We agree that breastfeeding is something that can be challenging, for both you, and your little one.
But, what if you could breastfeed your child easily without any latching problems?
The good news is, it can be done with the right choice of breastfeeding nipple shields.
So, keeping that in mind, we’ll have a look at the features, pros, and cons of our top picks from the five best nipple shields.
We have also included a buyers’ guide to help you make an informed choice while making a purchase.
Top Pick
Runner Up
Also Great
All three of these nipple shields were tested and found out to be amazing picks.
It is really hard to choose the best one amongst the three as they all have their own special features and truly deserve the top place.
Best Nipple Shield - Top 5 Reviews
1. Best for Skin Contact - Medela Nipple Shield Review
We have found out that Medela is a brand that many breastfeeding mothers trust. Just like all other Medela products, this nipple shield seems to have no exception in its popularity.
This nipple shield has a unique design. The Medela Contact Nipple Shield has a cut-out area for your baby’s nose. This feature will allow skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby. Moreover, it will allow your little one to absorb your smell and have milk easily.
You will find three different sizes available in this nipple shield. To choose the best shield, it is advisable that moms consult a lactation specialist. The correct size, however, can also be determined by the baby’s mouth as well as by the size of the mom’s breast and nipple.
Features of Medela Nipple Shield
- Available in three different sizes – 16mm, 20mm, and 24mm
- You get only one shield per purchase
- Made from 100% ultra-thin and soft silicon
- Shape allows generous contact between mom and baby
- Made from safe material
- Unique design
- Thin
- Easy feeding
- Helps with shallow latch
- Single product
- No case included
- Hard to put on
If you’re looking for a nipple shield from a trusted brand, then Medela nipple shield is the one for you. It is of high quality and makes feeding easy.
2. Best for Traveling - Lansinoh Nipple Shield Review
For mothers with flat nipples, this nipple shield was found to be the most favorite. These nipple shields are made from super-thin, soft, and flexible silicone, and they make feeding easy and comfortable.
We found these nipple shields to be sold in pairs. Also, the shields come with a carry case. It is advisable for you to keep the nipple shields stored in the case when you’re not using them to preserve sterility.
Features of Lansinoh Best Nipple Shield
- Shields are made of 100% soft silicone
- Sold in pairs
- Available in two sizes – 20mm and 24mm
- Comes with a convenient carry case
- High quality
- Skin friendly
- Allows skin to skin contact
- Perfectly thin
- Easy to clean
- Doesn’t stick on for long
- Bad shape
- Milk doesn’t flow out smoothly
If you have flat nipples, and are looking for a suitable nipple shield, then Lansinoh nipple shield is the one we recommend. It is skin friendly and allows maximum skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby.
3. Best Nipple Shield for Small Nipples - Purifyou Premium Shield Review
These nipple shields will make you and your baby feel comfortable while feeding. Moreover, these nipple shields will ensure that your baby gets vital nutrients required from your breast milk.
The shape of these nipple shields is oblong. The side pieces are designed to help you adhere to the breast. While the space above and below the nipple will allow for more skin-to-skin contact.
The thing we loved the most about these nipple shields is that they come with a cotton drawstring bag that makes it easier for you to keep them with you at all times.
Features of Purifyou Premium Shield
- Come packed in drawstring bags that are recyclable
- Comes in a pack of three
- Available in one size – 20mm
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Latches properly
- Non-toxic
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Too thin
- Don’t stick properly
If you’re looking for a nipple shield that latches properly onto your nipples, then Purifyou Premium nipple shield is the one for you. It is made from non-toxic material and is easy to use.
4. Best Fit Nipple Shield - NUK Barely There Nipple Shield With Case Review
After our research, we would consider these nipple shields to be good at protecting sensitive nipples. Moreover, these are also good for babies born with difficulties to nurse.
To our surprise, we found out that babies rarely cry while using NUK nipple shields. This will turn breastfeeding times into a happy hour for both you and your baby.
These nipple shields come in a triangular design. This design will make skin contact possible, allowing you and your baby to bond. Moreover, the holes on this nipple shield will allow your babies to breathe while feeding. Which we consider to be the best feature of this nipple shield.
Features of NUK Barely There Nipple Shield With Case
- Comes with its own storage case
- Made from high quality silicone
- Triangular in shape
- Available in one size – 24mm
- Affordable
- Safe material
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Sticks well
- Good shape
- Too thin
- Available in one size only
If you’re looking for nipple shields that allow a smooth flow of milk, then the NUK barely there nipple shield with case might be the one for you. They are affordable and have good sticking ability.
5. Best Nipple Shield for Overall Value - The Cradle Nippleshield & Breast Shell Review
We absolutely love this set because it solves two big problems at once.
One: it helps your baby latch.
Second: it helps you save and store your breast milk.
The design of the nipple shield is made so that it promotes consistent milk flow and prevents milk from pooling inside the nipple. This, however, can also help cracked or sore nipples to heal faster by keeping them dry.
