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10 Best Nipple Shields Reviewed in 2024

last updated Oct 14, 2019

Mothers that are breastfeeding may encounter problems that can occur during the feeding process. Manufacturers created nipple shields to aid with some of these issues. These are made of safe and soft silicone material in the shape of a real nipple to protect the mother or aid the infant with suckling. Babies that are tongue-tied, weak, premature, or ill may have difficulties with latching and a breast shield can help them. Mothers with nipples that are sore, chafed, cracked, inverted, retracted, or flat are also aided by nipple shields. Most of these shields have a design that eliminates the bottom arc. This is to give the mother and child better-shared skin contact and to increase bonding during this special time. These shields simply adhere to the mother when they are moistened. We are delighted to spotlight these items for your shopping pleasure. Here are the best nipple shields in 2019.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 26 hrs of research

icon
Medela 24mm Size Medium
98/100 our score
Ease of Use
98
Design
99
Price Range
97
Medela 24mm Size Medium
Why is it better?

For latching issues, sore nipples, and overactive letdowns

Cut-out shape for the best skin contact

Helps the breastfeeding bonding experience

Free of BPA and is non-toxic

Made of soft safe silicone material that is very thin

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Medela 24mm Size Medium
Test Winner: Medela 24mm Size Medium
Amazon Link
Researched Sources
29
Researched Sources
Hours Researching
26
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
23
Products Evaluated
Last Updated:
By Angeline Mirenda:

We found three nipple shields on our list that no longer meet our market standards or are too close to other products on our list so we’ve replaced them with three new options. Check out the CradlePlus Set, Philips Avent, and the HaaKaa. We’ve also revisited all of the images on our guide to ensure there are, when available, at least three pictures per product so you know exactly what you’re looking at (and what you’re looking for in the mail!).

Sorting Options
Ease of Use Design Price Range By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98
Ease of Use
98 %
Design
99 %
Price Range
97 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$7.35
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97
Ease of Use
98 %
Design
97 %
Price Range
96 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$9.97
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93.7
Ease of Use
94 %
Design
94 %
Price Range
93 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$8.22
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.3
Ease of Use
93 %
Design
92 %
Price Range
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$13.99
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92
Ease of Use
96 %
Design
92 %
Price Range
88 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$13.99
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.7
Ease of Use
90 %
Design
90 %
Price Range
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$16.25
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89
Ease of Use
90 %
Design
88 %
Price Range
89 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$8.99
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87
Ease of Use
88 %
Design
87 %
Price Range
86 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$24.62
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.7
Ease of Use
87 %
Design
85 %
Price Range
88 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$15.71
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82.7
Ease of Use
83 %
Design
85 %
Price Range
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link

10 Best Nipple Shields Reviewed

1. Medela 24mm Size Medium

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98
medela 24mm size medium nipple shield design
medela 24mm size medium nipple shield interior
Amazon Link
Ease of Use
98
Design
99
Price Range
97
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$7.35

For latching issues, sore nipples, and overactive letdowns

Cut-out shape for the best skin contact

Helps the breastfeeding bonding experience

Free of BPA and is non-toxic

Made of soft safe silicone material that is very thin

Some infants did not care for these

Mothers may have trouble keeping these on

The Medela Nipple Shield is a 24mm size of medium used for inverted or flat nipples and latch problems. Made for breastfeeding issues of mother and child, it aids with latching difficulties, sore nipples, and overactive let-downs also. This wonderful item has a cut-out shape to provide the best skin contact of the baby and the mother and is free of BPA. It helps with the breastfeeding bonding experience and is made of soft safe silicone material that is very thin.

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Ease of Use

Free of BPA substances and made with safe silicone material, this fantastic shield is wonderful for nursing problems. You do not have to worry about introducing harmful ingredients to the infant when breastfeeding with this item.

Design

The unique shape of these shields will help you attach them in place and gives the best contact of the baby and mother. with less product material, the child can feel the skin of the mother more during feeding.

Price Range

With a below-average price, this great item is valued for being free of BPA and non-toxic, having a unique cut-out shape, and being made of a soft thin silicone that feels similar to real skin.

