Nipple Shields vs Nipple Everter: Which Helps Latch
By Lansinoh UK | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Comparisons
Compare Lansinoh Contact Nipple Shields and LatchAssist Nipple Everter to see which latch aid fits flat or inverted nipples, tongue tie, and other latch problems.
Quick answer
Choose the LatchAssist Nipple Everter if you need to draw out a flat or inverted nipple before latching. Choose Contact Nipple Shields if your baby struggles to stay latched during feeding due to tongue tie, lip tie, or overactive let-down.
Why the right latch aid depends on the cause
Both products address latch problems, but they work at different moments. The LatchAssist is used before feeding to temporarily draw out the nipple, while nipple shields sit on the breast during the feed and stay in place while your baby nurses.
If your issue is that the nipple doesn't protrude enough for your baby to grasp, the everter tackles that directly. If your baby can latch but repeatedly slips off or chomps down, a shield can give them a firmer surface to hold.
Neither product is a substitute for professional help. Lansinoh advises that all nipple shields be used under the advisement of a breastfeeding professional, and the same caution applies to any latch aid when problems persist.
When a shield is the better fit
Nipple shields are designed for short-term latch-on issues involving premature, small, or ill infants, as well as tongue tie, lip tie, or overactive let-down. They can also help if your nipple is flat or inverted, but they work by providing a teat-like shape for the baby to latch onto rather than drawing the nipple out.
The Contact Nipple Shields come in a pair and include a protective case, which is handy for keeping one clean while the other is in use. They are available in different sizes, so you need to find the right fit for your nipple and your baby's mouth.
Because shields stay on during the feed, they can be useful for babies who need extra time to learn a deep latch. However, they are a temporary tool—not a permanent feeding solution.
When the everter is the more direct tool
The LatchAssist Nipple Everter works by gently drawing out a flat or inverted nipple so your baby can achieve a good latch. It is used right before a feed, not during it, which makes it a quick and portable option if you only need help with nipple protrusion.
In the early days after birth, engorgement or swollen breasts can temporarily make nipples harder to grasp. The everter can help in that situation because it physically pulls the nipple outward, giving your baby a clearer target.
Because it is used before latching, it doesn't interfere with your baby's mouth position during the feed. That can be an advantage if you prefer a more natural feeding experience once the latch is achieved.
How to choose between the two
- Flat or inverted nipples: Use the LatchAssist Nipple Everter right before each feed to draw the nipple out. It directly addresses the protrusion problem and doesn't stay in your baby's mouth.
- Tongue tie, lip tie, or overactive let-down: Use Contact Nipple Shields during the feed. They give your baby a larger, firmer surface to latch onto and can help manage a fast milk flow. Choose the correct size, and always seek professional advice. Check the fit with a lactation consultant if your baby still slips off or seems frustrated.
- Engorgement or swollen breasts: Start with the LatchAssist to draw out the nipple, then try latching without a shield. If your baby still can't hold on, a shield may provide extra stability until the engorgement eases. Reassess after a few days—engorgement usually resolves, and you may not need either aid long-term.
Product facts at a glance
- Contact Nipple Shields Pack of 2: Lansinoh Contact Nipple Shields are designed for short-term latch-on issues related to premature, small, or ill infants, flat or inverted nipples, tongue tie, lip tie, or overactive let-down. They come in a pair with a protective case and are available in different sizes. The shield stays on during feeding, giving your baby a consistent surface to latch onto, and the included case keeps one shield handy when the other is in use.
Contact Nipple Shields Pack of 2 - LatchAssist® Nipple Everter: Lansinoh LatchAssist Nipple Everter helps by gently drawing out a flat or inverted nipple so your baby can achieve a good latch. It can also help in the early days when engorgement or swollen breasts make latching harder. Using the everter before a feed can make the nipple protrude enough for your baby to grasp, which is especially useful if your main issue is a nipple that doesn't stay everted.
LatchAssist® Nipple Everter
Which one fits your situation?
Best for
- Mothers with flat or inverted nipples who need a quick pre-feed fix
- Early postpartum when engorgement makes nipples harder to grasp
Not for
- Babies who need a consistent latch surface during the entire feed (choose nipple shields instead)
- Long-term feeding solutions without professional guidance
