Breastfeeding is a wonderful opportunity for a mother and child to bond while providing nourishment.
However, it can also be a challenging experience due to nipple discomforts, such as itchiness, bleeding, cracking, or dryness.
Fortunately, this article provides twelve exceptional nipple creams for breastfeeding that can help alleviate these discomforts by providing soothing, healing, and moisturizing benefits.
- Overall Best – Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
- Best Organic – Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
- Best Coconut Oil Cream – Honest Company Calm Your Nip Balm
- Best For Cracked Nipple – Mother love Breastfeeding Nipple Cream
- Easiest to Apply – Munchkin Milkshakers All-natural Nipple Balm
- Best Thick Cream – Medela Purelan 100
- Best For Natural Ingredients – Weleda Nipple Cream Balm
- Best Unscented – Lansinoh Organic Nipple Cream
- Best Long Lasting – Dr. Lipp’s Original Nipple Cream
- Best Vegan – Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Cream
- Best Budget Nipple Cream – Palmer Cocoa Butter
- Best For Least Amount of Waste – My Expert Midwife No Harm Nipple Balm
Nipple Cream For Breastfeeding
Nipple Creams are typically made of lanolin, but recently, new types have been made of other soothing ingredients like coconut oil, Shea butter, and olive oil.
Lanolin is a form of fat obtained from sheep’s wool. It is purified, used to produce gentle creams on the skin, and safe for babies to ingest.
So far, lanolin is the only ingredient for nipple cream recommended by the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP). It is gentle and doesn’t require washing it off before breastfeeding.
12 Best Nipple Creams For Breastfeeding
Overall Best Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
This budget-friendly nipple cream is made purely with purified lanolin, making it safe for ingestion.
It easily glides on the skin, so you don’t have to rub the nipples to absorb it, especially considering the nipples could be sore and painful.
It creates a barrier between the nipples and other fabrics, like breast pads, nursing bras, or shirts, to prevent them from sticking and causing more pain.
| Pros | Cons |
| It is gentle on the skin and not sticky | It leaves residual stains on undergarments |
| It comes in a mini version that is easy to carry about. |
Specs
- Emollient ingredients are lanolin
- Size: 1.41 or 0.25 ounces
- Price: $11 for 1.41 oz at Amazon, $10 for 1.41oz at buybuyBaby, $9 for 1.41 oz at Target, and $9 for 1.41 oz at Walmart.
Moms review
“Lansinoh lanolin has been a godsend for me. I tried Medelas nipple cream during my first pregnancy, but it was sticky. Lansinoh is much better in my opinion.”
“I use the lansinoh nipple cream! It is a life saver!!”
“Use lansinoh nipple cream, your nipples will be glad you did early once baby is nursing.”
Best Organic Nipple Cream
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
Earth Mama nipple cream from beeswax, mango, Shea butter, and cocoa is plant-based.
Unlike most nipple creams, Earth Mama’s nipple cream is lanolin and gluten-free, making it a perfect option for allergic mothers.
Earth Mama’s nipple cream contains cocoa and Shea butter, which effectively seals in moisture to alleviate discomfort and soreness in cracked nipples.
This gentle cream is infused with calendula, which boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe nipple swelling and prevent infections. It is an ideal companion to make the transitioning process smoother and easier.
This product carries a pleasant chocolate scent and a light texture that allows easy application without excessive rubbing.
Moms trying other lanolin-based products said it soothes dry and cracked skin better than lanolin.
Even though it has a buttery feel like petroleum jelly, it is not as thick. The buttery feel helps to create a skin barrier to keep the moisture in.
Since Earth Mama’s cream is organic, you don’t have to wipe it off before breastfeeding because it is safe for babies to ingest.
| Pros | Cos |
| It is organic | It is safe for ingestion. |
| It is gluten-free | |
| It is safe for ingestion |
Specs
- Emollient ingredients: Olive oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, Shea butter, mango seed butter
- Size: 1 or 2 oz
- Price: $14 for 2 oz at Amazon, $14 for 2 oz at Target, $14 for 2 oz at buybuyBaby.
