Chicco Silicone Nipple Shields

Chicco’s nipple shields make breastfeeding possible when latching on is difficult or painful by protecting sore nipple and helping your baby attach more easily

What is a nipple shield? - A nipple shield is a thin, flexible piece of silicone that you place over your nipple before breastfeeding to protect it. There are holes in the tip so your milk can pass through to your baby. Some mums worry that having a ‘barrier’ between themselves and their baby may interfere with the intimacy of breastfeeding, which is why Chicco nipple shields have an open section to ensure you still enjoy plenty of that special skin contact.

When to use a nipple shield? -There are 3 main circumstances when you might use nipple shields:

If you have sore, cracked nipples, or are suffering from nipple pain.
If you have flat or inverted nipples.
If your baby has problems latching on to the nipple and is not drinking milk well.
Your lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist will be able to advise you whether or not nipple shields are appropriate for you and can also support you with your ongoing breastfeeding needs.

How to use a nipple shield? - After washing your hands with drinking-quality water and drying them thoroughly, grip the wings of the Chicco nipple shield to guide it into place. Moistening the shield with drinking-quality water will help it stick. See the Chicco nipple shield instructions for full details of how to put them on. The nipple shield should fit comfortably on your nipple without pinching. Remember you’ll need to clean them after each use and disinfect once a day. Chicco nipple shields come with a convenient carry & sterilisation case so you can keep them safe and clean between uses.

Nipple shields for flat or inverted nipples? - If you have flat or inverted nipples your baby may find it harder to latch on, especially when they are small – but that doesn’t mean breastfeeding isn’t possible! An inverted or flat nipple might not touch the roof of your baby’s mouth during a feed, which can mean her sucking reflex isn’t triggered. Chicco nipple shields can help by extending the reach of your nipple and because they are flavour-free, your baby is unlikely to taste anything unusual while you’re using them.

Helping your baby to latch on? - As outlined above, using a nipple shield can offer a baby who is struggling to latch on a larger, firmer target. Your lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist can ensure your baby is latching well while you’re using the shield. You’ll also need to monitor your baby’s weight gain to ensure your milk supply is meeting their requirements. In general, nipple shields are a short-term solution – in time, as your baby’s suck strengthens and you get used to breastfeeding, you may well be able to start weaning off nipple shields.