If you are struggling with painful nipples and latching difficulties, your healthcare provider may suggest the temporary use of a nipple shield to help you overcome these challenges. A nipple shield is a thin silicone device that can cover your nipples and areola. If you are new to using a nipple shield, you might be wondering how to choose and use one. To help you with that, here is a review of such nipple shields that you can consider before buying. Regina Kincaid, an IBCLC and midwife and the reviewer of this article, suggests, “Before choosing a nipple shield, ensure you talk to a lactation consultant to learn how to use one correctly, determine the right size, and ensure it is safe for you and the baby.”
11 Best Nipple Shields
1. Best Medium-Sized: Medela Contact Nipple Shield for Breastfeeding
Made from high-quality soft silicone, this nipple shield features a unique cut design that allows maximum skin contact between the mother and the baby. It comes in a carrying case to keep it secured and safe. This is a 24mm medium-sized nipple shield and one kit includes two pieces. Medela contact nipple shields can protect the mother’s nipple while the baby is still learning to latch. Check out this video to learn more about this nipple shield. Pros
Portable BPA-free Convenient to use Multiple sizes Safe storage
Cons
May give unpleasant fragrance May not be easy to clean
2. Best For Sensitive Skin: Lansinoh Contact Nipple Shields
The pair has two nipple shields designed to ease out nursing difficulties. They are made from ultra-thin silicone to suit even the most sensitive skin. For hygienic and protective storage between usage, put them in a protective case included in your purchase. Available in multiple sizes, this particular shield measures 24mm. Check out this product review video to learn more. Pros
BPA-free, BPS-free Ultra-soft Helps latch-on difficulties
Cons
May have less milk flow rate
3. Best BPA-Free: Yiyee Nipple Shield
Made from BPA-free and non-toxic material, the Yiyee nipple shield is safe for the mom and the newborn. It has a triangular petal-style design to attach to the areola conveniently. There is a space between the nipple and the pacifier to prevent the baby from biting nipples. It is recommended to replace your nipple shield after three months of use. Pros
Comfortable Speeds healing Lightweight Heat-resistant Easy to clean Skin-friendly
Cons
Might not work well for mothers producing less breast milk May affect milk production
4. Best Transparent: Fjyqop Nipple Shield
The nipple shield from Fjyqop comes in a safe and hygienic case for protective storage. The transparent nipple shield has a 100% clear view and is made from non-toxic food-grade silicone material. The upgraded cross-milk hole on the nipple allows easy milk flow while sucking. Spiral mechanics help prevent the nipple from sinking if a vacuum is created. Pros
BPA-free Phthalate- and PVC-free Flexible Sturdy Easy to clean Lightweight design
Cons
May affect milk production Might not work well for mothers with a slow milk flow
5. Best For Maximum Skin Contact: Cradle Plus Pregnancy Baby And Toddlers Nippleshield And Breast Shell
A complete kit with all the breastfeeding essentials, the Cradle Plus Pregnancy Baby and Toddlers nipple shield protects your sore nipples and enhances breastfeeding. The set includes two super soft nipple shields in a portable storage case and two breast shells to help prevent milk leakage. The breast shell can hold up to two-ounce milk per shell. Made from soft silicone material, these nipple shields adhere to the skin while promoting maximum skin contact between the baby and the mother. Pros
Easy to clean and sterilize Lead- and phthalate-free Does not spill out milk Encourages healing of chapped nipples
Cons
Nipple shields might be hard to latch
6. Best Easy-To-Maintain: Mam Breastfeeding Nipple Shields
The winged-shaped nipple shields give the mother a better hold while breastfeeding. They have a textured surface, allowing easy airflow, and are soft on the baby’s skin. Available in two counts and 23mm in diameter, they can suit any regular nipple. They come in a protective case for easy storage. It is easy to clean and maintain as they can be sterilized in a microwave or hot water. Pros
BPA- and BPS-free Maximizes skin contact Anti-slip texture Protects sore nipples Ultra-thin material Easy to carry
Cons
Nipple shield size may be a tad big Has only two openings for milk flow
