How to Measure for Flange Size at Home? 3 Easy Tips

Hey there, new mama! Ever felt like pumping was more painful than it should be or noticed your output wasn’t quite what you expected? Chances are, your flange size might not be a perfect fit.

Using the wrong size can cause discomfort and nipple soreness and even reduce the amount of milk you are able to pump. Let’s talk about a way to make your pumping sessions much more comfortable: choosing the right flange size.

Let’s understand how to measure for the right flange size so you can pump easily and keep your milk flow on point.

What is a Flange and Why Does Size Matter?

The portion of your breast pump that passes over your nipple is called the flange. It is like a bridge connecting you to your pump.

Here’s why choosing the appropriate size is crucial:

A perfect fit = improved milk flow and comfort. With the right size, pumping feels smoother and helps you express more milk effectively.
The wrong size = ouch! Too small or too big, and you could end up with sore nipples, reduced milk output, or even damage to your skin. Nobody wants that!

Your comfort and milk supply are worth the right fit. So let’s make it happen!

What Do You Need to Measure Flange Size?

Don’t worry, mama. To solve this, you don’t need any sophisticated tools! All you need is this:

A measuring tape or ruler: This will assist you in taking an exact measurement of your nipple’s diameter. A ruler works just fine, but a flexible measuring tape is great for precision.
A flange-size ruler: While optional, this handy little tool is designed specifically for nipple measurement and makes the process even easier. (You can find free printable versions online!)
Your phone or calculator: Let’s be real. Math isn’t everyone’s favourite subject. A quick calculation might be needed to add a little extra space for comfort, so your phone will come in handy.

How to Measure Flange Size at Home?

Measuring your flange size is as easy as pie! Let’s dissect it in detail:

Step 1: Get Ready

Clean your nipple: This helps ensure an accurate measurement and avoids any slip-ups.
Pick the right time: Measure when your breasts are in a neutral state, neither too full from skipped pumping nor freshly emptied. Why? Because the size of your nipple can change depending on how full or empty your breasts are. Neutral is the sweet spot for precision.

Step 2: Determine the Diameter of Your Nipples

Grab a ruler or measuring tape: A regular ruler works fine, but a soft measuring tape may be easier to handle.
Position it correctly: Hold the ruler or tape across the base of your nipple—this is the widest part. We are just interested in the nipple itself, so be cautious not to include the areola, which is the darker area surrounding it.
Write it down: Note the measurement in millimetres (mm). Accuracy matters here, so double-check if you are unsure!

Step 3: Add 1–2mm for Comfort

Why add extra space? Your nipple needs a little room to move comfortably inside the flange during pumping. If it’s too tight, it could pinch; if it’s too loose, it won’t pump well.
Do the math: Take your nipple measurement and add 1–2mm. For instance, if your nipple measures 16mm, your ideal flange size will likely be 17–18mm. This extra space ensures a snug yet comfortable fit.

Bonus Tip:

Still, feeling unsure? No worries! Many breast pump companies offer free printable flange size rulers. Simply print one out, follow the instructions, and measure with confidence.

And there you have it, mama! This is a simple yet detailed guide to finding your perfect flange size so you can pump like a pro with no pain and maximum milk flow.

Read More: Should I Wake My Newborn to Feed?

Flange Size Charts: Your Quick Reference

Flange size charts are like cheat sheets for finding your perfect fit—they make life so much easier! Here’s an example of a typical flange size chart to guide you:

Nipple Diameter	Flange Size
16mm	19mm
20mm	22mm
24mm	27mm

Simply match your nipple measurement (with the added 1–2mm wiggle room) to the flange size, and you are good to go!

Keep in mind that charts can vary slightly depending on the pump brand.

Online Flange Size Calculators

Not feeling confident about your measuring skills? No worries at all! Many brands, like Medela and Spectra, offer handy online flange size calculators. Here’s how they work:

Enter your measurement: Simply input your nipple diameter (with the added 1–2mm) into the calculator.
Get your perfect size: The calculator will instantly tell you the ideal flange size based on your measurement.

It’s quick, accurate, and takes all the guesswork out of the process; it’s perfect for busy moms who need a no-stress solution.

Signs You are Using the Wrong Flange Size

Is your flange the right fit? Keep an eye out for these telltale signs:

If Your Flange is Too Small:

Pinching sensation: Your nipple feels squished or pinched inside the flange.
Pain while pumping: It hurts to pump, and you might feel discomfort with each cycle.

If Your Flange is Too Big:

Areola being pulled in: Your areola gets sucked into the flange too much, causing discomfort.
Milk leakage: You notice milk leaking from around the flange, which means the suction isn’t creating a proper seal.

General Signs (For Both Sizes):

Nipple pain or cracks: You are dealing with soreness or even cracks on your nipples after pumping.
Low milk output: Despite feeling full, your milk output is consistently low, which can happen if the flange is either too tight or too loose.

The right fit means no pain and maximum milk flow, let’s get you there!

Fixing Flange Size Issues

If you are dealing with flange size problems, don’t stress, there are easy fixes:

If It’s Too Small:

Size up by 1–2mm: Simply move to the next size up to give your nipple some extra room. This will reduce discomfort and improve milk flow.

If It’s Too Big:

Use silicone inserts: These little helpers can make your flange fit snugger, improving suction and comfort without needing to buy a whole new size.

Custom Solutions:

Go for a custom fit: Some brands, like Pumpables, offer flexible flange options designed for a custom fit so that you can get the most comfortable and effective pumping experience.

With these solutions, you will be back to pumping comfortably in no time!

Quick Conversion: CM to MM

If you measured your nipple in centimetres (cm), here’s how to convert it to millimetres (mm):

1 cm = 10 mm.

Example: 1.8 cm = 18 mm. Easy, right?

Why is the right flange size a game-changer?

When you get the perfect fit:

Pumping feels like a breeze (no more ouch moments!).
Your milk flow improves, making sessions more productive.
No more nipple damage, cracks, or bruises.

Final Thoughts!

Mama, you have got this! Measuring for the right flange size might not feel right at first, but it’s totally worth it. If you are ever unsure, reach out to the lactation consultant at Tongue Tie Phoenix.

3 Simple Steps to Measure Flange Size at Home!

What is a Flange and Why Does Size Matter?

What Do You Need to Measure Flange Size?