Silverette Nursing Cups: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about Silverette silver nursing cups — what they are, how they work, how to use and care for them, and whether they're worth buying.
Silverette makes the most sense if you want reusable protection between feeds and would rather avoid repeatedly applying creams. The main thing to remember: they're a comfort and healing-support product, not a solution for an underlying latch, pumping, or medical problem.
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What Are Silverette Nursing Cups?
Silverette nursing cups are small, dome-shaped cups made from 925 sterling silver. They're worn directly over the nipples between breastfeeding or pumping sessions — not during a feed.
The cups were developed in Italy and have been associated with Silverette's breastfeeding-care line since 2002. Unlike creams, balms, or disposable pads, they're designed as a reusable product that can be used throughout a breastfeeding journey.
The key difference: instead of putting a cream on the nipple, you wear the silver cup over it between feeds.
How Do Silverette Cups Work?
Silver has well-documented antimicrobial properties, while the shape of the cups is designed to create a protective space between sensitive nipple skin and clothing.
The dome shape also helps keep direct pressure and fabric friction away from the nipple between feeds.
Is There Real Clinical Evidence?
There is some direct clinical evidence, but it's important not to overstate it.
A randomized controlled trial published in 2015 studied 40 breastfeeding mothers experiencing nipple fissures. The group using silver cups showed faster healing and less pain than the standard-care group.
What that means: the study is encouraging, but it was relatively small and conducted at one hospital. It's better described as positive evidence than as definitive proof that Silverette will work for everyone.
That's an important distinction when comparing Silverette with more extensively studied nipple-care options such as lanolin.
What Actually Causes Sore Nipples?
A nipple-care product can help with comfort, but it may not address why the nipple became sore in the first place.
Shallow Latch
Repeated mechanical stress during feeding can cause soreness and damage.
Positioning
Poor positioning can increase friction and pressure during feeds.
Pumping Issues
An incorrect flange size or excessive suction can contribute to nipple pain.
Skin Conditions
Eczema, dermatitis, or other skin problems can cause or worsen irritation.
If the underlying cause continues, nipple pain can return even when you're using Silverette consistently.
Key Silverette Features
925 Sterling Silver
Made from sterling silver rather than a disposable or cream-based material.
Anatomical Design
Rounded shape and folded edges are designed to sit comfortably over the nipple.
Reusable
Designed as a long-term reusable product rather than something you replace after each use.
Multiple Sizes
Available in different sizing options to accommodate different users.
Simple Care
The cups can be cleaned and reused rather than thrown away after each session.
FDA-Registered
Silverette's product is registered with the FDA as stated by the brand.
Choosing Your Silverette Size
Getting the fit right matters. A cup that's too small or too tight may become uncomfortable, especially when worn inside a bra.
Intended for smaller areola sizes according to Silverette's sizing guidance.
Designed for users who fall into the middle sizing range.
Intended for larger areola sizes according to the brand's sizing guidance.
Tip: If you're between sizes, check the manufacturer's current sizing chart before ordering rather than relying only on bra cup size.
Can You Use Silverette Instead of Nursing Pads?
Not exactly. Silverette cups aren't absorbent, so they aren't designed to replace a nursing pad when you're dealing with significant milk leakage.
Best way to think about it: Silverette = protection and comfort. Nursing pad = milk absorption.
If you leak between feeds, an absorbent nursing pad can be used as part of your routine for additional leak protection.
Important Safety Notes
Persistent or severe nipple pain can indicate a latch issue, pumping problem, skin condition, infection, or another medical concern. Silverette is designed as a comfort and healing-support product, not as a diagnosis or treatment for the underlying cause.
Don't automatically layer treatments.
Silverette's official guidance advises against using nipple creams or other treatments underneath the cups at the same time.
Watch your skin.
Stop using the cups if you notice significant irritation, redness, pressure marks, or an allergic reaction.
Persistent pain deserves attention.
If soreness continues, consider speaking with a lactation consultant or healthcare professional.
Explore the Silverette Guide Series
This page gives you the big picture. These focused guides go deeper into individual questions.
Cups vs. Covers vs. Shields
Understand the difference between these commonly confused products.
Read the guide →Silverette vs. Go Mommy: Full Comparison
A side-by-side comparison covering materials, price, and guarantee terms.
Read the comparison →Who May Benefit Most From Silverette?
