How to Use Silverettes Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide
Wearing silver nursing cups is simple — but a few small details make the difference between "these are amazing" and "these aren't doing anything for me."
If you already know what Silverettes are and how they work, the next question is simple: how do you actually wear them day to day? Here's the exact routine, plus the small mistakes that keep some moms from getting the full benefit. Lactation experts note that nipple pain in the early days typically peaks around 3-7 days postpartum, which is exactly when a consistent routine matters most.
How to Use Silverettes: Step-by-Step
Finish a nursing or pumping session. Silverettes are designed to be worn between feeds, not during — so wait until your baby is done or you've finished pumping.
Optionally express a couple of drops of breast milk into each cup. This step isn't strictly required, but many moms do it as an extra soothing boost before placing the cups on.
Place the cups directly over your nipples, centering them so the dome covers the nipple and areola area without pressing down.
Secure them with your regular nursing bra. No special bra or clip is needed — the cups just sit in place, held gently by your bra.
Keep them on as long as possible between sessions — many moms wear them continuously throughout the day and night in the early weeks.
Remove the cups before the next feed, rinse your nipples with warm water if needed, and nurse as normal.
Important: Don't layer creams, oils, or lanolin underneath your Silverettes. Combining products can interfere with how the silver interacts with your skin, so it's best to let the cups work on their own.
Fit tip: Silverettes only work as intended when the size is right. If the cups feel too tight or leave marks, you likely need to size up — check the sizing chart above before your first wear.
Do You Need to Sterilize Silverettes Before First Use?
No — one of the advantages of pure 925 silver is that it doesn't require sterilizing before use the way some baby products do. A simple rinse with warm water is enough to keep them clean and ready to wear.
How to Wear Silverettes While Breastfeeding vs. Pumping
The routine is essentially the same for both:
- Breastfeeding moms wear the cups between latches, removing them right before baby feeds again.
- Pumping moms wear them between pumping sessions the same way, giving nipples a chance to recover from the mechanical suction of a pump — which can be just as irritating as nursing itself.
Can You Wear Nursing Pads With Silverettes?
Yes. If you tend to leak between feeds, you can place absorbent nursing pads over your Silverettes, and your regular nursing bra will hold everything comfortably in place.
Daily Care While You Use Them
After each wear, rinse your cups with warm water to remove any milk residue, then let them air dry or pat them dry before the next use. If they start to look a little dull, that's completely normal — it's a natural characteristic of silver, and it doesn't affect how well they work. For general nipple care alongside your Silverette routine, KellyMom's guide to healing cracked or damaged nipples is a solid reference if you're dealing with more significant soreness.
Wear: directly over nipples, between feeds, secured by your regular bra.
Remove: right before nursing or pumping again.
Clean: rinse with warm water after every use — no sterilizing, no creams needed.
Quick FAQ
How long should I wear Silverettes each day?
As continuously as possible between feeds is generally recommended, especially in the early, most painful weeks — you simply remove them before each nursing or pumping session.
Do I need to use cream with Silverettes?
No — that's actually one of the main appeals. The silver works on its own, and adding creams or lotions underneath isn't recommended.
Can I use Silverettes before my baby arrives?
Some moms use them preventatively in the weeks leading up to birth as a comfort measure, though it's worth checking with your OB or lactation consultant if you have any concerns specific to your situation.
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Tip: Most new moms find it easiest to keep a second pair of nursing pads on hand for the first few weeks while they get used to the on/off routine between feeds.
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