Measuring your nipple size correctly is crucial for choosing the right Flange for your breast pump. The right size ensures comfort, prevents pain or irritation, and improves milk expression. 

Many new moms skip this step or aren’t sure how to measure it, but knowing how can greatly improve your breastfeeding and pumping experience. 

This guide will walk you through the steps to measure your nipple effectively, helping you find the best fit for your breast pump.

Let’s get started!

To measure your nipple size accurately, you will need a flat ruler (preferably one with millimeter markings) and a pen or notebook to note your measurements.

1. Position Yourself: Sit or stand in front of a mirror to ensure you can see what you are doing. Remove any clothing around the chest area to expose the nipple fully. 
2. Locate the Base of the Nipple: Identify the base of your nipple where it meets the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). This is the widest part of the nipple and the area you will measure. 
3. Place the Ruler: Hold the ruler flat against your chest, ensuring it is parallel to the nipple’s base. Align one end of the ruler to one side of the nipple’s base. 
4. Compress the Areola (Optional): If necessary, gently use your fingers to flatten the areola against your chest wall. This ensures the nipple is not stretched and gives a more accurate measurement of its natural size. 
5. Read the Measurement: Look at the ruler and note the measurement where the other side of the nipple’s base ends. Record this width in millimetres (mm) for better accuracy. 
6. Repeat for the Other Nipple: Measure the other nipple using the same method, as sizes may differ between the left and right sides. 
7. Record and Keep Track: Write down both measurements in your notebook. Nipple sizes can change due to breastfeeding, hormonal changes, or other factors, so it’s helpful to measure regularly, especially if you’re using the measurements to select breast pump shields or other related products.

Using a tape measure instead of a ruler makes the process slightly different but still straightforward. A flexible tape measure can conform to the shape of your body, allowing for an accurate measurement of your nipple size.

1. Prepare Your Tape Measure and Work Area: Use a soft, flexible tape measure with millimeter markings and sit or stand in a well-lit space with a mirror for better visibility. Remove any clothing that may obstruct the measurement process. 
2. Locate the Base of the Nipple: Identify the widest part of your nipple where it meets the areola. This is the area you will measure. 
3. Wrap the Tape Around the Nipple: Place the tape measure around the nipple’s base. Ensure that the Tape is snug but not overly tight, and avoid including the areola in the measurement. 
4. Read the Measurement: Look at the Tape where it overlaps or meets itself and note the circumference measurement in millimeters. For a more precise size, you may divide this value by 3.14 (π) to approximate the diameter of the nipple. 
5. Repeat for the Other Nipple: Repeat the process for the other nipple, as sizes may differ between sides. 
6. Write Down Your Measurements: Record the measurements in your notebook. Regular measurements might be helpful as changes in nipple size can occur over time due to lactation or other factors. 

Using a tape measure provides an alternate method for measuring your nipple size, but ensure the Tape is positioned correctly to avoid inaccurate results.

Choosing the correct size for a nipple cover is essential to ensure comfort, effectiveness, and proper adhesion. Follow these tips to determine the right size for your needs:

1. Measure Your Nipple Size: Use the methods described earlier to measure the diameter of your nipple at the base, excluding the areola. This measurement will serve as the starting point for selecting a nipple cover.
2. Check the Manufacturer’s Sizing Guide: Different brands and types of nipple covers may have unique sizing recommendations. Always check the product’s sizing chart to match your measurements with their available sizes.
3. Consider Full Coverage: Choose a slightly larger size than your nipple measurement to ensure complete coverage. Many nipple covers are designed with a margin for surrounding skin to provide a secure fit and smooth appearance under clothes.
4. Determine Usage Needs: If you need nipple covers for activities such as exercising or swimming, opt for sizes that provide extra adhesion and stay in place during movement.
5. Account for Reusability: For reusable silicone nipple covers, ensure the size is correct, as these types are thicker and need proper alignment for effective use.

By accurately measuring your nipple and consulting sizing guides, you can select a nipple cover that offers discretion, comfort, and functionality. Regularly rechecking your size is also helpful, as body changes may affect the fit over time.

If your nipple measures 18mm at the base, choosing a flange size that offers a comfortable and effective fit while pumping is essential.

Generally, manufacturers recommend adding 2-4mm to your nipple measurement to determine the best flange size. For an 18mm nipple, this would mean selecting a flange size between 20mm and 22mm.

Here are some tips to ensure you’re selecting the right flange size:

1. Test Different Sizes: Try a few flange sizes within the recommended range to find the most comfortable and allow optimal milk flow.
2. Check for Proper Fit: The Flange should fit snugly around your nipple without squeezing or constricting it, and there should be enough room for the nipple to move freely during pumping without rubbing against the tunnel walls.
3. Watch for Discomfort: If you experience pain, noticeable redness, or reduced milk output, it may indicate that the flange size is incorrect and needs adjustment.
4. Consult Manufacturer Guides: Check the specific sizing recommendations from the manufacturer of your breast pump, as sizing standards may vary between brands.

The size of your nipples can vary greatly depending on genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and overall body size. There is no “right” or “ideal” nipple size, as everyone’s body is unique.

However, understanding the size of your nipples can be helpful for certain purposes, such as finding the correct breast pump flange size, nipple covers, or other related products. 

It is important to remember that nipple size may fluctuate over time due to hormonal shifts, breastfeeding, or changes in body weight.

Measuring your nipple size accurately is crucial for finding the right products that offer comfort and effectiveness, such as breast pump shields or nipple covers.

Whether using a ruler or tape measure, following proper techniques can provide reliable measurements.

Consult with sizing guides, and check for a secure fit when selecting products based on your measurements.

So go ahead and get measuring!