The Best Nipple Shields

Medela Contact Nipple Shield

Designed for Comfort

These special nipple shields encourage comfortable nursing and skin to skin bonding.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

Nipple shields are one of the most helpful tools for encouraging and assisting with breastfeeding. But many are thick and uncomfortable for both mom and baby. The Medela Contact Nipple Shield can help with that. It’s made from an extremely thin, soft silicone and has a strategically placed cutout that allows you and your baby to have a more natural experience. In many cases, they can help new parents continue nursing when they may have otherwise given up.

Pros:

• This shield is available in several sizes, making it easier to find the right fit
• A handy carrying case is included to make travel more convenient
• The thinness and natural feel of this shield can make transitioning easier if you choose to do so

Cons:

• It can shift around or fall off if your baby is a wiggler
• Cleaning is difficult

Lansinoh Nipple Shields

Easy Care

Keeping these nipple shields clean and ready for use is quick and easy.

Runner Up

Find on Amazon

When it comes to finding the right shield, there are two main things to look for: comfort and hygiene. There is no point in finding a super comfy set if it seems impossible to keep them clean, which is why we turn to Lansinoh Nipple Shields. They are wide and do a great job of staying put while the thin and flexible silicone keeps the breastfeeding experience as comfortable as possible. Once finished, cleanup is simple, and it takes minimal effort to get them ready for next time.

Pros:

• These shields don’t fall or shift very often, which creates a more seamless breastfeeding experience
• The included storage case keeps them clean until you need them again
• They are durable and tend to last for a long time, so you save money and time

Cons:

• There are only two sizes available
• Small holes make milk flow slower than average, which may make feeding take longer

Pnrskter Nipplesuckers

Super Effective

An awesome choice for inverted nipples to create a better latch.

Also Great

Find on Amazon

Inverted nipples are one of the most common issues in breastfeeding. They can easily lead to women ending their breastfeeding journey much sooner than they’d planned, which is often disappointing. The Pnrskter Nipplesuckers are designed to correct inverted nipples specifically, and we think they are definitely worth a shot. They are easy to use and comfortable to wear for hours at a time, based on your doctor or lactation consultant’s recommendations.

Pros:

• Small and discreet design makes them ideal for wearing under clothes without people noticing
• Use them for any nipple size
• Can help correct inverted nipples over time

Cons:

• They are not designed for use during breastfeeding
• Hair or milk letdown can break the seal and make them fall off

HaaKaa Nippleshield

Custom Fit

These easy-to-use shields are comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Most Flexible

Find on Amazon

Breasts and nipples are like fingerprints. Each woman has a unique shape and size, which means, in most cases, a rigid shield won’t do the trick. The HaaKaa Nippleshield is different. Its ultra-thin, lightweight silicone body is made to bend and adjust to your shape, so you can get the most comfortable experience possible. They are also specially designed to give mom and baby as much skin to skin contact as possible, which helps with bonding and comfort.

Pros:

• These shields fit a wider range of breast sizes and shapes than most other options
• They are made of high-quality silicone that can be boiled or sterilized in the microwave
• Babies often have an easier time latching to these shields due to their specialized shape

Cons:

• Cleaning the inner part of the nipples can be difficult
• They do not come with additional size options

Mam Nipple Shields

Convenient and Affordable

These soft nipple shields are easy on your breasts and make breastfeeding easier than ever.

Best on a Budget

Find on Amazon

These nipple shields from Mam earned a place on our list due to their high quality and accessible price tag. They are soft and comfortable with a textured surface designed to help the baby breathe better while nursing. Their Skinsoft silicone is extra thin and makes using the shield feel almost as natural as breastfeeding with nothing between the breast and baby.

Pros:

• There are two cutouts instead of just one, giving your the maximum skin to skin contact
• They are very affordable
• The included storage case doubles as a sterilizer

Cons:

• It’s hard to get these shields to stay in place
• Getting excess milk out of the nipple’s tip can be difficult

Frequently Asked Questions

What are inverted nipples, and how do they affect breastfeeding?

Inverted nipples are nipples that seem to go into the body instead of pointing outwards. Although that isn’t a huge deal, and many people with inverted nipples can breastfeed without any problems, they can cause some poor latch or pain issues. That’s because your entire nipple is meant to go into your baby’s mouth for a full latch, and inverted nipples can make that difficult. If this seems to be a problem you’re facing, consult a professional to find out if nipple shields are right for you.

What do nipple shields help with other than inverted nipples?

Nipple shields are versatile and help with several problems, including pain from poor latching, tongue ties, or chafing. They are also a good choice for those with strong, painful letdowns because they slow the flow enough for the baby to nurse safely without becoming overwhelmed. If you’re new to breastfeeding and your breasts feel sore, dry, and cracked, shields can protect them without you having to turn to bottles, as well. Overall, it is always a good idea to have a pair around, just in case.