If you’re breastfeeding—or preparing to—chances are you’ve already stocked up on nipple creams, nursing pads, and lanolin. But there’s one small product quietly gaining a cult following among nursing moms: Silverette nursing cups.
These shiny little domes might not look like much at first, but they’ve become a go-to for many women dealing with cracked, sore, or sensitive nipples during breastfeeding. And here’s the best part: they’re all-natural, reusable, and require zero creams or mess.
So, what exactly are Silverette cups? Do they really work? And are they worth the investment? Let’s break it all down.
What Are Silverette Nursing Cups?
Silverette nursing cups are small, pure silver nipple covers designed to protect, heal, and soothe nipples between breastfeeding or pumping sessions.
They originated in Italy and have been used by European moms for years. Unlike nursing pads or creams, Silverette cups harness silver’s natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties to support nipple recovery—without chemicals, scents, or stickiness.
They’re worn inside your bra, directly over the nipples, like tiny protective shields.
How Do Silverette Nursing Cups Work?
The concept is simple: place the Silverette cups directly over your nipples after feeding or pumping. Your nipples stay protected from friction and exposure, while the silver goes to work.
Silver is known to:
- Kill harmful bacteria and yeast
- Reduce inflammation and irritation
- Promote tissue healing
Because the cups trap a small amount of breast milk against your skin (which is rich in healing properties), the combination of silver and milk creates an ideal environment for natural recovery.
Who Should Use Silverette Nursing Cups?
Silverette cups are a lifesaver for many moms who experience:
- Cracked or bleeding nipples
- Soreness from cluster feeding or pumping
- Thrush or yeast infections
- Sensitive skin irritated by fabric or nursing pads
- Recurring nipple trauma despite proper latch
They’re especially helpful in the early postpartum weeks, when breastfeeding can feel overwhelming and painful. But even seasoned moms can benefit—especially during growth spurts or teething phases when baby’s latch changes.
How to Use Silverette Nursing Cups
Using Silverette cups is easy, but there are a few tips to get the best results.
Step-by-step:
- Clean your nipples with water or a warm cloth (optional).
- Express a few drops of breast milk and spread them over your nipple (optional, but enhances healing).
- Place the Silverette cup over your nipple, concave side facing inward.
- Secure with your nursing bra to keep them in place.
- Remove before feeding or pumping, then rinse and reuse.
Tip: Wear them with a soft, non-padded bra to minimize pressure and keep them in place.
Do Silverette Nursing Cups Really Work?
Many moms say yes—and there’s growing anecdotal evidence to back that up.
While formal clinical studies are limited, thousands of women report that Silverette cups:
- Relieve pain within a few uses
- Speed up healing of cracked or sore nipples
- Prevent irritation when nothing else worked
- Reduced need for topical creams
The reviews speak for themselves, with phrases like “miracle worker,” “worth every penny,” and “I wish I had known about these sooner” showing up again and again.
Are They Safe?
Yes—Silverette cups are made from pure 925 sterling silver, with no chemicals, coatings, or additives. They’re safe for both mom and baby, even if baby latches directly after use (just rinse them before feeding).
Unlike lanolin or medicated creams, there’s no residue to worry about, and no need to wipe before nursing.
They’re also eco-friendly, since they’re reusable and can last through multiple babies.
How Do You Clean Silverette Cups?
Simple: rinse with warm water after each use and pat dry.
Once a day (or as needed), polish them naturally using:
- A paste of baking soda and water, or
- A cotton cloth with a drop of lemon juice
Avoid harsh cleaners or scrubbing too hard—they’ll tarnish naturally over time (that’s normal and doesn’t affect performance).
Silverette Nursing Cups: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- All-natural healing—no creams or chemicals
- Long-lasting and reusable
- Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Safe to use anytime, even while sleeping
- Great for moms with allergies or sensitive skin
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost (but lasts long-term)
- Not ideal for use during feeds (remove before nursing)
- May not fit perfectly with some padded bras
- Small size—easy to misplace if not careful
Are Silverette Nursing Cups Worth It?
For many moms, the answer is a resounding yes. If you’re struggling with nipple pain, cracking, or simply want a more natural, mess-free way to protect your skin while breastfeeding, Silverette cups are a gentle and effective solution.
They’re not magic—but they’re pretty close.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding is beautiful, but it’s also tough—especially when nipple pain gets in the way. Silverette nursing cups offer a smart, science-backed way to soothe soreness and protect your skin using nothing but silver and your body’s own healing power.
They might be small, but their impact? Huge.
