Nipple Shields

Nipple shields for breastfeeding: thin, soft and sized to fit

A nipple shield is a thin silicone cover worn over the nipple during a feed. It helps when a baby cannot latch deeply, when nipples are flat or inverted, when a preemie tires at the breast, or when skin is too sore to nurse without it. Every shield here is ultra-thin, food-grade silicone, so your baby still feels skin and warmth through it.

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When a nipple shield helps

Lactation consultants reach for a shield in a few clear situations: a shallow or painful latch that has not improved with positioning, flat or inverted nipples that the baby cannot grasp, a premature or sleepy baby who needs a firmer cue to keep sucking, a bottle-fed baby who is moving back to the breast, or cracked skin that needs a barrier while it heals. Used with support, it is a bridge, not a permanent fixture.

How to pick the right one

Size first. Measure your nipple diameter at the base and match it to the millimeter size on the package; too small is the most common mistake. Shape second. A cut-out shield leaves space for the baby's nose and keeps skin contact; a full round shield gives more coverage for very sore skin. Thickness third. Thinner silicone transfers more milk and more sensation. Every product on this page lists its size and shape, and most come in a case for the diaper bag.

Using it well

Warm the shield in your hand, turn the brim partly inside out, center it on the nipple and let it grip as you flip the edge back. Express a few drops of milk into the tip so the baby tastes it right away. Check that lips are flanged on the breast, not on the silicone. If you hear clicking or the baby slips off, re-size or re-latch.

Nipple shields and silver nursing cups

A shield works during the feed; a silver cup works between feeds. If you are using a shield because of pain, pairing it with MOOGCO Silver nursing cups between feeds protects the skin while it heals. Our guides: best nipple shields for breastfeeding, metal nipple shields explained and silver nursing cups vs nipple shields.

We are moms too. Every shield in this collection lists its size and shape on the product page, and we keep the common sizes in stock.

Frequently asked questions

What size nipple shield do I need?

Measure the width of your nipple at the base, not the areola. Most brands size in millimeters: small is about 16 to 18 mm, medium 20 to 21 mm, large 24 mm. If you are between sizes, go up one size so the nipple can move freely inside the shield.

Do nipple shields reduce milk supply?

A shield that fits well and is used with a deep latch usually does not. Supply drops when the baby cannot compress the breast through a shield that is too small or too thick, so fit matters more than the shield itself. Weigh the baby weekly in the first weeks if you use one every feed.

How do I wean my baby off a nipple shield?

Start the feed with the shield, then slip it off once the baby is calm and milk is flowing. Try the bare breast first at the sleepy morning feed. Most babies transition within one to two weeks; some keep the shield longer, which is fine.

How do I clean a silicone nipple shield?

Rinse in cool water right after the feed, wash with warm soapy water, and sterilize once a day in boiling water or a steam bag. Store it dry in its case. Replace it when the silicone turns cloudy, sticky or torn.

Silicone nipple shield or silver nursing cup?

They do different jobs. A shield is worn during the feed to help a shallow latch, flat or inverted nipples, or a preemie. A silver cup is worn between feeds to protect and soothe sore skin. Many moms use both in the first weeks.

Nipple shields can be a real lifesaver during latch struggles, especially in those early weeks. Our curated picks are made from ultra-thin, food-grade silicone so your baby still gets the skin contact cues that keep breastfeeding on track. Whether you need help with a shallow latch, flat or inverted nipples, or a preemie who tires quickly at the breast, there is a fit here for you.

We are moms too, and we only stock shields we would use ourselves. Pair yours with a nipple balm for healing between feeds, and talk with a lactation consultant about weaning off the shield when you are both ready. Free US shipping on orders over $100.