7. Best Skin-Friendly: Philips Avent Nipple Shields
A medium-sized nipple shield of 21mm from Philips Avent can help you breastfeed longer and protect your sore and cracked nipples during breastfeeding. These silicone shield covers have a skin-friendly design to allow maximum skin contact between the mother and the child. They are available in an easy-to-store case that makes it travel-friendly. You can easily sterilize them in a microwave by keeping them in the protective case for three minutes. Take a look at this video link to get more information on the product. Pros
Minimizes pain Easy to latch Odorless Portable
Cons
May not adhere properly
8. Best For Preterm Infants: Spectra Mamivac – Conical Shape Nipple Shield
The conical-shaped nipple shields from Spectra allow maximum skin bonding between the mother and the child. These large-sized nipples measure 28mm each and come in a pack of two. The protective case helps in easy storage and makes it travel-friendly. They have a realistic shape that allows the baby to latch on easily. Pros
BPA- and DEHP-free Multiple sizes and shapes Easy to clean Protects sore nipples
Cons
Instructions might not be clear
9. Best Odorless: Haakaa Nippleshield
Haakaa nipple shield is a pack of two nipple shields made from 100% food-grade silicone with humanized design. They are round in shape with a semicircular cut on the side to allow maximum skin contact during breastfeeding. The nipple has four holes for smooth milk flow and are ideal for addressing short-term latching issues. Always wash and sterilize them before use. Pros
BPA-free, BPS-free Odorless 100% food-grade silicone Super soft Lightweight Heat-resistant Protective case
Cons
Too smooth to hold
10. Best Double-Layered: Pea Baby Nippleshield
The silicone nipple shield is 20mm to nurse babies comfortably. Its double-layered nipple shield with cross holes helps control milk flow and makes breastfeeding easy. The Pea Baby nipple shield fits easily without falling and is available in a one-piece pack. It has a well-designed shape to allow easy suction with enough milk for the baby to suck. Pros
Durable design Easy to clean Food-grade material Easy to latch Soft and stretchable
Cons
Does not include case May not allow direct breast stimulation, which may affect milk supply
11. Best Ultra-Soft: Momma Bear Essentials Premium Nipple Shield
Momma Bear Essentials premium nipple shields are a set of six nipple shields available in a reusable and eco-friendly bag. They help overcome latch-on difficulties and support inverted nipples to allow easy breastfeeding. The nipple shields are made from premium silicone material that does not interfere with nipple stimulation. The multiple holes on the nipples allow easy access to milk. They measure 20mm in diameter and allow maximum skin contact between the mother and the child. Pros
BPA- and latex-free BPS-, lead- and phthalate-free Helps prevent milk loss Ultra-soft
Cons
Only one size available
What To Look For When Buying A Nipple Shield?
Here are a few points to consider before you choose the best nipple shield.
What Is The Difference Between A Nipple Shield And A Breast Shell?
Doctors recommend nipple shields if your baby cannot latch on well, whereas nipple shells are worn by mothers to help prevent excessive milk leakage. Nipple shells have to be removed before your child starts to breastfeed. Nipple shields are used as a substitute for encouragement and support breastfeeding. They are the best alternatives for babies who need an extra prompt to start sucking. Available readily in retail stores or your local hospital, you can let your infant latch on easily and protect your nipples from pain. Browse our above article of carefully selected best nipple shields for easy breastfeeding.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Nipple shields can help make your breastfeeding journey more manageable. They are sometimes recommended by lactation experts following an assessment. So, Vibha Navarathna, the author of this article, has put together this post on the best nipple shields for breastfeeding to help you choose the right one. Visbha has selected these nipple shields after careful consideration and research on their quality and customer satisfaction levels. She has also provided a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
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