How to Spot a Shallow Latch and Make it Better
Is your baby’s latch causing you pain or frustration? You’re not alone. It’s natural to worry about your baby’s latch, especially if feeding doesn’t feel comfortable or consistent. The truth is that a baby’s latch can vary, and it’s not always either “perfect” or “shallow.” In this blog, we’ll help you recognize the signs of a shallow latch and share some tips to make feeding more comfortable for both you and your baby.
What Is a Shallow vs. Deep Latch?
A shallow latch happens when your baby’s mouth only covers the nipple or just part of the areola. This can cause discomfort for you and make feeding less effective for your baby. On the other hand, a deep latch means that more of your areola is in your baby’s mouth, leading to a more comfortable and efficient feeding session.
The pictures below show this difference: the baby on the left has a shallow latch, while the baby on the right demonstrates a deeper latch with more of the areola in their mouth, leading to a more comfortable and effective feed.
Why Does a Shallow Latch Happen?
There are several reasons why a shallow latch might occur:
✔ Your baby may not open their mouth wide enough before latching.
✔ They may slide back onto the nipple after initially latching deeply.
✔ Tension or coordination issues in your baby’s oral muscles can make it harder for them to maintain a deep latch.
✔ Your baby’s position might be uncomfortable, which can cause them to latch shallow to feel more supported.
Key Tip: A shallow latch isn’t your fault. The way you support your baby while feeding matters, but it's only part of the story. Your baby’s latch reflects how their feeding reflexes and muscles are working. Improving the latch often means working with your baby’s unique feeding abilities.
Signs Your Baby’s Latch Might Be Shallow
A shallow latch can be tricky to spot, especially if feeding feels inconsistent. Here are some common signs that your baby’s latch might be shallow:
1. Pain or Discomfort During Latching
If latching causes pinching, pulling, or soreness (especially if the pain lasts throughout the feed), it’s a strong sign that the nipple isn’t far enough back in your baby’s mouth, causing the latch to be shallow.
2. Chewing or Sucking the Nipple
If your baby seems to chew, slurp, or pull the nipple into their mouth, they might not be opening their mouth wide enough for a deeper latch.
3. Not Opening Widely Before Latching
A baby’s latch can only be as deep as how wide they open their mouth. If your baby isn’t opening their mouth as wide as they do for a big yawn before latching, the latch is likely shallow.
4. Bottom Lip Positioned Near the Base of Your Nipple
After your baby latches, gently pull back their cheeks to see their lip placement. If the bottom lip is closer to the center of the nipple, the latch is likely shallow. Ideally, your baby’s lip should be closer to the edge of your areola.
5. Jaw Angle and Mouth Opening
A deep latch usually results in a wide-open mouth with a jaw angle of about 140 degrees. If your baby’s jaw looks tight or their mouth isn’t open wide, the latch is probably shallow.
Image Reference: This image compares a baby with a tight jaw (shallow latch) to a baby with a wide-open jaw (deep latch). The angle of the jaw and how wide the mouth is open are key indicators of latch depth.
How to Fix a Shallow Latch
If you’ve identified signs that your baby’s latch might be shallow, here are some practical strategies to encourage a deeper, more comfortable latch:
💡 Feed Early in the Hunger Cycle:
A calm baby is more likely to achieve a deep latch. Feeding before your baby gets too frantic can help them relax and open their mouth more widely.
💡 Use Your Baby’s Natural Reflexes:
Babies have reflexes that help them latch deeply. Let your baby’s chin make contact with your breast first; this triggers their mouth to open wide and prepares them for a better latch.
💡 Position Your Baby for Comfort:
Your baby should be fully supported, with their chin leading the latch. Make sure their nose is level with the nipple, and their head is slightly tilted back.
💡 Relatch When Needed:
It’s okay to pause, gently break the latch, and try again if it doesn’t feel right. With practice, these small adjustments will become second nature.
💡 Seek Professional Support:
If feeding is still painful or your baby is struggling to latch deeply despite your efforts, reach out for help. A lactation consultant or feeding specialist can assess your baby’s latch and oral function, providing personalized guidance to make feeding easier for both of you.
Key Tip: Not every latch has to be perfect—that’s part of the learning process. If shallow latches or pain persist, outside help can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts: A Shallow Latch is Just Information
A shallow latch isn’t a scorecard for you or your baby. It’s simply a clue about how feeding is going. By recognizing the signs and making small adjustments, you can create a feeding experience that works for both of you. Instead of seeing latching as something you’re doing right or wrong, think of it as an opportunity to learn how you and your baby feed best—together.
Need More Help? Check Out These Related Blogs
Why Your Baby Slides Shallow After Latching—And How to Help: Learn the top reasons your baby slides shallow and what you can do to help.
Exploring Feeding Positions: How to make latching comfortable. Learn how to find the right feeding position for you and your baby.
The Gaping Reflex: The Hidden Secret to Your Baby's Best Latch: Learn all about how to engage your baby's gaping reflex and get your best latch.
Struggling with Latch Pain?
If latch pain or feeding challenges are making breastfeeding or chestfeeding feel overwhelming, my Reflexive™ Latching Guide is here to help. This step-by-step guide will show you how to work with your baby’s natural reflexes to get a deep, comfortable latch, so feeding feels good.
⭐ Click Here to Get a Better Latch
Have More Questions? Check Out These Related Resources:
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