Ever wondered how much breast milk your baby is actually getting? A new wearable device, the Coro Lactation Monitor, promises to provide those answers. Irish startup Coroflo introduced this innovative monitor at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where it garnered multiple awards, including Best Parent Engineer.
At first, it may look like the traditional silicone nipple shields that mothers have relied on for years. These shields help babies latch and protect delicate skin. What sets this one apart, though, is its unique, tiny non-invasive sensor nestled inside.
This patented sensor measures the milk flow through the shield, relaying that information to a smartphone app. This allows mothers to track how much milk their baby consumes in real-time.
Susie Benson, Coroflo’s director of growth, explained that the data collected can help mothers monitor their milk production week-by-week. “It also records breastfeeding duration and the total milk amount from each breast,” she shared at CES. “We are the first and only to be able to quantify this.”
Breast Case Scenario
There are undoubtedly numerous benefits of breastfeeding for infants. Breast milk evolves to meet the changing needs of a growing baby, containing an optimal mix of fats, proteins, and nutrients.
Moreover, it’s packed with antibodies that can protect babies from infections and chronic conditions. Studies have indicated that breastfed infants face lower risks of asthma, eczema, obesity, type 1 diabetes, allergies, and even a reduced likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
There are also advantages for mothers. Breastfeeding is cost-effective and may facilitate quicker postpartum recovery while minimizing risks for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
This is why organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about six months, and ideally continuing for at least a year alongside other foods.
However, many mothers find it challenging to stick with it. Although 83% start breastfeeding at birth, only 55% are still doing so by six months, according to the CDC.
“One major reason for this drop-off is concerns about supply,” Benson noted. The reality is that most mothers produce enough milk; yet, factors like irregular breastfeeding patterns or discomfort can lead to anxiety about insufficient supply.
If babies are fussier than usual, it can further confuse mothers, sometimes pushing them to switch to bottle-feeding earlier than anticipated due to insecurities.
Dr. Helen Barry, a co-founder of Coroflo, developed this device inspired by her experience with her small newborn, where monitoring weight gain was vital.
When she was a new mom, the only ways to gauge milk supply were unreliable methods like weighing the baby or uncertain pre-and post-feeding checks. This often added stress to an already overwhelming situation.
Barry collaborated with her husband, who specializes in flow sensing, and others to create Coro, aiming to eliminate guesswork in breastfeeding.
When Can Moms Get It?
The Coro Lactation Monitor will be available in Europe next month and in the U.S. in September, retailing for $299. The complementary app will be free for users.
Initially, it will come in one medium size, with small and large options to follow. Expecting mothers can find sizing information on Coroflo’s website to see what might fit best.
The device is user-friendly and can be simply cleaned with soap and water. It includes a small carrying case for charging and operates wirelessly without needing extra hardware. It’s also BPA-free and free from other harmful substances.
While babies generally accept the device during testing, Coroflo suggests that moms might want to practice using a standard nipple protector first to ensure their child is comfortable with it before making a purchase.
