If you’re trying to figure out how to get your newborn to latch, improve a shallow latch, or find a more comfortable breastfeeding position, start here. Get clear, practical guidance for proper latch, common latch problems, and what to try next based on what’s happening in your feeds.
Tell us what your newborn latch looks and feels like right now, and we’ll help you focus on the techniques most likely to improve comfort, milk transfer, and staying latched.
A proper latch for newborn breastfeeding usually feels secure rather than pinchy, with baby taking in more than just the nipple. You may notice baby’s mouth opens wide, lips are flanged outward, chin presses into the breast, and sucking becomes rhythmic after the first few quick sucks. Some tenderness can happen early on, but ongoing pain, slipping off, clicking, or a lipstick-shaped nipple after feeds can point to a shallow latch or positioning issue that may be improved with small adjustments.
Bring baby to the breast when the mouth opens wide, aiming the nipple toward the roof of the mouth so baby takes in a deeper mouthful of breast tissue, not just the nipple. This often helps if you’re working on deep latch breastfeeding for a newborn.
Keep baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip in one line and bring baby in tummy-to-tummy. Good alignment can make it easier for a newborn to latch on the breast and stay latched without slipping.
A light breast hold and steady support behind baby’s shoulders can help guide the latch without pushing on the back of the head. This can be especially helpful when you need newborn breastfeeding latch help during early feeds.
If the latch feels sharp, pinchy, or painful through most of the feed, baby may not be deeply latched. Re-latching can often help more than trying to push through discomfort.
A newborn who latches but slips off repeatedly may need a different angle, better body support, or a wider mouth before coming onto the breast.
If baby gets frustrated, makes clicking sounds, or seems to feed for a long time without settling, it may be worth looking at how to improve baby latch and whether the latch is shallow.
Often useful when learning newborn latching techniques because it gives you more control over baby’s head and shoulders while you guide a wide, deep latch.
This position can help some parents see the latch more clearly and may work well after a difficult start or when baby needs extra support staying close.
A reclined position can encourage baby’s natural feeding reflexes and sometimes makes it easier to find the best latch position for newborn breastfeeding with less tension.
Start by looking for early hunger cues, holding baby close with good body alignment, and waiting for a wide-open mouth before bringing baby onto the breast. Skin-to-skin contact, a calm environment, and trying a different feeding position can also help. If baby still will not latch, personalized guidance can help narrow down what may be getting in the way.
A shallow latch often means baby is mostly on the nipple instead of taking in a deeper mouthful of breast tissue. It may feel pinchy or painful, baby may slip off often, and the nipple may look flattened or creased after the feed.
There is no single best position for every parent and baby. Cross-cradle, football hold, and laid-back breastfeeding are all common options. The best position is the one that helps your newborn open wide, stay close, and feed comfortably with a deeper latch.
Try re-positioning baby so the nose starts opposite the nipple, wait for a wide gape, and bring baby to the breast quickly and closely. Supporting baby’s shoulders and keeping the body aligned can also help. If the latch stays painful or baby cannot maintain it, more tailored latch support may be useful.
A brief moment of tenderness can happen in the early days, but ongoing pain, pinching, cracking, or dread before feeds usually suggests the latch needs adjustment. A more comfortable, proper latch should feel secure and effective rather than sharply painful.
Answer a few questions about what happens during feeds to get personalized guidance on latch depth, positioning, and next steps that fit your situation.
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Feeding Basics
Feeding Basics
Feeding Basics
Feeding Basics