A nipple shield is a thin, flexible silicone cover that fits over your nipple and areola during breastfeeding. It creates a longer, firmer surface that helps babies who struggle to latch onto the breast directly. The shield has tiny holes at the tip that allow milk to flow through to your baby, functioning as a bridge between breast and bottle until direct breastfeeding becomes possible.
How a Nipple Shield Is Designed
Modern nipple shields are made from thin, transparent silicone. They have two main parts: a wide base that sits against your areola and a cone-shaped tip where your nipple sits during feeding. The tip has small holes at the end, similar to a bottle nipple, so milk can pass through as your baby sucks.
Some shields have a cutout section along the base so your baby’s nose or chin can touch your bare skin while feeding. This skin-to-skin contact helps maintain the bonding and sensory cues that support breastfeeding. Older shields were made from hard plastic or thick rubber, which interfered more with milk flow and sensation. Today’s thin silicone versions are a significant improvement, though they still come with trade-offs worth understanding.
When a Nipple Shield Helps
Nipple shields are typically recommended for specific breastfeeding challenges, not as a first-line tool for everyone. The most common reasons include:
- Flat or inverted nipples. If your nipples don’t protrude enough for your baby to grasp, a shield provides the shape and firmness a baby needs to latch. Flat or inverted nipples don’t prevent breastfeeding, but they can make the early learning curve steeper for both of you.
- Premature babies. Preemies often have weaker sucking reflexes and smaller mouths. The firmer surface of a shield gives them something easier to hold onto while they build strength.
- Latch difficulties. Some full-term babies simply struggle to latch despite good positioning. A shield can serve as a temporary aid while you and your baby work on technique.
- Nipple pain or damage. If your nipples are cracked or sore from early breastfeeding, a shield creates a barrier that reduces direct friction while you heal.
- Transitioning from bottle to breast. Babies who have been bottle-fed may prefer the firmer feel of an artificial nipple. A shield can ease that transition by offering a familiar texture at the breast.
How to Apply One
Getting the shield on correctly matters for both milk flow and your baby’s latch. Start by moistening the inside of the shield with a few drops of breast milk or water. This helps it stick to your skin. Then partially turn the brim of the shield inside out so the cone-shaped tip is inverted. Center it over your nipple and press the brim flat against your areola. As the shield flips back into place, it creates gentle suction that draws your nipple into the tip.
Your nipple should sit comfortably inside the cone without being pinched or compressed. If the shield feels tight, slides around, or causes pain, you likely need a different size. Most brands sell shields in two or three sizes based on nipple diameter. A lactation consultant can help you find the right fit, which makes a real difference in how well milk transfers.
The Effect on Milk Supply
This is the most important thing to understand about nipple shields: they can reduce the amount of milk your baby gets per feeding. A study published in the Journal of Human Lactation tested milk volumes with and without shields under controlled conditions, using consistent pump pressure designed to mimic a vigorously suckling baby. Pumping without a shield produced significantly more milk than pumping with either of the two shield types tested. That finding held regardless of which breast was used, the order of pumping, or the pressure applied.
The likely explanation is that the silicone barrier dampens the stimulation your breast receives, even when suction pressure is strong. Less stimulation means a weaker signal to produce and release milk. Over weeks of use, this can gradually reduce your overall supply if nothing compensates for it.
This doesn’t mean shields are dangerous or should be avoided. It means that if you’re using one regularly, paying attention to your baby’s weight gain and diaper output matters more than usual. Some parents also add a pumping session after shield-assisted feedings to maintain supply. The goal is awareness, not anxiety.
Getting the Right Size
Nipple shields come in small, medium, and large sizes, typically ranging from about 16 mm to 28 mm in diameter. The size refers to the inner diameter of the cone where your nipple sits. Too small and your nipple will be compressed, causing pain and restricting milk flow. Too large and the shield won’t stay in place, and your baby may struggle to maintain suction.
To gauge your size, measure the diameter of the base of your nipple (not including the areola) after breastfeeding or pumping, when it’s slightly elongated. The shield should be a few millimeters larger than that measurement. If you’re between sizes, going slightly larger is usually more comfortable.
Transitioning Away From the Shield
Most lactation professionals consider nipple shields a temporary tool. Once your baby has grown stronger, your nipples have healed, or latching has improved, the goal is usually to return to direct breastfeeding. There’s no fixed timeline for this. Some babies transition in a few days, others need weeks, and some use a shield for the entire breastfeeding relationship without problems.
A common approach is to start each feeding with the shield, then remove it mid-feed once your milk is flowing and your baby is calm and actively swallowing. Babies are often more willing to latch directly when they’re not frantically hungry and milk is already available. You can also try offering the bare breast first at feedings when your baby is drowsy or relaxed, since the latch reflex is often less resistant in a sleepy state.
If your baby refuses the breast without the shield, that’s not a failure. Some babies genuinely need the extra structure for longer than expected. What matters is that feeding is going well: your baby is gaining weight, producing enough wet and dirty diapers, and you’re not in pain.
Cleaning and Care
Wash your nipple shield with warm, soapy water after every use and let it air dry. Silicone is durable but can degrade over time, so inspect it regularly for tears, thinning, or stickiness. A damaged shield can harbor bacteria or break down during feeding. Most manufacturers recommend replacing shields every few weeks with regular use, though you’ll want to check the specific guidance for whatever brand you choose.
Carry a spare when you’re out. Shields are small and easy to lose, and you don’t want to be caught without one if your baby depends on it for feeding. A small, ventilated carrying case keeps it clean between uses without trapping moisture.