Features of The Cradle Nippleshield & Breast Shell
- Contains 2 extra nipple shields
- Comes with 2 breast shells milk savers
- Prevents yeast infection
- Nipple has 4 holes
- Comfortable
- Easy to use
- Stores milk
- Good quality
- Great customer service
- Leaks sometimes
- Have less size options
If you’re looking for a nipple shield that can store your breast milk, then the cradle nipple shield & breast shell is the one for you. It provides you with pain relief and is comfortable to use.
Buyers’ Guide
So, that concludes our list for the best nipple shields for breastfeeding moms. Surely, you will find all to be high-quality products with some of the best features. Now let us have a look at a few questions that might help you have a better understanding about the nipple shields.
What is A Nipple Shield?
To put it simply, a nipple shield is a silicone “nipple” that you can place over your own to help your baby latch. They are soft and flexible, so your skin won’t be bothered by them. Because of their suction cup-like design, they will stay in place when you use them for feeding. Moreover, the hole in the tip of each shield will help your baby in the smooth milk flow.
Why do I Need A Nipple Shield?
While nipple shields aren’t used by all breastfeeding moms, they can come in handy for women who are having issues getting their baby or babies to latch.
We have found out that there might be a variety of reasons for a poor latch to happen. Tongue-tied and premature babies can find it tricky to latch on at first. Moreover, your little one might be having trouble because one or both of your nipples are inverted or flat. Some babies might also experience some initial breast refusal for reasons that aren’t always clear.
Having cracked or sore nipples from breastfeeding, might be another reason why you might need a nipple shield. As it can also help you protect your nipples while they recover. And also, stop the symptoms from getting worse.
How to Use A Nipple Shield?
To use a nipple shield, you’ll first have to make sure it stays securely in place. In case it doesn’t, you can apply warm water or use some nipple cream under the sides of the nipple shield.
After the nipple shield is placed on securely, you might want to make sure that the tip of your nipple fits into the nipple of the shield. There might be some space in there at first, but it’ll be all right after your baby starts sucking and your nipple swells up a bit.
What to Look for in a Nipple Shield?
Before buying a nipple shield, you might want to consider the following factors:
- Material – Is the material used in the nipple shield safe for you and your baby?
- Size – There are different sizes of nipple shields of different companies. It is advisable for you to check what size of the nipple shield will be the best fit for you.
- Need – If your baby has no trouble latching through normal breastfeeding method, then there is no need for you to buy a nipple shield.
- Comfort – We would suggest you to choose the nipple shield that is the most comfortable to use. If a nipple shield is uncomfortable for you to use, but you keep on using it, you might start to feel pain and develop rashes around the nipple area.
How do I Choose The Correct Nipple Shield Size?
The nipple shield should be chosen based on the size of your baby’s mouth. 16mm is the ideal size for small and/ or premature babies. If your baby is a newborn, then 20mm is designed for that purpose. For older babies or large nipples, you might want to use the 24mm size of the nipple shield.
What Precautions Should I Take While Using A Nipple Shield?
We suggest you take the following precautions while using a nipple shield:
- Wash your hands – We suggest you always wash your hands before using a nipple shield as cleanliness will prevent the spreading of germs.
- Soak in hot water after use – It is highly advisable to soak the nipple shield in hot soapy water after each use.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly – You should make sure that you rinse and dry the nipple shield thoroughly so that no soap residue is left on it for the next use.
- Sterilize – Sterilizing the nipple shield will help you keep it clean.
How Many Times Should I Boil The Nipple Shield?
We suggest you boil the nipple shield at least once a day. This will help you to keep it sterilize and stay clean for longer.
Is Using a Nipple Shield A Permanent Solution for Breastfeeding?
To be honest, no, this is certainly a temporary solution. If other alternatives do not work for you, only then should you opt for this option.
Do Nipple Shields Take Longer to Feed the Babies?
Nipple shields will take longer time to feed your babies as compared to normal breastfeeding. It will take some time for your baby to get used to this method of milk feeding. However, once your baby gets used to it, it might be easier and might take less time.
Do Nipple Shields Decrease the Milk Supply?
From our research, we found out that there are some nipple shields that do decrease the milk supply. However, some nipple shields work perfectly fine. In order to avoid this problem, we recommend you select the thin silicone nipple shields over the latex ones.
Is The Material Used In Nipple Shields Safe for Kids?
You will find that most nipple shields are made from silicone, which is quite safe for kids and for the mother. Moreover, this non-toxic material will prevent you and your baby from getting any rashes.
Final Verdict
If you and your baby have some problem with breastfeeding, then we would highly recommend you to get yourself a nipple shield.
After all our research, we would consider the Medela Nipple Shield to be the winner for us. It is made from high-quality and safe material. We found the availability of three sizes in this nipple shield to be a huge plus. This nipple shield is easy to use. Moreover, it allows skin-to-skin contact that will allow you and your baby to create a bond.
