Haakaa Ultra-Thin Silicone Nipple Shields

The Haakaa Ultra-Thin Silicone Nipple Shields are thin, flexible silicone shields worn over the nipple during a feed. They're a specialised breastfeeding tool that sits between your nipple and your baby's mouth, and Haakaa suggests them for parents working through latch difficulties, flat or inverted nipples, tongue or lip tie, an overactive let-down, or a premature or unwell baby who is still learning to feed at the breast. If your nipples have become sore or tender while you and your baby find your rhythm, a shield offers a soft barrier during the feed.

Made from ultra-thin, super-soft, 100% food-grade silicone, the shield moulds gently to your breast and warms with your body heat, so the feel stays as natural as possible for both of you. Its shape is designed to allow more skin contact between mum and baby during a feed. This is the size M shield, with an 18 mm nipple opening, and each set comes with two shields and a protective case to keep them clean and hygienic between uses.

How it works

• Soft silicone barrier: The shield sits over the nipple during a feed, placing a thin layer of silicone between your skin and your baby's mouth.
• Warms to body temperature: The silicone takes on your body heat, which is designed to make the transition between breast and shield feel more natural for your baby.
• Thin, moulding fit: Being ultra-thin, the flexible silicone shapes to your breast and allows for more skin-to-skin contact during feeding.

How to use

1. Wash the shields before you use them for the first time.
2. If you'd like, warm the shield slightly before use to soften the silicone and encourage a more natural feel.
3. Place the shield over your nipple, checking that it sits snugly.
4. Latch your baby on as usual and feed.
5. Clean the shields after each feed and store them in the case in a clean, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Cleaning and care

Hand washing in warm, soapy water, rinsing thoroughly and drying is recommended to keep the shields in good condition. They can also be boiled or steam sterilised, and are microwave-steriliser and dishwasher safe, so you can fit cleaning around your routine. The shields are made from 100% food-grade silicone and are BPA, PVC and phthalate-free.

Best For

The Haakaa Ultra-Thin Silicone Nipple Shields are a great option for parents who:

• Are working through latch difficulties, or feeding a premature or unwell baby who is still learning at the breast
• Have flat or inverted nipples, or a baby with tongue or lip tie, and want extra support to keep breastfeeding
• Want a soft silicone barrier over sore or tender nipples during a feed
• Prefer a thin, flexible shield that warms with body heat

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Need a nipple opening other than 18 mm (this is the size M shield)

Good to know

Nipple shields are specialised feeding tools, and getting the fit right so that your baby still transfers milk well can take a little support. If you're using a shield for latch issues or nipple pain, it's worth checking in with a lactation consultant or your clinic. Pain at every feed, cracked or bleeding skin, a breast that stays red or swollen, fever, or concerns about how much your baby is feeding all deserve qualified assessment rather than a product alone.