How to Get Your Baby to Latch Correctly While Breastfeeding

One of the most frustrating parts of early breastfeeding is hearing that it’s “natural” while feeling completely confused trying to get your baby to latch.

A shallow latch can make breastfeeding painful, exhausting, and discouraging very quickly.

Sore nipples, clicking sounds, lipstick-shaped nipples after feeds, constant re-latching, and long uncomfortable feeding sessions are all signs that something may not be working correctly.

The good news is that most latch issues can improve with a few simple adjustments. And usually, the goal is not forcing baby onto the breast harder. It’s helping baby get a deeper, more comfortable latch naturally.

Breastfeeding should not feel like you are gritting your teeth through every feed.

What a Good Latch Actually Looks Like

A good latch is about more than just getting the nipple into baby’s mouth.

Baby should take a large portion of the areola into their mouth, creating a deep latch that allows them to transfer milk effectively while keeping mom comfortable.

Signs of a deeper latch often include:

• Wide open mouth before latching

• Lips flanged outward

• Chin pressed into the breast

• Nose free or lightly touching the breast

• Rhythmic sucking and swallowing

• Little or no pain after the initial latch

• Rounded nipple shape after feeding

A shallow latch usually causes:

• Pinching pain

• Cracked nipples

• Clicking noises

• Poor milk transfer

• Constant feeding without satisfaction

• Flattened or lipstick-shaped nipples afterward

The deeper the latch, the more comfortable breastfeeding usually becomes.

Positioning Matters More Than Most Moms Realize

A lot of latch struggles actually start with positioning.

If baby’s body is twisted, too far away, or reaching for the breast, latching becomes harder for both of you.

Try to bring baby fully tummy-to-tummy with you. Their ear, shoulder and hip should all stay aligned in a straight line. Instead of leaning your breast down toward baby, bring baby up toward your breast. This helps prevent shallow “nipple feeding” where baby only grabs the tip.

One of the biggest mistakes new moms make is trying to force the nipple into baby’s mouth before baby opens wide enough.

Patience matters here.

A wide open mouth is the goal.

Wait for a Wide Mouth Before Latching

This part changes everything for many moms.

Instead of quickly pushing baby onto the breast, lightly tickle baby’s upper lip or nose area with the nipple and wait for a big open mouth.

You want a wide gape, almost like a yawn.

When baby opens wide:

• Bring baby to the breast quickly

• Aim the nipple toward the roof of the mouth

• Let baby take in more of the lower areola

This creates a deeper latch instead of a shallow one directly on the nipple. A lot of nipple pain comes from baby sucking only on the nipple itself. The goal is breast tissue deep in the mouth, not just the tip.

Laid-Back Breastfeeding Can Help Naturally

Many moms find that laid-back nursing positions improve latch almost immediately.

Instead of sitting stiffly upright and trying to hold baby perfectly, recline slightly and place baby chest-to-chest on your body.

This allows baby’s natural feeding instincts to work better.

In a laid-back position:

• Gravity helps keep baby connected

• Baby can use reflexes to search and latch

• Feeding often feels less forced

• Mom’s shoulders and arms relax more

This position can be especially helpful for:

• Newborns

• Babies struggling to stay latched

• Moms with oversupply

• Painful shallow latches

Sometimes simplifying everything helps more than constantly adjusting.

Breast Compressions Can Encourage Better Feeding

If baby keeps falling asleep or sucking lightly, breast compressions may help improve milk flow during feeds.

While baby nurses:

• Gently compress the breast with your hand

• Hold briefly while baby drinks

• Release and repeat as needed

This can encourage active swallowing and help keep baby engaged during the feed. It can also help babies who become frustrated waiting for milk flow. Gentle support usually works better than constantly unlatching and restarting.

Pain Is Information

Many moms are told breastfeeding pain is just something you “push through.” Some tenderness in the very beginning can be normal. But ongoing toe-curling pain, bleeding, cracking, or severe discomfort is usually a sign that something needs adjusting.

Pain often points toward:

• A shallow latch

• Positioning issues

• Tongue or lip restrictions

• Engorgement

• Fast letdown

• Tension in baby’s body

Ignoring pain usually does not improve the situation.

