Best Nipple Shields for Breastfeeding

Skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding is important, but one downside of circular-shaped nipple shields is that they reduce the surface area of a mother’s skin that baby can come into contact with. The Philips Avent Nipple Shield aims to alleviate that issue with a unique shape that maximizes skin-to-skin contact and keeps baby’s nose away from the silicone, so they only smell Mom.

This shield also gets two thumbs up for its durability. Moms say it holds up through multiple feedings and washings, all at an unbeatable price. And here’s another bonus: The unique design actually helps you hold it in place, since you can slip your fingers around the silicone sides to get a better grip. A handy case is also included so you can keep your shields and lower the risk of misplacing them.

Size: 21.6 mm (diameter)

Number of shields: 2

Breastfeeding can be especially tough for babies with tongue ties (also known as ankyloglossia), since their tongue’s range of motion is restricted due to the extra tissue growth beneath it. As a result, getting the hang of latching and proper suction is a little trickier — but not impossible.

Many moms like the Lansinoh Contact Nipple Shield for its lower profile, which accommodates babies with a shallower latch (this is often a side effect of the condition). These shields can be a great asset if you’re looking for something to hold you over before baby’s tongue tie can be fixed, or just to strengthen their latch before you transition back to breastfeeding without a shield.

Sizes: 20 and 24 mm

Some moms credit this nipple shield for “saving” their breastfeeding experience. Purifyou Nipple Shields are BPA- and BPS-free and feature a unique wide, curved design that allows you to better hold it in place while feeding baby, since it mimics the natural shape of your breast. 

The set comes at a sweet price — especially considering you get three in each pack (you’ll always have one on standby, just in case!).You’re definitely getting bang for your buck. And if you’re not satisfied, that’s okay — you can get a full refund or exchange at any time. (How’s that for convenience?)

Sizes: 20 and 24 mm

You may think there’s no going back once you start giving baby a bottle, but transitioning her back to the breast can happen, and this shield may help.

The Haakaa Nipple Shield — from the same brand as the widely beloved manual pump — has a symmetrical “butterfly” design and anti-slip ridge that make it easier for Mom to hold in place. And if you know and love the brand’s pump, you can be rest assured this has the same powerful suction, thanks to the thick silicone and asymmetrical design. Moms also like the shape of the nipple, which is designed a bit more like a bottle to help ease baby into breastfeeding with some familiarity. Best of all, it’s made to fit all nipple sizes.

Size: 22 mm

Sometimes, your baby just doesn’t want to latch, and the reason may not have anything to do with the shape of your nipple or your milk flow or … well, anything about you at all. If you fall into this camp, many moms swear by the Ameda Contact Nipple Shield, also a favorite product among lactation consultants.

This shield is made from ultra-thin, flexible silicone, and it has a nipple shape that just seems to click with many babies who experience breast refusal. Another bonus? Moms report that it stays in place well, which will save you a lot of unnecessary stress while you’re feeding.

Size: 24 mm

Before you started breastfeeding, it may not have even occurred to you that your nipples might be “short.” But when it comes to nursing, shorter nipples can sometimes make latching a little trickier. Many new moms say the Medela Contact Nipple Shield helped ease them into a better breastfeeding routine by teaching their babies how to latch while also protecting their nipples from pain.

These shields are BPA-free, designed to promote more skin-to-skin contact and come in a range of sizes to choose from. (Make sure to ask a lactation consultant what size you should use, since it's not necessarily a one-to-one relationship with the size of your own nipple.)

Size: 20 mm (also available in 24 and 16 mm)

Inverted or flat nipples are fairly common, but boy can they sure throw a wrench into your breastfeeding plans. That said, it's still possible to breastfeed; it just might take a little training at first (for both of you).

Haakaa Inverted Nipple Correctors are designed specifically for flat or inverted nipples. Called "nipple aspirators," they use suction and gentle pressure to help draw them out before feedings for easier milk flow.

You put them on before you're planning to feed your little one and remove them before you nurse. The results last for two hours, and you must repeat the process with each feeding. They're sold two to a pack and can be tossed in the dishwasher; a case is also included.