Early Breastfeeding
Useful to consider when nipples are especially sensitive during the first weeks.
Friction Relief
Helpful if clothing or bra contact makes already-sensitive nipples uncomfortable.
Exclusive Pumping
Can be worn between pumping sessions when nipples need protection from friction.
No-Cream Preference
A useful option for moms who don't want to repeatedly apply nipple creams.
Severe or worsening pain, deep cracks that aren't improving, fever or chills, increasing breast redness or swelling, or persistent soreness despite addressing feeding or pumping technique.
Common Silverette Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring the Root Cause
If feeding keeps damaging the nipple, a cup alone won't solve the problem.
Expecting Absorption
Silverette isn't a milk-absorbing nursing pad.
Wearing a Tight Bra
Excessive pressure can make the cups uncomfortable.
Ignoring Persistent Pain
Continuing pain is a reason to investigate the underlying cause.
Silverette Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- No repeated cream application
- Reusable design
- Easy everyday routine
- Provides a physical barrier from friction
- Has some direct clinical evidence behind it
⚠️ Cons
- Higher upfront cost than creams
- Doesn't absorb milk
- Silver can naturally tarnish
- Fit matters for comfort
- Doesn't correct latch or pumping problems
Silverette vs. Other Nipple Care Options
There's no single product that's best for every breastfeeding situation. The right choice depends on what problem you're trying to solve.
| Option | Best For | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Silverette | Reusable friction protection between feeds | Doesn't absorb milk or fix latch issues |
| Lanolin | Dry or irritated nipples | Needs regular reapplication |
| Hydrogel Pads | Cooling, temporary relief | Disposable |
| Nipple Shields | Helping with certain latch situations | Used during feeds rather than as between-feed protection |
Bottom line: these products aren't necessarily competing with each other. Different moms may use different tools at different stages.
What Moms Are Saying
One mother described switching from lanolin cream to Silverette and finding the cups more effective for her.
— Verified reviewer, silveretteusa.com
A reviewer who bought Silverette as a gift described it as a must-have while preparing for another baby.
— Marialilah, silveretteusa.com
Another mother credited the cups with helping her manage soreness between feeds.
— Stephanie Ferraz, silveretteusa.com
Review takeaway: customer feedback tends to focus on comfort and convenience, particularly during the early weeks of breastfeeding. Fit is one of the recurring practical considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is some direct clinical evidence supporting silver cups for nipple fissures, including a small randomized controlled trial. However, the evidence base is still limited, so it's more accurate to describe Silverette as a potentially useful comfort and healing-support option rather than a guaranteed solution.
They're designed to be reusable for a long period because the cups are made from sterling silver rather than a disposable material.
Some users choose to use them preventatively, but if you're considering nipple-care products during pregnancy, check with your OB or healthcare professional if you have concerns specific to your situation.
No. They're not designed to prevent or treat mastitis. Breast redness, swelling, fever, or worsening pain should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Yes. They can be worn between pumping sessions. If pumping causes persistent soreness, also check flange fit and suction settings.
Some users wear them overnight. If you do, make sure your bra isn't excessively tight and check your skin for pressure marks or irritation.
Because they come into direct contact with sensitive skin, they should generally be treated as a personal-use product.
The safest option is to purchase through Silverette's official website, official marketplace presence, or an authorized retailer. Be cautious with unfamiliar sellers claiming to sell genuine 925 sterling silver products.
Silverette is worth considering if you want reusable protection from friction and prefer not to repeatedly apply nipple creams. Just keep expectations realistic: it's a support tool, not a substitute for fixing latch, pumping, or medical problems.
Shop Silverette Nursing Cups →Edited by Dealnoran Team
Sources referenced in this guide:
- Marrazzu, A. et al. (2015). Randomized controlled trial examining silver cups for nipple fissures in breastfeeding mothers.
- Silverette official sizing and usage guidance.
- Silverette official product information.
- Verified customer reviews from silveretteusa.com.
Silverette Nursing Cups
$69.99
Official-site price shown for reference. Check current price before buying.
Check Today's Official Price →
✓ 925 Sterling Silver
✓ Reusable design
✓ Made in Italy
✓ FDA-registered
Our recommendation: Start with the product information and sizing guide before buying. If nipple pain is persistent, investigate the underlying cause as well.