How to Choose The Best Silver Nipple Covers

Why Breastfeeding Nipple Pain Is So Common

Most new mothers experience some degree of nipple soreness in the early weeks of breastfeeding. According to the CDC breastfeeding guidelines, breastfeeding plays a vital role in both maternal and infant health — which makes it even more important to address pain early, before it leads to premature weaning.

The NHS offers clear guidance on common breastfeeding challenges, including nipple pain and positioning. Even when latch and positioning are technically correct, the skin needs time to adapt to the intensity and frequency of nursing sessions. When latch is shallow or a tongue-tie is present, the friction can cause cracking, bleeding, and scabbing.

Ongoing nipple soreness can lead to disruptions in feeding routine, anxiety around nursing sessions, and in some cases, stopping breastfeeding earlier than planned. That's why finding the right comfort tools — alongside professional latch support — matters from the beginning.

What Are Silver Nipple Covers and How Do They Work?

Silver nipple covers (also called silver nursing cups or silver breast shields) are small, smooth cups made from solid silver. You wear them inside your bra between breastfeeding sessions — not during feeds. They work through two mechanisms:

1. Physical barrier protection: The smooth dome prevents your bra, clothing, or nursing pads from rubbing against sore, cracked, or healing skin. This eliminates the friction that causes the most pain between feeds.
2. Antimicrobial surface properties: Solid silver has well-documented surface antimicrobial properties — the silver surface creates an environment less hospitable to bacteria on contact. This is a passive surface effect, distinct from active silver ion therapy used in clinical wound dressings.

New to the concept? Start with our overview of what silver nipple covers are and how they help.

Important: Silver nipple covers are a supportive care accessory, not a medical device or treatment. They work best as part of a broader care approach that includes proper latch, professional lactation support, and appropriate wound care. If you have signs of infection (fever, spreading redness, pus), consult your healthcare provider first.

Silver Cups vs. Other Nipple Care Options

Silver cups aren't the only option — and the best choice depends on your specific situation. Here's how they compare to other common tools:

Many moms combine tools — for example, lanolin for active cracks during the worst days, then transitioning to silver cups for ongoing protection as healing progresses. For more guidance, explore cracked nipples treatment options.

What to Look for in Silver Nipple Cups

Not all silver cups are created equal. Here are the key features that affect comfort, safety, and value:

Shape, Fit, and Design

The design determines how comfortable the cups feel during all-day wear. Look for:

1. Ergonomic shape: Cups that follow the natural breast contour sit smoothly under most bras without shifting.
2. Rolled edges: Rounded rims prevent the cup edge from digging into tender skin — a critical detail that cheaper cups often skip.
3. Light weight: Lighter cups reduce pressure on sore tissue and feel less noticeable under clothing.
4. Full nipple coverage: The cup should cover the entire nipple without pressing hard into the areola or leaving deep marks.
5. Discreet profile: An anatomical shape keeps the cups barely visible under clothing.

A good fit means your bra holds the cups in place (snug, not tight). If you feel pinching, slipping, or digging, try adjusting bra support or switching sizes. For placement guidance, see how to use silver nursing cups under a bra.

Ventilation and Airflow

Excess moisture against damaged skin can slow healing and increase infection risk. A slightly convex cup shape allows air to circulate around the nipple, which helps keep the area drier between feeds. Lightweight metal cups tend to feel more breathable than solid silicone alternatives for extended wear.

925 Sterling vs. 999 Fine Silver

This is one of the most common questions buyers have. Both types are safe and effective — the right choice depends on your skin and preferences:

Both purities share the same antimicrobial surface properties. The price difference reflects raw material costs and the additional crafting complexity of working with softer 999 silver. Many consumers view 999 as a premium option, while 925 offers the best balance of durability, comfort, and value.

Solid Silver vs. Silver-Plated: A Quality Check

Ease of Cleaning

Simple hygiene routines keep your cups safe and comfortable. Rinse with warm water between uses and use mild soap as needed. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers. A gentle baking-soda paste can remove tarnish (which is cosmetic, not a safety issue). For detailed steps, see our how to clean silver nursing cups guide.

Comparing Silver Nursing Cup Brands

Several brands offer silver nursing cups. Here's how the key features compare across the most common options:

Silverette® is a well-established brand with a strong reputation. Go Mommy® offers comparable quality with accessible pricing and both 925 and 999 options. Budget brands vary significantly in quality — if the price seems too good to be true, verify the materials before purchasing. Learn more about Go Mommy's story and how our experience as mothers shapes our products.

