Nipple Shields: When to Use Them, How to Use Them, and What to Know Before You Start

Nipple shields are one of those tools in the breastfeeding world that come with a lot of mixed opinions. Some parents are handed one in the hospital before their baby has even had a chance to latch. Others are told never to use them at all. So what’s the real story?

As an IBCLC, I see nipple shields as a useful tool—but one that should be used intentionally, and ideally with guidance. When used appropriately, they can help bridge the gap between early challenges and a successful nursing relationship. But when used too quickly or without support, they can sometimes mask underlying issues that need more attention.

Don’t Rush to Use One in the First Few Days

It can be tempting to reach for a nipple shield when latching is difficult early on—but it’s usually best to pause and try a few other things first. In those first 2–3 days of life, your baby is just starting to learn how to latch, and your milk is still mostly colostrum.

In this early period, it’s completely normal for babies to be sleepy, uncoordinated, or a little slow to catch on. Offering a nipple shield too soon can make it harder for them to figure out their natural latch cues and suck rhythm.

Instead, try lots of skin-to-skin, practice different breastfeeding positions, and use hand expression if needed. You can spoon or syringe feed small amounts of colostrum to keep baby nourished and calm while you both get the hang of latching. A side-lying or laid-back nursing position may help baby feel more supported and instinctively root for the breast.

Not All Nipple Shields Are Created Equal

Many hospitals carry just one brand and one size—but nipple shields are not one-size-fits-all. The shape, material, and size of the shield can dramatically impact how it works for you and your baby. For example, a standard 24mm silicone shield might be too wide for a newborn’s mouth or not create the right suction. Some shields have a cut-out for baby’s nose, while others offer a more rounded dome—what works for one baby may not work for another.

A shield that’s too small can pinch or cause pain. A shield that’s too large may make latching awkward or interfere with milk transfer. And some babies may respond better to different tip shapes depending on their oral anatomy. A baby with a high palate or shallow latch might benefit from a differently shaped shield altogether.

That’s why working with an experienced IBCLC is key—we can assess your needs, help you find the right size and style, and make sure it’s actually helping, not hurting. We often try multiple types in a consult to see what your baby responds to best before landing on the ideal fit.

How to Use a Nipple Shield (The Right Way)

If you are using a nipple shield, placement matters. It should fit snugly and comfortably over your nipple, with the tip centered and the base flush against your breast.

You can turn the edges of the shield inside out and then flip it on like a suction cup, or dampen it slightly with warm water to help it adhere better. Don’t be afraid to reposition it if baby struggles to latch—it should feel secure, but not tight or painful.

When baby latches, they should be taking in both the shield and a good portion of the breast tissue, not just sucking on the tip of the shield. Think of it like a sandwich—baby should be getting a mouthful, not just the nipple.

A good latch still applies—chin deep into the breast, lips flanged out, and rhythmic sucking and swallowing. If baby is clicking, slipping off, or becoming frustrated, it’s a sign that something needs adjusting.

Also, don’t forget to monitor wet and dirty diapers and weight gain to ensure baby is effectively transferring milk through the shield. Some babies do beautifully with a shield and gain well—but others may need extra support to ensure adequate intake.

Nipple Shields Are a Temporary Tool, Not a Long-Term Solution

Nipple shields are best used as a short-term solution while you address the reason they’re needed in the first place. That might be latch difficulties, flat or inverted nipples, oversupply, or oral function issues in baby.

For example, a baby with a shallow latch due to tension in their jaw may initially latch better with a shield, but that issue still needs to be addressed with oral exercises or bodywork. If pain or bleeding is why you're reaching for a shield, we need to figure out why that pain is happening in the first place.

While some babies do well with long-term shield use, many will wean off it with the right support. The key is to follow baby’s lead while gently guiding them back to direct latching as skills improve.

Our goal is always to help you move toward direct, effective latching whenever possible. That could mean using the shield for just a few days—or a few weeks—with regular check-ins and support as you go.

Get Support Early

If you’re using a nipple shield (or wondering if you should), don’t go it alone. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of uncertainty—Is baby getting enough? Is this helping or hurting? Am I doing it right?

You deserve more than just guesswork. Working with an IBCLC can help you understand when a shield is helpful, when it might be holding you back, and how to safely wean off it when the time is right.

💛 Book a consult and we’ll assess your baby’s latch, find the right shield (if needed), and create a plan to move forward confidently—whether that’s with or without a shield.

👉 Click here to schedule your consult

Remember, the nipple shield is just one tool in your toolkit—not a failure, not a crutch, and not something to feel shame about. With the right support, it can be a stepping stone to a more comfortable and connected breastfeeding experience. 💛