2. Purifyou Premium 20mm Soft Cotton

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97
purifyou premium 20mm nipple shields soft cotton
purifyou premium 20mm nipple shields set
Amazon Link
Ease of Use
98
Design
97
Price Range
96
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$9.97

Is a set of three nipple shields

Comes with a cotton bag with a drawstring

Non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals

Constructed with the best quality-control

Made to help with breastfeeding difficulties

Size was not good enough for a few infants

Can be problematic to clean after each feeding

This terrific set of three nipple shields comes with a cotton bag with a drawstring for storing and to avoid plastic packaging. Non-toxic and free of BPS, BPA, latex, phthalates, and lead, they are constructed with the best quality-controlled process. These are the 20mm in diameter regular size that is made to help with breastfeeding difficulties of latch, inverted and flat nipples, and more. The package comes with three shields to help with the cleaning process and to have extras on hand when you need them.

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Ease of Use

Three items come in this package to help you with the problem of cleaning the shield after using. You will also be able to have them in more than one place, so you do not have to keep up with just the one shield all the time.

Design

You receive this trip of nipple shields in a soft cotton bag with a drawstring to keep them in when they are not being used. The company did this to avoid using plastic packaging for shipping.

Price Range

The cost of this wonderful product is average when compared to the others that are listed. It has the great features of being free of harmful substances, is a set of three shields, and includes a nice cotton bag for storage.

3. Lansinoh Contact 2 Count 20mm

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93.7
lansinoh contact nipple shield 2 count
lansinoh contact nipple shield package
Amazon Link
Ease of Use
94
Design
94
Price Range
93
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$8.22

Is a set of two shields in the pack

Comes with a nice carrying case

Has a cut-out design on the shields

Made of very soft silicone material

Free of BPA and BPS substances

Some infants developed rashes with this product

Milk flow was decreased for a few people

Offered as a set of two shields in the pack, the Lansinoh Contact Nipple Shields come with a carrying and storing case and are the 20mm size. Ideal for the breastfeeding problems of lip or tongue tie, inverted or flat nipples, overactive let-down, latch issues, or infants that are small, premature, or ill, they are free of BPA and BPS substances. Storage is convenient and hygienic with the lovely case. These have a cut-out design on the shields to increase the skin contact of mother and baby during breastfeeding. They provide the best comfort for both infants and mothers with very soft silicone material.

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Ease of Use

You get a nice carrying case with this set of nipple shields to keep them clean and in a safe place. Once they are washed and dried, there is no better place for them than in this hygienic container.

Design

The bonding between mother and child is very important during breastfeeding. The cut-out design of this nipple shield will help with that because the child can still feel the skin of the mother.

Price Range

The cost of this fabulous product is average. It has the great qualities of being a pack of two items, including a sturdy case for storage, and having a cut-out shape for great skin contact.

4. Momma Bear 6 Non-Toxic

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.3
momma bear nipple shields non-toxic
momma bear nipple shields features
Amazon Link
Ease of Use
93
Design
92
Price Range
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$13.99

Comes with a drawstring bag that is reusable

Is a set of six nipple shields in the 20mm size

Non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals

Contains no packaging of plastic to be green

Ideal for the problems of latching and nipple issues

Size was a problem being too big or too small

Did not stay on well for some mothers

The Momma Bear Essentials Premium Nipple Shield product comes with a drawstring bag that is reusable and made of cotton. This is a set of six nipple shields that are non-toxic and free of lead, latex, phthalates, BPS, and BPA in the 20mm size. This terrific item contains no packaging of plastic to be safe for the environment. These shields are ideal for the problems of latching and nipple issues that are so common with the practice of breastfeeding.

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Ease of Use

With a large set of six nipple shields, you can have them in various areas of the home. You might not always feed the child in the same places, especially when not at home, and this gives you shields to have in those other locations.

Design

The hot pink bag of cotton with the drawstring is really nice to keep these shields clean, dry, and all in one place. You will always know where they are because the color of the bag is so easy to spot.

Price Range

Having an above-average cost, this nipple shield product is a set of six shields that come in a pretty pink cotton bag with a drawstring. They are free from toxins and the usual harmful substances.

