Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If you’re a new parent wondering why your baby won’t latch properly or why it hurts so much, you’re not alone. The truth is, the way your baby latches onto your breast is one of the biggest make-or-break factors for a smooth breastfeeding journey. The good news? There are a handful of practical, easy-to-follow techniques that can make a world of difference.
This guide breaks down simple, evidence-backed ways to help your baby latch well so you can feed with less pain and more confidence.
Why a Good Latch Matters
A good latch isn’t just about comfort—though that’s huge. It’s also key to making sure your baby gets enough milk, grows well, and that your body keeps producing milk effectively. A poor latch can lead to cracked nipples (1), clogged ducts, low milk supply, and a frustrated baby. Studies show that only about 25% of new moms (5) naturally use the most effective breastfeeding techniques—so if it feels hard, you’re not alone.
And remember this: your baby is built to breastfeed. Newborns have reflexes that help them find the breast and latch on. If you’ve ever seen a baby do the “breast crawl,” you’ll know just how instinctive it can be. All you need to do is create the right environment and give them the chance.
Signs of a Good Latch: Your 30-Second Checklist
- Baby’s mouth is wide open
- Lips are flanged outward like a fish
- Chin touches your breast
- More of the areola is visible above baby’s top lip than below
- Baby’s body is aligned: ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line
- You don’t feel pain (some tugging is okay, but sharp pain isn’t)
- You hear steady swallowing
- Baby’s nose is clear for breathing
If something feels off or painful, it’s always worth adjusting. Even tiny changes in positioning can help a lot.
Easy Latching Techniques
Here are some no-fuss methods that work for a lot of parents:
1. Start With Comfort
Sit back, support your back with a pillow, and make sure you’re relaxed. Most of your baby’s weight should be resting on your body, not your arms. You can even breastfeed lying down and skin-to-skin, if that helps both of you feel more comfortable.
2. Let Baby Lead (a.k.a. the “Laid-Back” Technique)
Recline slightly and place your baby tummy-to-tummy on your chest. Their natural reflexes will help them root, bob, and latch on. The laid-back breastfeeding position has been shown to reduce nipple pain and improve latch success.(4)
3. Use Breast Compression
Gently squeeze your breast between your thumb and fingers (like a sandwich) while baby is sucking. This helps push milk forward and keeps baby engaged, especially if they tend to fall asleep at the breast or struggle with milk flow.
4. Tickle to Trigger a Wide Mouth
Brush your nipple across baby’s upper lip to stimulate a wide open mouth. Don’t rush—wait for that yawn-like opening.
5. Aim Nipple to Nose
Bring baby to the breast, not the other way around. Aim your nipple toward your baby’s nose, not their mouth. This helps them tilt their head back and latch deeply, with the nipple off-center toward the roof of the mouth.
6. Chin to Breast First
Lead with the chin. This helps baby take in more areola (3) and stimulates the bottom lip reflex to latch wider. When bringing your baby to the breast, aim for their chin to touch your breast first. This positioning encourages your baby to tilt their head back slightly, allowing the mouth to open wide and the lower jaw to scoop in more of the areola (not just the nipple). A wide latch like this reduces nipple pain and ensures better milk transfer. The chin-to-breast approach also stimulates the bottom lip reflex — triggering baby to flare the lips outward and latch deeply. Think of it as helping your baby get a “mouthful” of breast, which is exactly what you want for effective feeding.
7. Check the Airway
If baby’s nose is buried in your breast, gently press your hand on your chest above the breast (between the collarbone and breast) to lift and create space.
8. Shape the Breast if Needed
If you have large or flat nipples, use a C-hold or U-hold to shape your breast and make latching easier. Think of giving baby a “target.”
Best Breastfeeding Positions to Support a Good Latch
Different positions work for different people. Try what feels right and switch it up if needed:
- Laid-back (Biological Nurturing): Great for newborns and skin-to-skin bonding.
- Cross-cradle hold: Ideal for guiding baby’s head and improving control.
- Football/clutch hold: Good if you had a C-section or have larger breasts.
- Side-lying: Perfect for nighttime feeds or when you want to rest.
Make sure baby’s whole body is facing you, not just their head. Think: chest to chest, nose to nipple.
Troubleshooting Common Latch Problems
Problem: It Hurts Every Time
Pain usually means something’s off. Try re-latching, adjusting baby’s position, or switching sides. If pain persists, check with a lactation consultant.
Problem: Baby Won’t Open Wide
Try the “tickle the upper lip” trick. You can also hand-express a little milk to get baby interested.
Problem: Baby Slides Off or Falls Asleep Too Soon
Keep baby close and supported. If baby falls asleep quickly, gently massage their back or feet to keep them engaged.
Problem: Flat or Inverted Nipples
You can roll your nipples gently between your fingers or use a nipple shield short-term with guidance. These don’t prevent a good latch—but they may need a little extra help.
Comfort Tools That Can Help
- Hydrogel Pads: Offer cool, soothing relief for sore nipples.
- Nipple Shields: May help some babies latch more easily when used under the guidance of a lactation consultant.
- Finger Feeding: Useful for encouraging a hesitant baby to feed.
Still Not Latching? Here’s What to Do
Sometimes even when you do everything right, baby still won’t latch—and that’s okay. Focus on what La Leche League calls the Three Keeps:
- Keep your milk flowing — Pump or hand express to maintain supply.
- Keep your baby fed — Use alternative feeding methods if needed.
- Keep your baby close — Skin-to-skin contact is one of the most effective ways to encourage baby-led latching.
Your baby might just need time. In the meantime, stay connected, offer the breast often, and get support.
Trust the Process: Baby-Led Latching Works
Encouraging your baby’s natural instincts is one of the best ways to help them latch deeply and effectively. By combining laid-back positioning with baby-led latching, you’re tapping into the biological reflexes that babies are born with. This combo often leads to better latch depth, more comfort, and less stress.
Note: Birth interventions or medications can temporarily interfere with your baby’s reflexes. If you had a complicated delivery, you might just need a bit more patience and skin-to-skin time.
Final Takeaways
- Breastfeeding takes practice. A good latch makes it easier for both of you.
- Start with comfort, support baby well, and aim for a wide, deep latch.
- Try different positions—what works for someone else may not be your go-to.
- Pain isn’t normal. If it hurts, adjust or get help.
- Trust your baby’s instincts. Combine that with some basic technique, and you’re golden.
You’ve got this. And if you ever feel stuck, reach out—support is just a call (or a nipple shield) away.
Want more tips?
- Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
- Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.
References
- PMC – From the study in Libya: poor attachment (latch) was related to cracked nipples and mastitis. (1)
- The USDA WIC guide: clear steps and signs of good latch (chin touching breast, mouth wide, lips turned out). Steps and signs of a good latch.
- Guides from the American Academy of Pediatrics / Cleveland Clinic: baby’s mouth should cover not just the nipple but a portion of areola, with ear‑shoulder‑hip alignment. (3)
- BMC – Laid‑back (aka biological nurturing) position: meta‐analysis found it lowered nipple pain/trauma and improved latch success versus traditional positions (nipple pain reduced from ~55% to ~14%). (4)
- Pubmed – Only about 25% of women in one large study demonstrated “effective breastfeeding techniques” (includes correct latch) — showing room for improvement. (5)
