Nipple Shields Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, By Type (Regular, Contact), By Size (16 mm, 21 mm, 24 mm, Others), By End-use (Hospitals, Outpatient Facilities, Home Care), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 To 2030

A nipple shield is a silicone device that is worn over the nipple to assist infants if they are having difficulty in breastfeeding or nursing. The base of a nipple shield wraps around the areola and has a cone-shaped space for the nipple. Some breast shields have a section cut off to allow mother and baby to have more excellent skin-to-skin contact. The shield's nipple includes a small opening at the tip that allows milk to flow into the baby's mouth.

The majority of nipple shields are thin, flexible, and translucent. These shields are available in various sizes, such as 16 mm, 20 mm, 24 mm, etc. Silicone nipple shields come in two varieties: contact (also known as a cut-out) or circular. Contact shield have a cut-out at the top portion cut to allow for more skin-to-skin connection. A round nipple shield has a bigger silicone circumference, which allows for greater adherence.

There are several advantages associated with the usage of nipple shields, as follows:

• The baby is preterm. Premature infants may be unable to suck or latch on to a human nipple

• The baby has a tongue tie, protrusion, or a retracted tongue. These can be repaired or improved over time

• A mother's nipples might be inverted, short, or flat. A nipple shield makes the nipple longer and firmer

• A mother's breasts are incredibly soft. A nipple shield helps by making the breasts feel firmer

• The baby requires more stimulation to begin sucking. A more extended nipple can stimulate the roof of the baby's mouth, where the suck reflex is located

• The mother's nipples are painful, cracked, or bleeding due to a weak latch. Wearing a shield may help to repair nipples

• If a mother suffers from an excessive letdown

• If a mother is weaning, bathe from a bottle to breastfeeding

Thus, due to the benefits mentioned above regarding the usage of nipple shields, their demand is high in the lactating mothers. Moreover, an increase in the number of births and rise in breastfeeding rates is in anticipation to increase the use of breastfeeding accessories, thereby boosting the market growth in the forecast period. Government and non-profit initiatives, and breastfeeding and pregnancy awareness campaigns open up prospects in the global market. Late parenting is predicted to increase the sales of premium nursing accessories and the increased disposable income, and the standard of living in emerging nations are expected to fuel the global market expansion.

However, on the other hand, nipple shields also have some disadvantages as follows:

• Baby might need to be weaned from the nipple shield

• Possible blocked duct issues or mastitis

• Abridged milk supply

• Trial and error

• Might reduce baby’s consumption

This factor might hamper the growth of the market and furthermore, the nipple shields market is in the nascent stage. Nonetheless, owing to product developments and continual research, it is expected to grow moderately over the forecast period. Various industry players, including Newell Brands, Medela LLC, Laura & Co., and Ameda, as well as institutions like Washington University and Fudan University, are boosting awareness among women about breastfeeding and its advantages through campaigns and informational periodicals. Besides, social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have allowed people to learn about nursing accessories.

Nipple Shields Market Segmentation

By Type

• Regular Nipple Shield

• Contact Nipple Shield

By Size

• 16 mm

• 21 mm

• 24 mm

• Others

By End-use

• Hospitals

• Outpatient Facilities

• Home Care

Key players

• Medela

• Lansinoh Laboratories, Inc.

• Ameda (Magento, Inc.)

• Koninklijke Philips N.V.

• Newell Brands

• Chicco

• Pigeon Corporation

• Nuby

• Mayborn Group

• Edgewell Personal Care