5. CradlePlus Set

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92
cradlePlus nipple shield set
Amazon Link
Ease of Use
96
Design
92
Price Range
88
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$13.99

Soft, flexible nipple shield feels like skin-to-skin contact

Includes milk catchers

Built-in spout for ventilation and milk pouring

Includes carrying case

Made with safe, non-toxic materials

One user felt this was more noticeable than advertised when wearing under clothes

CradlePlus’ Nipple Shield Set is the perfect starter kit for moms enduring the sometimes sweet, sometimes painful experience that is breastfeeding. These nipple shields and breast shells help heal chapped and sore nipples, prevent engorgement, fit under bras and nursing tank tops, and are easy to wash and sterilize. The set includes two breast shells, two nipple shields, and a carrying case.

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Ease of Use

These are comfortable and discreet. They make collecting breast milk easy so you’re never wasting any food. Simply adhere the milk catchers to your breasts and go about your daily business. They collect and save milk while you complete your normal routine, including work, chores, nursing, and pumping.

Design

These food-grade silicone nipple shields are soft and flexible so that you can protect yourself without denying Baby the importance of that skin-to-skin feel. Made from durable PVC, these contain no BPA, leads, or phthalates. The breast shells contain a built-in air ventilation system that also doubles as a spout to pour the collected milk into bottles without making a mess.

Price Range

This set is the second most expensive item on our list, but it only sits a few dollars above the median price point of its competitors. It also contains extra pieces, so factor in that you’re getting more than just a pair of nipple shields.

6. Health MAM Size 2

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.7
health mam nipple shields package
health mam nipple shields back
health mam nipple shields case
Amazon Link
Ease of Use
90
Design
90
Price Range
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$16.25

Comes in a durable hygienic case

Allows longer breastfeeding

Ideal for nipples that are cracked or sore

Made of flexible, soft silicone that is thin

Unique shape for maximum skin contact

Would not stay on for some mothers

Not all infants will be able to nurse from these

This MAM product contains two nipple shields that come in a durable hygienic case. They allow longer breastfeeding when the problems of latching, nipple issues, and milk flow occur. Ideal for nipples that are cracked or sore, they have a unique shape and design for maximum shared skin contact. Made of flexible, soft silicone that is thin for a feel like skin, the baby will be comfortable and feel secure to confidently breastfeed like he or she would without the shield.

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Ease of Use

You get a nice plastic case for the two shields in this set. This keeps them clean, dry, and safe after cleaning them. you will not have to search for the loose items as they will be secured.

Design

Almost all of the nipple shields that are popular have this special design of the bottom being straight and not round. This aids with the skin contact shared by the baby and the mother.

Price Range

The price for this great item is average as compared to the other products featured. It is a set of two shields that come in a sturdy plastic case. They have a skin contact design and are made of a soft silicone material.

7. Bonana Silicone Contact 20mm

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89
bonana silicone nipple shield design
bonana silicone nipple shield features
Amazon Link
Ease of Use
90
Design
88
Price Range
89
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$8.99

Is a design of four-holes in the 20mm size

Made of clear silicone material that is food-grade

Free of BPA, BPS, latex, phthalates, and lead

Stimulates the natural flow of milk

Protects nipples that are sore, chafed, or cracked

Did not work well for a couple of buyers

Some users had trouble with them staying on

This wonderful product is a set of two nipple shields for breastfeeding mothers that includes a carrying case to keep them clean and secure. This design of four-holes is made of soft and clear silicone material that is food-grade and free of BPA, BPS, latex, phthalates, and lead. They stimulate the natural flow of milk and protect nipples that are sore, chafed, or cracked. Designed in the 20mm size, the holes in the tip prevent milk from collecting and makes it easier to clean.

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Ease of Use

Food-grade silicone is best for such products that the infant will be using directly. To prevent them from consuming any harmful substances, this product is made with this safe substance. Includes carrying case for easy transport.

Design

The four holes in the tip will allow great access to the milk for the baby and also prevent the milk from accumulating in the tip. This is helpful when washing them out to prevent a buildup.

Price Range

With a below-average price, these wonderful nipple shields come in a set of two, have a protective carrying case, and have a design with four holes and a cut-out of the outer surface.

