Nipples elongate when breastfeeding. The areola, which is the circular region around the nipples, also enlarges and darkens. This makes the baby's feeding area more prominent (even through thicker fabrics).
Nipple covers (also known as breast petals) conceal the nipples so they aren't visible through clothing. They are typically made of soft, skin-friendly materials such as silicone or fabric. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to suit different preferences, necklines, and outfit styles.
Nipple covers free the breast in ways other breast accessories haven't. For example, they allow women to go braless and embrace a free-spirited approach to dressing. This freedom is especially important for nursing moms who may prefer to wear camisoles and other breastfeeding-friendly tops that allow easy access to the breasts. The natural sag provided by being braless can support milk let down, which is essential for healthy breastfeeding. Freeing the boob can also reduce the risk of breastfeeding complications such as mastitis and clogged ducts, as it allows for better circulation and less constriction around the breast area.
Although nipple covers have practical and functional benefits, nipple covers probably shouldn't be used as frequently as women who aren't nursing. Allowing the nipple and areola plenty of fresh-air allows them to communicate with baby's environment so that mom's milk is naturally tailored to baby's specific needs. This means, nipple covers are probably only okay for occasional use.
Some use nipple covers as mommy-led weaning tools to transition away from nursing and nipple twiddling. Older children (around two years old and up) that still breastfeed are known to reach down their mom's shirt to serve themselves. This can be to suckle at the breast or rub the nipples between their fingers. By using nipple covers, mothers can easily control access to the breast, by providing a barrier between the child's hand and the nipple.
Please know that nipple twiddling supports baby's fine motor skills and can be a form of tactile therapy for them, so we think nipple covers should only be used if baby is okay with this gentle aid. Signs that little ones are okay with nipple covers are smiling or laughing at the product. If a child is crying or screaming they probably aren't done with the breast. This brand has a sleeping face painted on their product. It helps moms tell their little ones their breasts are sleeping. But some customers argue they are super easy for children to take off.
Nipples covers regained popularity when Cakes Body, a non-adhesive insert brand, appeared on the entrepreneurial show, Shark Tank. The twin-sister duo who founded the company wanted a better no-bra solution that wasn't bulky or sticky.
Their version of the nipple cover is larger, which offers more coverage beyond the nipple (including the areola too). The silicone is also thicker in the middle and tapers off giving a seamless appearance.
Cakes innovative accessory may better serve nursing women as it doesn't use a strong adhesive to stay on. Instead it depends on the mother's own body heat as a natural glue. In essence, "it's grippy not sticky."
Below we list the most popular nipple covers on Amazon vs Cake's Body inserts.
Brand | Colors | Sizes |
3 | 2 (AA - DDD+) | |
5 | 2 (A-D+) | |
4 | 2 (A-H) | |
5 | 2 (A-D+) |
If you're curious, we haven't tried nipple covers ourselves, but are fascinated by them. If you're interested in trying them, it may be best to wear them on your arm first to test any allergic reactions. After reading product reviews, we also noticed nipples covers randomly got lost, or fell out in not-so-friendly spaces. We just wanted to prepare you in case you were considering wearing them to a special event.
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