You can fix a shallow latch by adjusting your baby’s position, using deep latch techniques like the flipple method, and getting support.
Even if breastfeeding feels okay, a shallow latch can still lead to problems over time, for both baby and mom. It can cause poor weight gain, sore or damaged nipples, blocked milk ducts, or a drop in milk supply.
A shallow latch is fixable with the right steps and support.
What Is a Shallow Latch?
A shallow latch happens when the baby takes only the nipple (or mostly the nipple) into their mouth during breastfeeding.
But for breastfeeding to work well, babies need a deep latch, where they get more of the areola (the darker area around the nipple) in their mouth, not just the tip.
Milk ducts sit under the areola, not just behind the nipple. A shallow latch means the baby may not reach those ducts well, which can lead to weak milk transfer and sore nipples.
Signs of a Shallow Latch
Some babies can still get milk with a shallow latch, but it’s often not efficient. You might notice:
- Clicking or smacking sounds
- Baby pulling back often
- Frequent feedings or very long nursing sessions
- Nipple pain (but not always!)
- Flat, pinched, or lipstick-shaped nipple after feeding
- Poor weight gain in baby
- Frequent gassiness or spitting up
Sometimes, the latch looks okay from the outside. But what matters is how it works.
Why Babies Pull Back to a Shallow Latch
This is common, and frustrating.
Here’s why it happens:
- Baby has a tongue tie or lip tie, they physically can’t hold a deep latch
- Your milk flow is fast, they pull back to manage it
- Their positioning is off, maybe they’re not aligned nose-to-nipple
- Shallow latch became a habit, especially if no one caught it early
Baby Has a Shallow Latch… But It Doesn’t Hurt?
Pain is a common sign of poor latch, but not the only one. You can have a shallow latch without pain, but the baby may still be struggling to remove milk properly.
Watch your baby’s weight gain, diaper output, and behavior after feeds. If things seem off, the latch could still be part of the problem. And if you are feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, you’re not alone, breastfeeding can be emotionally exhausting too.
How to Fix a Shallow Latch While Breastfeeding?
Fixing the latch starts with positioning and technique. Here’s what to do:
1. Start With Positioning
Use a position that supports a deep latch. The “laid-back” or reclined position works well for many parents because it lets the baby use their natural instincts.
Keep your baby’s nose near your nipple, their body fully facing yours, and their chin touching your breast. When their whole body is well-aligned and supported, it’s much easier for them to get a deeper, more effective latch.
2. Use the Flipple Technique
This is a gentle but effective method to help babies latch deeper.
Place your hand so that your thumb rests above the breast and your fingers support from below, shaped like a “C.” Lightly brush your baby’s top lip with your nipple to get them to open their mouth wide. As soon as they do, bring the nipple up from underneath into their mouth.
Make sure their chin presses into your breast first, then the nose follows.
You will see their lips flare outward, and they’ll take in more of the areola for a deeper, more effective latch.
3. Watch Baby’s Mouth
A small mouth doesn’t mean they can’t latch deeply. But it may take a bit more help.
If baby’s tongue isn’t moving well or they can’t open wide, it might be a structural issue like a tongue tie. In that case, it’s worth getting them checked by someone trained in oral function.
How to Fix a Shallow Latch in Newborns?
Newborns are still learning to feed, and so are you.
If your newborn has a shallow latch, try these extra tips:
- Keep them awake and alert for feeds (rub their feet or undress them if needed)
- Feed when they show early cues (rooting, hands to mouth) before they cry
- Support their neck and shoulders, not just the head
- Hold them close, with nose to nipple before latching
Newborns with shallow latches may need more support. If it doesn’t improve in a few days, get a lactation consult to rule out oral restrictions like tongue ties.
How to Fix a Shallow Latch with Flat Nipples?
Flat or inverted nipples can make latching harder, but not impossible. Here’s what can help:
- Before feeding, try gently stimulating your nipples by rolling them between your fingers or applying something cool to help them stand out.
- If your nipples are flat or inverted, a nipple shield might help, but only use one if a lactation professional recommends it.
- If your breasts feel overly full or firm, you can try reverse pressure softening (RPS) to make latching easier for your baby.
- Use hand expression to bring out milk and shape the nipple before latching
Many babies can learn to latch with flat nipples, with a bit of patience and practice.
How to Fix a Shallow, Painful Latch?
Pain during breastfeeding is not normal. If it hurts, something needs to change.
A shallow latch can lead to:
- Cracked, bleeding, or pinched nipples
- Burning pain during or after feeds
- Baby swallowing air or losing suction easily
First, gently break the latch using a clean finger and try again, even if it takes several tries.
Next, use the flipple technique to help your baby get a deeper, more comfortable latch.
You can also apply expressed breastmilk to your nipples and let it air dry to soothe and protect the skin.
How to Fix a Shallow Latch on a Bottle?
Yes, babies can have a shallow latch even when bottle-feeding, and it can cause problems just like with breastfeeding. If you are worried your baby might be feeding too much or too often, you might also wonder, can you overfeed a newborn while breastfeeding?
You might notice milk leaking from the sides, clicking or gulping sounds, or excess gas and fussiness after feeds.
To fix it:
- Use a paced bottle feeding method
- Hold the bottle horizontally (not upright)
- Let baby latch deeply on the nipple base, not just the tip
- Try slow-flow nipples and watch for swallowing cues
Good latch habits matter on bottles too, if baby switches between breast and bottle.
Need Help With Latch Issues?
If you’re struggling with latch problems or if something just feels “off”, we can help. Our lactation consultants in Phoenix specialize in latch issues, tongue ties, and breastfeeding support. We provide one-on-one, practical support to help you work through latch issues with confidence.
Schedule a consultation with our experienced team today, you will get clear answers and a plan that actually fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you correct a shallow latch?
Yes. With better positioning, latch techniques, and support from a lactation consultant, most shallow latches can be corrected.
Do babies still get milk with a shallow latch?
Sometimes, yes, but it’s often less milk and more work for the baby. It can also affect your supply over time.
How do I get my baby to latch deeper?
Use the flipple technique, try different positions, and make sure baby’s mouth is wide open before latching. Get help if it’s not working.
Why is my baby not latching deeply?
It could be positioning, tongue tie, lip tie, or habit. A full assessment by a trained lactation consultant can help you find the reason.
