10 Reviews: Best Nipple Shield for Premature Babies (Apr 2024)
These nipple shields will make breastfeeding simpler for your preemie while also allowing them to grow and thrive
by A. Wahyu · updated on · price $7.35 - $59.90 · 454 views
We hope you love the shops and products we recommend! Just so you know, our site may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and products in stock as of time of publication.
Comparison Table
Nipple shields are often advised to assist premature newborns with breastfeeding throughout the last days of their hospital stay and the first weeks at home. A nipple shield is a tiny, ultra-thin silicone device that fits over the nipple and areola (the darker area of the breast) while nursing. The silicone accessories have been tested on preemie babies, and the findings suggest that the babies take more milk with the shields than without them in the first few weeks of nursing. So, if you want one that won’t let you down, have a look at our list of suggestions below!
Table of contents
Product list
- Medela Contact Nipple Shield: Better skin-to-skin contact
- Lansinoh Nipple Shield: For flat nipples
- Ardo Tulips : For sense of smell
- NUK Simply Natural: Realistic texture
- purifyou Premium Nipple Shields : Great for travel
- Maymom Nipple Shield: Uninterrupted breastfeeding
- Ameda Contact Nipple Shield: Thin and flexible
- Philips AVENT SCF156/01 : For more milk flow
- MAM Nipple Shields : For greater letdown
- Silverette Nursing Cups : Heal your wounds
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Just in case you wonder...
How do I use a nipple shield?
Once you’ve found the proper nipple shield size, moisten it with breast milk to make it stick better. Then, position it directly over your breast, making sure your nipple is in the middle of the shield. You don’t want too much areola in the shield since it will reduce feeding efficiency. Once you’ve decided to wean from the breast shield, you may start removing it earlier and earlier during each feeding so your baby can have a sense of what it’s like without it.
How do I know if I need a nipple shield?
Many new mothers utilize nipple shields to aid with pain and feeding in the days after delivery. If you have flat or inverted nipples, your baby has a tongue-tie, your baby was delivered prematurely, or you are just sore from nursing, you may need a nipple shield. A nipple shield may provide support and comfort for these various reasons, and they’re worth a try if you’re having difficulty breastfeeding.
What exactly is a nipple shield?
Simply described, a breastfeeding nipple shield is a silicone “nipple” that you place over your own to assist your baby in latching. They are soft and flexible, so they won’t irritate your skin, and the suction cup-like shape should keep them in place throughout feedings. If your baby is having difficulty feeding, the hole on the tip of each shield will assist milk flow through.
Why should I use nipple shields?
– To minimize the stress of breastfeeding
– To avoid transitioning to formula before you or your baby are ready
– To get more milk than your baby would otherwise
– To help a preemie in transitioning from bottle to breast
– To provide relief for cracked and bleeding nipples
10 Reviews: Best Nipple Shield for Premature Babies (Apr 2024)
1.
Medela
Contact Nipple Shield
Better skin-to-skin contact
The Medela Contact Nipple shield has a special cut-out area that allows for better skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. This item comes with a handy carrying bag and is available in three sizes (16 mm, 20 mm, 24 mm). The size of the nipple shield is determined more by the size of the infant’s mouth than by the size of the nipple. Moms reported reduced discomfort and more happiness during breastfeeding while wearing this shield.
CANNOT RECOMMEND ENOUGH, I USED THEM BECAUSE MY BABY WAS PREMATURE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO LATCH ON IN THE BEGINNING. I WAS NOT ABLE TO NURSE WITHOUT THIS
by KJM
Material | Silicone |
---|---|
Color | Clear |
Size | 20mm |
Number of Pieces | Pack of 1 |
2.
Lansinoh
Nipple Shield
For flat nipples
This nipple shield is available in two sizes and comes in a pair of two with a handy and sanitary carrying bag to complete the Lansinoh contact nipple shield set. The unique cut-out design allows moms to have better skin-to-skin contact with her baby during breastfeeding. This nipple shield is made entirely of silicone and is BPA and BPS-free. What’s more, this shield is extremely popular among moms with flat nipples.
I relied on these for the first 9 weeks I was nursing. My son was a little premature and latching became was an issue. I went from raw to bleeding and infected and these help me work through our feeding issues with a little less pain. It helped him find the nipple while I was engorged as well. [...]
by Mbart
Material | Silicone |
---|---|
Color | Clear |
Size | 20mm, 24mm |
Number of Pieces | Pack of 2 |
3.
Ardo
Tulips
For sense of smell
The Ardo Tulips nipple shield comes in two sizes and includes a carrying bag. This shield is particularly developed to assist mothers who have uncomfortable, aching, raw, or chapped nipples. With your baby’s sense of smell in mind, this breast shield was created. Since it has been discovered that the smell of mom, as well as skin-to-skin contact, encourages bonding, their unique design does not impede your baby’s nose.
