Breastfeeding Accessories

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world and also, for many Australian mums, one of the most challenging. The right breastfeeding accessories can make an enormous difference to your comfort, your confidence, and your ability to continue breastfeeding for as long as you choose to. Whether you're navigating the early weeks of establishing feeding, managing sore or cracked nipples, dealing with engorgement, or simply looking for practical tools to make feeding easier day to day you'll find the right support right here

Nipple Shields — Support for Latch Difficulties

A nipple shield is a thin, flexible silicone cover worn over the nipple during breastfeeding designed to help babies who are struggling to latch effectively, or to protect sore and damaged nipple skin while healing

When a nipple shield can help:

Flat or inverted nipples — a nipple shield can create a more pronounced shape that gives baby something easier to latch onto, particularly in the early weeks before both mum and baby have established a strong, confident feeding rhythm

Latch difficulties — babies who are struggling to maintain a deep, effective latch whether due to positioning, a short frenulum, or simply the learning curve of early breastfeeding often benefit from the additional structure a nipple shield provides

Sore or damaged nipple skin — a thin silicone nipple shield creates a protective barrier between your baby's mouth and damaged nipple skin, allowing feeding to continue while the skin heals

Premature babies — premature babies often have a weaker suck than full-term newborns. A nipple shield can help them maintain an effective latch during the period when they are building feeding strength

Suavinex nipple shields are made from ultra-thin, flexible food-grade silicone that is gentle against delicate skin designed to maintain as much skin-to-skin sensation as possible while providing effective protection and latch support. Always use nipple shields with guidance from a midwife or lactation consultant where possible, as correct sizing and usage technique significantly affects their effectiveness

Breast Pads — Leak Protection for Every Situation

Leaking is one of the most common and least talked about realities of breastfeeding. Whether it happens when your milk lets down, between feeds, or at the sound of your baby crying in the next room, a quality pair of breast pads keeps you comfortable, dry, and confident throughout the day and night

Disposable breast pads — individually wrapped, super-absorbent disposable nursing pads designed for single use. Ideal for the early weeks when leaking is most frequent and unpredictable, or for days out when you need maximum convenience. Look for disposable breast pads with a contoured shape, a soft inner layer, and a secure adhesive backing that keeps them in place

Reusable breast pads — washable nursing pads made from soft, absorbent fabrics including organic cotton and bamboo. More economical and significantly more environmentally friendly than disposables over the full course of breastfeeding. Reusable breast pads are particularly popular for Australian mums who want to reduce their environmental footprint across the feeding months

Tips for choosing breast pads:

• Choose a contoured shape that sits naturally against the breast without bunching
• Look for a moisture-wicking inner layer that keeps skin dry between changes
• For nighttime use, opt for a higher absorbency pad that can handle longer stretches without leaking
• Replace disposable breast pads regularly damp pads against the skin increase the risk of nipple soreness and thrush

Breast Milk Collectors — Save Every Drop

A breast milk collector is one of the most clever and underappreciated breastfeeding accessories available and once you discover it, you'll wonder how you managed without it

While your baby feeds on one side, the opposite breast naturally lets down milk simultaneously milk that would otherwise be lost into a breast pad. A milk collector placed inside your bra on the non-feeding side catches this let-down milk passively and hygienically, without any pumping required

For Australian mums building a breast milk supply whether for return to work, combination feeding, or simply building a freezer stash — a breast milk collector can add meaningful volume to your daily expressed milk output with absolutely no extra time or effort

What to look for in a breast milk collector:

• Food-grade silicone BPA-free and safe for storing collected breast milk
• Secure, leak-proof lid for safe storage and transport
• Capacity appropriate for your let-down volume
• Discreet enough to sit comfortably inside a nursing bra

Nipple Care — Soothing Sore Nipples

Sore, cracked, or sensitive nipples are one of the most common breastfeeding challenges and one of the most common reasons Australian mums consider stopping breastfeeding earlier than they intended. The right nipple care products can make a significant difference to both comfort and the ability to continue

Nipple cream — a quality nipple cream soothes and protects damaged nipple skin between feeds. Look for a formulation that is safe for baby meaning it does not need to be wiped off before feeding and free from fragrances and harsh chemical additives that can irritate sensitive skin. Lanolin-based and lanolin-free organic options are both widely used by Australian breastfeeding mums

Hydrogel breast pads — cooling, moisture-rich gel pads that provide instant soothing relief for sore or damaged nipples. Hydrogel pads hydrate the skin, support natural healing, and provide a cooling sensation that many mums find significantly more immediately comfortable than cream alone

Silver nursing cups — 925 silver cups worn over the nipples between feeds, used by many mums for their natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Silver nursing cups have become increasingly popular among Australian breastfeeding mums as a natural, reusable alternative to nipple cream for ongoing nipple protection and comfort

Building Your Breastfeeding Essentials Kit

The most-used breastfeeding accessories in the first weeks and months typically include:

• Nipple shields — for latch support and nipple protection when needed
• Breast pads — for leak protection day and night
• Breast milk collector — to save let-down milk on the non-feeding side
• Nipple cream or hydrogel pads — for soothing sore or cracked nipples
• Nursing pillow — for comfortable positioning during feeds (see our nursing and maternity pillows)
• Breastfeeding bottles — for introducing a bottle alongside breastfeeding (see our Suavinex Zero Zero breastfeeding bottles)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most essential breastfeeding accessories in Australia?
The most universally useful breastfeeding accessories for Australian mums are breast pads for leak management, nipple cream or hydrogel pads for nipple care, a breast milk collector for capturing let-down on the non-feeding side, and nipple shields for latch support when needed. A good nursing pillow and a quality breastfeeding bottle for bottle introduction complete the core essentials kit

When should I use a nipple shield?
Nipple shields are most commonly used when a baby is struggling to latch effectively due to flat or inverted nipples, a short frenulum, premature birth, or simply the learning curve of early breastfeeding. They are also used to protect sore or damaged nipple skin while healing. Always use a nipple shield in the correct size and seek guidance from a midwife or lactation consultant for the best results

Are reusable breast pads as effective as disposable?
Quality reusable breast pads made from organic cotton or bamboo are highly effective for managing breast milk leakage, particularly for moderate leaking. For very heavy leaking particularly in the first few weeks many mums find disposable breast pads with higher absorbency more practical, transitioning to reusable options as leaking reduces and their supply regulates

Can I use a breast milk collector instead of a breast pump?
A breast milk collector is not a replacement for a breast pump it passively catches let-down milk from the non-feeding breast rather than actively expressing milk. However, it is an excellent complement to pumping, adding to your daily expressed volume with no additional time or effort

How often should I change breast pads?
Change breast pads as soon as they feel damp typically every two to four hours during the day, or immediately after any significant leaking episode. Leaving damp breast pads against the skin for extended periods increases the risk of nipple soreness and thrush. Change overnight pads when you wake for night feeds

Are Suavinex breastfeeding accessories available in Australia?
Yes — Suavinex breastfeeding accessories including nipple shields, breast pads, and nursing care products are available at beaba.com.au with free delivery on orders over $150 Australia wide

Support your breastfeeding journey with the complete Suavinex range at beaba.com.au — the official beaba and Suavinex Australia store

Free delivery on orders over $150 Australia wide