daily: Use a microwave steam bag, or boil the shield for 5 minutes once a day to ensure it is fully sanitized.

Following these steps helps protect your baby and ensures the nipple shield works effectively during each feeding.

How to Wean from a Nipple Shield

While some mothers use a nipple shield the entire time they breastfeed, most rely on them as a temporary tool to improve feedings. Long-term use of nipple shields can contribute to low milk supply, clogged milk ducts, and early weaning. In most cases, the goal is to transition your baby to feeding directly at the breast.

Here are strategies that can help:

Offer the Breast When Baby is Calm

Offer the breast at early hunger cues. A sleepy or relaxed baby may latch more easily than a hungry, upset baby. Crying is a late sign of hunger, and a fussy baby will often be harder to latch.

Hand Express Some Milk

Express a few drops of milk prior to feeding to entice your baby and encourage a direct latch.

Try Different Positions

Some babies latch better in a laid-back or reclined position. Try them all and see what works best for your baby.

Use Breast Massage

Gentle breast massage and compressions help keep milk flowing and encourage effective sucking.

Try to Bait-and-Switch

Start breastfeeding with the shield, then gently slide it off and quickly reattach your baby directly to the breast.

Shorten Shield Use

Offer some feedings with the shield and some without, or gradually remove the shield midway through a feed to help your baby adjust.

Pump to Protect Supply

If your baby is not transferring milk efficiently or you are supplementing with bottles, regular pumping can ensure adequate breast stimulation and support milk supply.

Work With a Lactation Consultant

They can troubleshoot latch issues, suggest additional strategies, and provide guidance throughout the process.

Supporting Your Feeding Journey

Nipple shields can be a valuable tool for navigating early breastfeeding challenges, providing temporary support while you and your baby work on latch, comfort, and milk transfer. Remember that they are meant to be used short-term, and with guidance from a certified lactation consultant. Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and it’s common to need extra support along the way. With patience, consistent practice, and the right guidance, you can help your baby feed effectively, protect your milk supply, and meet your breastfeeding goals.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.