8. Nuk Silicone

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87
nuk silicone nipple shields design
nuk silicone nipple shields package
nuk silicone nipple shields set
Amazon Link
Ease of Use
88
Design
87
Price Range
86
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$24.62

Comes in a protective storage box

Made of comfortable soft silicone material

Has a triangular shape for the best contact

Feels pleasant on the skin

Protects the nipples or aids with latching

Would not stay on the skin for a couple of users

Milk did not flow well from these said a few people

Made of comfortable soft silicone material that is thin, this set of two nipple shields from Nuk comes in a protective storage box to keep them in. They have a triangular shape for the best skin contact and feel pleasant on the skin. These great shields are an ideal fit and are textured for the best comfort and feeling of safety for the child. This fabulous item greatly protects the nipples or aids with latching problems that the infant may have in the beginning weeks of breastfeeding.

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Ease of Use

These terrific shields are textured and soft to feel much like real skin to the infant. They should not be able to tell the difference of feeding with or without this shield because of the great skin contact that it allows. Includes protective case for easy transport.

Design

Having a box for the shields from the company is much better than trying to find a container on your own. This way, they will fit perfectly in the box and will not be damaged from being crushed or torn.

Price Range

Having the highest cost of all the items featured, this superb product is comfortable for both the mother and the infant, is a set of two shields, and includes a nice plastic box to keep them in.

9. Philips Avent 21.6mm

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.7
philips avent nipple shields 21.6mm
Amazon Link
Ease of Use
87
Design
85
Price Range
88
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$15.71

Easy to sterilize

Help to heal chapped nipples

No odor or taste

Made with ultra-fine, safe silicone

Difficult for latching

Problems with fit and adhering to nipple

The Philips Avent SCF156 Nipple Shields are simple and straight to the point. They’re easy to sterilize (boiling or steaming) and they feel no different than your uncovered skin to your infant. They’ll help reduce chapping and soreness. Every mom deserves every break she can get! Protect your nipples with these Philips Avent shields.

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Ease of Use

Some users had trouble getting these to stick to their breasts. There are several complaints about how wide and how thick they are, citing this as the reason that it’s difficult to keep them adhered and hard to get Baby to latch, as well. One mother suggests holding down the flaps until your little one is latched since many shields have this issue.

Design

Made with ultra fine silicone, these nipple shields have no detectable odor or taste. They’re also extremely soft and are shaped to imitate a nipple as well as being thin enough that Baby will feel your warmth.

Price Range

These are around the average price of our guide. There are some difficulties with fit and latching but some mothers truly do love them.

10. HaaKaa Round

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82.7
haakaa sipple shield round shape
Amazon Link
Ease of Use
83
Design
85
Price Range
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Includes carrying/storage case

Food-grade silicone, free of harmful materials

Butterfly design lets you hold it in place a little easier

Spiralized head helps prevent collapsing nipple shield

Anti-colic system built-in

Some infants get fussy over the slow letdown

With an updated (and upgraded) nipple head design, these shields make it easier than ever for your infant to develop a natural sucking flow for comfortable, uninterrupted feeding. A flared edge means you can hold these in place if your baby likes to squirm and knock the shield askew. This one-piece design comes in a universal size and includes an anti-colic system so your little one isn’t inhaling too much air and winding up gassy.

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Ease of Use

Little ones used to bottle feeding will find this nipple shield especially helpful. Simply fill the shield with a little bit of milk to start the latching process, then adhere it to your nipple. The symmetrical butterfly shape makes it easier to hold this in place if you need a little extra support. It’s designed to look like mom’s nipple so little ones will take to it happily and quickly.

Design

Made from food grade silicone, these shields are BPA, PVC, and phthalate free. There’s no detectable odor and they’re non-toxic. There’s an anti-colic system built into this shield and the spiralized head means it’s less likely to collapse in the middle of your infant feeding. Shields always slow the feeding process a little so if you have an impatient baby, you may need to troubleshoot the letdown problem.

Price Range

This is the most expensive nipple shield on our list. It’s durable and flexible, so you won’t have to worry about wearing it down.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Ease of Use

All of these great nipple shields are simple to use and keep clean. They attach easily to the breast much like a suction cup adheres to a glass surface. You may have to wet them a little first to get them to stick well. When the baby feeds, these shields should stay in place and not move as the infant sucks. When feeding is through, you should wash the shield out with warm water and soap and let it dry. If it came in a storage case, then it can be put back in that until the next feeding time. Most of these can also be sterilized in hot water for the best cleaning process. As long as all of the milk is out of the tips, they can be used over and over again.