Small latch adjustments early can prevent much bigger struggles later.

What to Do If Baby Keeps Slipping Off

Some babies latch, suck briefly, then constantly slip off the breast.

This can happen when:

• Baby is too far from the body

• The latch is shallow

• Breasts are overly full and firm

• Baby is frustrated by milk flow

• Baby is sleepy

A few things that may help:

• Skin-to-skin contact before feeds

• Hand expressing a little milk first if engorged

• Feeding earlier before baby becomes frantic

• Supporting baby’s shoulders instead of pushing the head

• Trying laid-back positioning

The calmer the environment, the easier latching usually becomes.

Skin-to-Skin Helps More Than People Think

Skin-to-skin contact is not just for immediately after birth. It can help throughout the breastfeeding journey.

Holding baby skin-to-skin may help:

• Regulate baby’s nervous system

• Encourage feeding reflexes

• Improve rooting behavior

• Increase feeding cues

• Support milk production

Sometimes stepping away from pressure and simply resting skin-to-skin for a while resets the entire feeding experience.

Cluster Feeding Can Make Latching Harder

During cluster feeding, babies may become frantic and impatient at the breast.

This can make shallow latching more common because baby is trying to feed quickly.

If possible:

• Feed early when cues first appear

• Watch for stirring and rooting before crying starts

• Stay calm during feeds

• Slow down before repeatedly re-latching

An overly hungry baby is usually harder to latch calmly.

Your Baby Is Learning Too

Breastfeeding is not just something moms learn. Babies are learning too. Some babies latch easily from day one. Others need time, practice, support, and patience.

That does not mean you are failing.

Many breastfeeding journeys improve dramatically after the first few weeks once both mom and baby learn together.

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How do I know if my baby has a good latch?

A good latch usually feels comfortable after the initial latch-on. Baby should take in more than just the nipple, have flanged lips, stay close to the breast, and swallow rhythmically.

Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?

Some mild tenderness can happen in the beginning, but ongoing sharp, pinching, cracking, or bleeding pain usually means something needs adjusting.

What does a shallow latch look like?

A shallow latch may cause pinching pain, clicking sounds, nipple damage, baby slipping off often, poor milk transfer, or a flattened lipstick-shaped nipple after feeding.

How do I get baby to latch deeper?

 Bring baby close, keep them tummy-to-tummy, wait for a wide open mouth, aim the nipple slightly toward the roof of the mouth, and bring baby to the breast quickly once they open wide.

Why does my baby keep unlatching?

Baby may keep unlatching because of a shallow latch, poor positioning, engorgement, fast letdown, sleepiness, frustration, or difficulty managing milk flow.

What is the best breastfeeding position for latching?

Many moms find laid-back breastfeeding helpful because it allows baby’s natural feeding reflexes to work with gravity. Tummy-to-tummy positioning can also help baby latch more deeply.

Can skin-to-skin help with latching?

Yes. Skin-to-skin can help calm baby, support feeding cues, encourage rooting, and make latching feel less pressured.

Should I unlatch baby if it hurts?

Yes. If the latch feels sharp or pinchy, gently break the suction with a clean finger and try again. Staying in a painful latch can cause more nipple damage.

Can cluster feeding make latching harder?

Yes. During cluster feeding, babies can become frantic and impatient, which may lead to a shallow latch. Feeding earlier, before baby is crying hard, can help.

When should I get help with baby’s latch?

Reach out for support if breastfeeding is painful, baby is not gaining well, nipples are cracked or bleeding, baby keeps slipping off, or feeds feel stressful no matter what you try.

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A Final Note

Getting your baby to latch correctly can take time, patience, and a lot of small adjustments. Breastfeeding may be natural, but that does not mean it always feels easy right away.

A deep latch starts with baby being close, supported, and ready. Bringing baby to the breast, waiting for a wide open mouth, trying laid-back positioning, and using skin-to-skin can all help breastfeeding feel more comfortable and less forced.

If breastfeeding hurts, that is information. You do not have to push through sharp pain, cracked nipples, or constant frustration. With the right support, many latch issues can improve, and sometimes one small change makes feeding feel completely different.