How to sterilize nipple shield in microwave

What is a nipple shield?

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Instructions to clean the Philips Avent Nipple Protector
Instructions to disinfect the Philips Avent Nipple Protector
How do you sterilize Medela nipple shields in the microwave?
How do you sterilize nipple shields?
Do I sterilise nipple shields after every use?
Can you sterilise MAM nipple shields?

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 Medela Contact™ nipple shields have an open section to ensure you still enjoy plenty of that special skin contact.

When to use nipple shields

There are three 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 nipple shields

After washing your hands with drinking-quality water and drying them thoroughly, grip the wings of the Contact™ nipple shield to guide it into place. Moistening the shield with drinking-quality water will help it stick. See the Contact™ nipple shield instructions for full details of how to put them on.The nipple shield should fit comfortably on your nipple without pinching – Medela nipple shields come in three sizes, so you can find the best fit for your type of nipple, our handy fitting guide has more details. Remember you’ll need to clean them after each use and disinfect once a day – this is often easiest using a microwave sanitising bag – see instructions for details of cleaning and sanitising. Contact™ nipple shields come with a convenient carry case so you can keep them safe between uses.

Nipple shields for sore nipples

Sore or cracked nipples can have a number of causes, so it’s important to get to the root cause before deciding on what to do about them. For example, if you have sore nipples you may want to try hydrogel pads or breast shells first, as well as seeking further lactation support. If these don’t improve the situation, Contact™ nipple shields can protect your nipples while still enabling breastfeeding – made from ultra-thin, soft silicone, they’re gentle even on sore, dry or cracked skin.

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 she is 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. Contact™ 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 her requirements.1 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.

Published on 2019-11-17

To ensure your product is ready to use, we advise you to clean the nipple protector(s) and case and then disinfect them. Use these instructions to clean and disinfect the Nipple Protector.

Instructions to clean the Philips Avent Nipple Protector

Follow these steps to clean the Nipple Protector. Clean the Nipple Protector before each use and before disinfecting.

Clean your Philips Avent Nipple Protector in the sink

Clean the Nipple Protector by washing it with warm water and mild soap.
Rinse with water for 10–15 seconds.
Dry with a clean cloth or leave to dry on a clean surface.

Clean your Philips Avent Nipple Protector in the dishwasher

Place on top rack of the dishwasher.
Run standard programme with common household dishwasher detergent.
Dry with a clean cloth or leave to dry on a clean surface.

Note: do not use abrasive cleaning agents or aggressive chemicals or substances when you clean the nipple protector.

Instructions to disinfect the Philips Avent Nipple Protector

Follow these steps to clean and disinfect the Nipple Protector using the hygiene case provided. You can also disinfect the nipple protector using other common disinfection methods. Disinfect before first use and at least once a day.

Disinfect your Philips Avent Nipple Protector using the hygiene case

Clean the Nipple Protector and hygiene case by washing it with warm water and mild soap.
Add 25 ml (0.9 fl.oz.) of drinking-quality water to the case (Fig. 1).
Place the nipple protector(s) in the hygiene case and securely close the lid (Fig. 2).
Place the filled hygiene case in the microwave for 3 minutes at 750–1000 W (Fig. 3).
Let the hygiene case cool down for 5 minutes before you touch it (Fig. 4).
Drain water from the hygiene case (Fig. 5).
Dry the nipple protector(s) with a clean cloth or leave to dry on a clean surface.

Note: you can use the line indicated on the case to measure the correct amount of water. Orientation of the protectors in the case is not important.

How do you sterilize Medela nipple shields in the microwave?

Next, place nipple shield(s) in the box. Close box and heat in the microwave at 750 – 1000 watts for 3 minutes. Up to 2 boxes can be sterilized at the same time.

How do you sterilize nipple shields?

Sterilize your nipple shield before its first use (if possible) by placing it in boiling water for 15 minutes. You should wash your nipple shield with hot water and soap after each use. It can also be put on the top rack of a dishwasher on a hot cycle. Make sure it's completely dry before using it again.

Do I sterilise nipple shields after every use?

Cleaning the nipple shield Generally there is no need to sterilise the nipple shield after each use. Rinse in cold water after use, then wash in hot soapy water and rinse under hot running water. Drain, dry and store in a clean covered container.

Can you sterilise MAM nipple shields?

MAM Nipple Shields are sterilised before they are first used and when necessary. This can be done using boiling water, a steam steriliser or a commercially available sterilising solution.