Design

Several issues from breastfeeding can occur for the mother and the child. Often, infants have issues with latching onto the breasts to feed properly. When they do not receive the correct amount of milk, then they will suffer. Babies can be too small, weak, or be premature to suckle correctly. Nipple shields will help with these issues. The mother can also have problems with sore or cracked nipples from breastfeeding. When the infants get older, they may bite the mother causing great pain. Shields help with these concerns too.

Price Range

The cost of an item is often a great indicator of its value when trying to decide which one to purchase. To give you an idea of where each product listed fits in line with the others according to the price, we provide a comparison of each with a calculated average based on all of the costs. You will see in each Cost and Value section a qualitative indication of the price as either average, below-average, or above-average if it is not the highest or the lowest in price. Where an individual product falls in this ranking depends highly on the costs of the other items. Because one item listed is much higher than the others and one is much lower, most of the other products are average in cost. The highest in the cost is the Nuk Silicone Nipple Shields, and the lowest in price is the Corsion Soft Silicone Nipple Shields. We also list for you the best qualities and characteristics of the items in this section that constitute their value. These items all differ in the materials used in their construction, the number of items in the pack, accessories included, and features.

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Parents, Did you Know?

Before using a nipple shield, please consult a professional that will tell you and show you how to use it properly.

Parents, Did you Know?

The use of a nipple shield should be only temporary. Some moms use it only for a couple of days until the baby learns the breastfeeding process.

Other Factors to Consider

Materials

Silicone is the substance from which these nipple shields are made. Some manufacturers use food-grade silicone, while others do not. In all products, it is very thin and soft to feel just like the mother’s skin to the infant. To aid with the skin contact and bonding experience, the makers have designed these wonderful shields with the bottom arc cut out. This gives the child more skin contact with the mother as he or she feeds. These shields are durable enough to be used for the whole time that either the infant or the mother have breastfeeding problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: What are the best ages to use these for infants?

a:

You can use nipple shields for newborns to the end of the breastfeeding period for your child. Anytime there is an issue with the mother or the infant, these products can be used safely.

q: Do you have to throw them away after using them once or twice?

a:

No, you should not throw them away if you are breastfeeding your child. Even if the problem for which you purchased them should go away, you may have another issue in the future that would require them. These are meant for long-term use and can be cleaned over and over again to keep them in good condition.

q: What are the main purposes of these products?

a:

Infants may bite the mother or have trouble with latching onto the nipple when feeding. They may have issues with being tongue-tied or be weak or premature. Nipple shields aid with these concerns. Mothers may have sore or cracked nipples that need protecting. They can also have flat, inverted, or retracted nipples that a shield would help. If one of these problems arises and goes away, keep the shields because another issue may come up later during the breastfeeding months.

q: How are these cleaned? Do they need to be sterilized?

a:

Just washing the nipple shields out with water and soap is good enough to clean them after each use. you can sterilize them in hot or boiling water if you want to do that too. They do not have to be sterilized, as it is an option.

q: Can these be used at every breastfeeding?

a:

Yes, they are designed to be durable and long-lasting, so they will endure the whole breastfeeding process for you and the infant. Because they are used for a number of issues, they are meant to be used at each feeding safely.

q: How are these held onto the breast when feeding the baby?

a:

Because these are made of a silicone substance that is similar to plastic, these nipple shields act much like suction cups on the breast. You may have to get them moist first before they will attach to the skin well. They should stay in place firmly even as the baby feeds.

q: What is a common complaint from buyers online about these nipple shields?

a:

Most customers in their feedback online had negative comments about these nipple shields staying attached to their skin during the breastfeeding and not being the right size for their nipples. As you can see from the product listing on this page, these shields come in several sizes according to the size of the mother’s nipple. The most common sizes offered are 20mm and 24mm, which are small and medium. Some women said the ones they purchased were either too large or too small, making them not work properly. The manufacturers are very good about returns and refunds for these, so it should not be a big problem. As far as the adhering to the skin, the silicone material needs to be moistened first before it will stick to the skin. The material is thin to allow this to work well.

Sources

  1. SYDNEY LONEY, Can nipple shields help with breastfeeding problems?, Online Article
  2. Donna Murray, How to Breastfeed With a Nipple Shield, Online Article
  3. Unknown Author, When to Consider Nipple Shields for Nursing, Online Article