What Mothers Are Saying

As one mother shared: "Go Mommy Silver Cups saved me. The only and fastest way my nipples healed when weaning off nipple shields and re-learning to latch ruined them was the Go Mommy."

First-time mothers often report noticeable comfort improvement within 24–48 hours of starting to use silver cups. Experienced mothers who've used them across multiple children frequently describe them as one of the most practical investments in their breastfeeding toolkit. Healthcare professionals, including IBCLCs, sometimes suggest silver cups as part of a broader comfort and care plan.

For more real experiences, see our real mom tips and comfort stories. For practical, evidence-based advice on latch, positioning, and nipple care from other parents, KellyMom's breastfeeding library is an excellent resource.

All Go Mommy® silver nursing cups come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them and return if they're not right for you. Fast U.S. and European shipping is available.

How to Use Silver Nipple Cups

Basic Placement

With clean hands, gently place the cup over your nipple between feeds. Many mothers add a drop of expressed breast milk before placement — this creates a light natural seal and supports the skin's own healing process. Your bra holds the cups in place. Remove them before nursing.

Using Cream With Silver Cups

If your provider recommends lanolin or another nipple cream, you can use it alongside silver cups. Apply a thin layer and allow it to absorb before placing the cups. A thick layer of cream may reduce the cup's direct contact with your skin and can make the cups feel slippery. Many mothers find that expressed breast milk alone provides sufficient moisture with the cups.

Additional Tips

• Cooling effect: Some mothers briefly chill their cups in the refrigerator for extra soothing.
• Secure placement: A well-fitting nursing bra keeps the cups stable without extra effort.
• Cleaning between uses: Rinse with warm water; mild soap when needed. Dry thoroughly before storing.
• Storage: After drying, place cups in a sealed bag to minimize tarnishing, then store in the included pouch.

For pediatric-focused guidance that complements your comfort tools, review recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. See also ACOG's breastfeeding guidance.

Budget and Sustainability

Long-Term Value

Silver cups have a higher upfront cost than disposable pads or cream tubes. But because they're reusable, the total cost often works out lower over a full breastfeeding journey:

• Disposable nursing pads: approximately $60–$120 over 6 months, plus ongoing waste.
• Nipple creams: $8–$15 per tube, replaced every few weeks during peak soreness.
• Silver nursing cups: one-time purchase (~$47–$53), reusable throughout your breastfeeding journey and for subsequent children.

Some families have successfully used HSA or FSA funds to purchase silver cups with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). However, eligibility varies by plan — always verify with your specific plan administrator before assuming coverage.

Sustainability

Silver cups produce zero ongoing waste compared to disposable pads. For families prioritizing sustainability, they're one of the most environmentally friendly breastfeeding comfort options available. Store them carefully between children — with basic care, they maintain their function across multiple breastfeeding journeys.

Decision Factors

Consider your budget, intended breastfeeding duration, skin sensitivity, and preference for simplicity vs. cost. Natural silver can develop tarnish over time (cosmetic, not functional). Fit and comfort vary by brand and body. If you're building a breastfeeding toolkit, some mothers pair their silver cups with a travel-friendly warmer like the Portable Bottle Warmer for Travel for milk on the go.

Go Mommy® Design and Craftsmanship

Go Mommy® silver nipple cups are crafted by experienced European silversmiths using high-quality silver. Each cup is individually finished with rolled edges and a smooth interior surface designed for sensitive postpartum skin.

Available in both 925 sterling and 999 fine silver, with an ergonomic shape designed to fit a wide range of breast sizes. The cups are lightweight, discreet under clothing, and easy to clean with just warm water.

Conclusion

Choosing the right silver nipple covers comes down to materials quality, fit, and your individual needs. Both 925 sterling and 999 fine silver are safe and effective — the right choice depends on your skin sensitivity and budget. Prioritize solid silver from transparent brands with clear quality documentation, and look for ergonomic details like rolled edges, lightweight construction, and a shape that fits comfortably under your bra.

Silver cups aren't a magic fix — they work best alongside proper latch support, professional lactation guidance, and good breast care habits. But for the friction, soreness, and discomfort that so many mothers experience between feeds, they're one of the most practical and long-lasting tools available.

Explore all our postpartum essentials designed to support your journey, or visit our FAQ page for detailed answers.

Editorial note: This content is educational and does not replace medical advice. If pain, redness, fever, or feeding issues persist, please contact your healthcare provider or an IBCLC.