Silver Nipple Cups: Benefits and How to Wear Them
By Lansinoh UK | Published: 2026-10-14
Category: Product Reviews
Silver nipple cups can ease sore, cracked nipples between feeds. Learn how they work, how to wear them correctly, and when to choose a different option.
Quick answer
If your nipples are sore or cracked but your baby's latch and position are comfortable, silver nipple cups can protect the skin and let air circulate between feeds. Wear them after feeding or pumping, keep them clean, and give them a few days to help. If pain continues, worsens, or comes with a white spot, fever, or shooting pain, stop and speak to a breastfeeding specialist or doctor.
How silver nipple cups work
Silver nipple cups are small, rigid cups worn over the nipple between feeds. The Lansinoh Silver Nipple Cups are made from pure 999 silver and have a curved peak that allows air to circulate and provides a cooling fit. They are lightweight, so you can wear them inside a bra without much bulk.
Unlike a cream, the cups create a physical barrier that keeps fabric off sore skin. That can reduce friction from clothing and stop nipple cream from rubbing away. Some parents also find the cooling sensation soothing, especially in the early weeks when nipples are adjusting to feeding.
How to wear and care for silver nipple cups
Wear the cups between feeds or pumping sessions, not during them. Place each cup over your nipple with the curved peak facing outward, then settle your bra over the top to hold them in place. They should feel comfortable and not press into the breast.
Clean the cups daily with warm water and mild soap, then dry them thoroughly. Some parents polish them with a soft cloth to keep the silver bright. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as these can scratch the surface.
If you leak milk, you may want to wear a breast pad outside the cup. Change the pad often to keep the area dry. Silver cups are not a pump part and should not be attached to a pump kit.
When to choose a different option
Silver cups are not the right first step for every kind of nipple pain. If your nipples are dry or cracked but not infected, a lanolin cream like Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream can be a simpler option. It is 100% natural, hypoallergenic, and does not need to be removed before feeding.
If pain happens mainly during pumping, check your pump fit first. The wrong breast cushion size can cause rubbing and soreness. Lansinoh Replacement Wearable Pump Breast Cushions come in 24mm and 27mm, so you can match the size to your nipple. Note that for hygiene reasons, opened pump cushions may not be returned.
If pain is severe, one-sided, or comes with flu-like symptoms, do not rely on cups or creams. Contact a doctor or breastfeeding specialist, as these can be signs of an infection that needs medical care.
Diagnose your nipple pain
- Symptom: Sore, tender nipples after feeds, no cracks or white spots: Likely cause: Friction from clothing or early breastfeeding adjustment. Corrective action: Wear silver nipple cups between feeds to keep fabric off the skin and allow air to circulate. Takeaway: If soreness improves within a few days, continue using them as needed.
- Symptom: Dry, cracked nipples that sting when you feed: Likely cause: Moisture loss or shallow latch. Corrective action: Apply Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream after feeds and check your baby's latch with a specialist. Takeaway: If cracks do not heal in a week or get deeper, get help from a breastfeeding specialist.
- Symptom: Pain mainly during pumping, or redness around the nipple: Likely cause: Ill-fitting pump breast cushion. Corrective action: Measure your nipple and switch to the correct size, such as 24mm or 27mm Lansinoh Replacement Wearable Pump Breast Cushions. Takeaway: If pain continues with the right size, stop pumping on that side and speak to a specialist.
- Symptom: Severe pain, fever, flu-like aches, or a red, swollen breast: Likely cause: Possible infection such as mastitis. Corrective action: Do not use cups or creams as a substitute for medical care. Takeaway: Contact your doctor or midwife promptly.
Product facts
- Silver Nipple Cups: Crafted from pure 999 silver, with a curved peak that allows air to circulate and provides a comfortable, cooling fit over the nipple. Lightweight and designed to be used between feeds or pumping. The silver and airflow design protect sore skin without cream, and the low weight makes them easy to wear inside a bra.
- HPA® Lanolin Nipple Cream: The iconic Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream is composed of an ultra-purified grade of lanolin, is 100% natural without preservatives or additives, and is naturally hypoallergenic and approved by the British Allergy Foundation. Safe to breastfeed without having to remove it. A practical alternative for dry or cracked nipples when you want a cream that does not need to be wiped off before feeding.
- Replacement Wearable Pump Breast Cushions: Replacement Wearable Pump Breast Cushions are available in 24mm and 27mm. For health protection and hygiene reasons, once opened, this product may not be returned. Correct sizing matters for pumping comfort, so check your size before opening the pack.