My newborn was having trouble latching. They gave me a medela shield in the hospital but it wasnt great. I had gotten these from my baby registry so we gave them a try once we got home from the hospital and they work like a charm. No more latching issues.
Material | Silicone |
---|---|
Color | Clear |
Size | 16 mm, 20mm, 24mm |
Number of Pieces | Pack of 2 |
4.
NUK
Simply Natural
Realistic texture
These have a more optimal shape. Nodules increase milk flow and give your breast a realistic texture. The NUK shields are thin and soft, measuring less than an inch in diameter. They are flexible and manufactured of BPA-free silicone, making breastfeeding more pleasant for both you and your child. The shields are relatively simple to stretch, which might help you get the ideal fit. If you have a fussy nurser, the shape might be useful.
VERY COMFORTABLE, THIN AND WORKS GREAT PERFECT SHAPE DOESNT BLOCK BABY BREATHING
by Mikala21
Material | Silicone |
---|---|
Color | Clear |
Size | 24mm |
Number of Pieces | Pack of 1 |
6.
Maymom
Nipple Shield
Uninterrupted breastfeeding
Maymom contact nipple shields may be a beneficial tool for professionals and mothers to use when dealing with babies who have latch-on issues. It is also helpful for mothers who have hyperactive let downs or flat, inverted, or sore nipples. They allow for uninterrupted breastfeeding till the above issues are resolved. Its unique cutaway shape allows for more touch between mother and baby. Plus, they are all BPA-free.
Excellent fit for me and much easier size nipple for my little one to work with. Stayed in place easily and gave us our best feeding session in days.
by Hannah
Material | Silicone |
---|---|
Color | Clear |
Size | 20mm |
Number of Pieces | Pack of 4 |
7.
Ameda
Contact Nipple Shield
Thin and flexible
If your preemie baby is having difficulty latching on to the breast, your lactation consultant may advise you to use a nipple shield. The Ameda Contact Nipple Shield is a 24mm super thin and flexible nipple shield designed to aid with latching troubles. It is BPA and DEHP-free, making it a safe option for both mom and baby. Parents enjoyed how these soft shields protected their sore and cracked nipples.
My baby had a hard time latching on in the beginning. She was premature and didn't quite understand how to latch on and suck successfully [...] They worked wonders. My baby only had to use the shields for a week or so until it became natural. [...]
by A. Forgey
Material | Silicone |
---|---|
Color | Clear |
Size | 24mm |
Number of Pieces | Pack of 1 |
8.
Philips AVENT
SCF156/01
For more milk flow
These Philips AVENT nipple protectors prioritize skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding, and instead of only a top hole, these nipple shields have a bottom cutout as well. You’re left with two side flaps and a lot of exposed flesh. They are BPA-free and may be disinfected by boiling or steaming. To allow for increased milk flow, these shields include three bigger openings in the nipple region. No wonder moms and babies love it!
These were the only reason why I didn’t give up on breastfeeding my premature twin babies! [...] I was able to breastfeed both of my twins at the same time, saving me so much time and money on formula!
by nikkim
Material | Silicone |
---|---|
Color | Clear |
Size | n/a |
Number of Pieces | Pack of 2 |
9.
MAM
Nipple Shields
For greater letdown
The MAM brand has a strong following among mums. It is gaining popularity for items include as bottles, pacifiers, and sippy cups. The MAM Nipple Shields has a number of appealing features. They are very thin, enabling air to pass between the shield and the infant, as well as as much skin-to-skin contact as possible to promote greater letdown. They have a breast-like sensation and are constructed of exceptionally soft, extra-thin, flexible silicone.
Having a premature baby unable to latch properly, those nipple shields were real lifesaver. I was able to breastfeed my baby easily and it didn't cause any confusion with my nipple once he got bigger and was able to latch on. Easy to clean and durable product.
by Marta Z.
Material | Silicone |
---|---|
Color | Clear |
Size | n/a |
Number of Pieces | Pack of 2 |
10.
Silverette
Nursing Cups
Heal your wounds
This one is not a nipple shield but you’ll definitely love it! Silverette is a little cup made of 925 sterling silver that fits over the nipples and assists to protect them when nursing. Silver is a natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial metal with anti-inflammatory properties. It heals and protects against cuts, wounds, cracks, pain, and infection. These cups are crucial for anybody who wishes to avoid or is suffering from painful, cracked nursing nipples.
I WISH I would have known about these with my first born! They have made a world of difference with my second baby and are now my go to gift for new mommas! Within 24 hours of wearing my cracks and soreness were gone!
by Kate
Material | 925 Sterling Silver |
---|---|
Color | Silver |
Size | Regular, XL |
Number of Pieces | Pack of 2 |
Most viewed
Conclusion
Mama, nursing is not simple, particularly when breastfeeding issues are involved. It’s incredible that you want to continue nursing in the face of difficulties. We hope this post assisted you in deciding on the best nipple shield to alleviate some of your discomforts. Happy shopping!