Moms review
“Earth Mama nipple butter is AMAZING! Moisturizing the milk knobs is crucial to prevent cracking and bleeding. Additionally, it can alleviate the discomfort of toe-curling pain caused by baby latching on.”
“The only thing that has worked for me is Earth Mama nipple butter. My nipples cracked and bled with my second baby and nothing healed them except Earth Mama.”
“I’ve been using it since I started breastfeeding and haven’t had any cracked nips.”
“100% Earth Mama. You can also use coconut oil but this cream works great.”
Best Coconut Oil Nipple Cream
Honest Company Calm Your Nip Balm
Natural coconut oil is also a good option for a nipple lubricant. It moisturizes, soothes, and heals cracked nipples. However, it can be greasy and stain your cloth.
Also, you rarely find it in portable sizes in grocery stores. Another option is the Calm Your Nip Balm from the Honest Company. This product contains coconut oil and is available in convenient, easy-to-use tubes.
The Honest Company Calm, Your Nip Balm, is a hypoallergenic, unscented balm that is light and spreads easily.
It is made with USDA-organic ingredients that are gentle on the mother and safe for the baby so you don’t have to clean it before breastfeeding.
| Pros | Cons |
| You don’t have to warm or press too hard to remove the balm. | You don’t have to warm or press too hard to remove the balm. |
| It is made with organic ingredients. | |
| It has a smooth texture. |
Specs
- Emollient ingredients such as canola oil, coconut oil, beeswax, Shea butter, jojoba seed extract, soybean oil
- Size: 1.75 oz
- Price: $14 at Amazon, $14 at Target, and $15 at buybuyBaby.
Moms review
“I’ve been using the Honest nipple balm since I started nursing and it has saved my nipples!”
“I used the nipple balm from the Honest Company, and it helped relieve pain. As a first-time mom, breastfeeding was painful until I started using the cream, and then my nipples got used to it.”
Best Nipple Cream For Cracked Nipples
Motherlove Breastfeeding Nipple Cream
For those seeking a solution to heal cracked nipples, Motherlove Breastfeeding Nipple Cream is an excellent choice for providing soothing relief and speeding up the healing process.
This nipple cream boasts a potent blend of marshmallow root, certified organic calendula, olive oil, beeswax, and Shea butter. These ingredients work in unison to deliver unparalleled relief and restoration to dry and injured nipples.
It is free from parabens, phthalates, or other synthetic fibers, making it safe for ingestion.
| Pros | Cons |
| It has a smooth and silky texture. | You can’t easily find it in stores unless you order it online. |
| It is perfect for women with chapped nipples. | |
| It has a nice mild smell. |
Specs
- Emollient ingredients: olive oil, beeswax, Shea butter.
- Size: 1 or 2 oz
- Price: $13 for 1 oz at Amazon, $13 for 1 oz at Target, $13 for 1 oz at Motherlove.
Moms review
“Every mom in my nursing group loves this Nipple Cream. My nipples also just cracked for the first time at few months and this cream has helped a lot.”
According to one mom, she said “This cream worked way better than lanolin for me.”
“Motherlove Nipple Cream is wonderful. The lactation consultant approved it and it worked and also smells nice too. Most importantly, it heals.”
Easiest To Apply Nipple Cream
Munchkin Milkshakers All-natural Nipple Balm
All nipple creams are great in one way or the other; each brand is unique. Despite their differences, these products have a common issue: they can be messy to apply.
If you make a mistake, the creams can easily smear all over you. And that is where the Munchkin Milkshakers All-natural Nipple Balm comes in.
The Munchkin Milkshakers All-natural Nipple Balm comes in a stick applicator that makes the entire process seamless and mess-free. It glides on like deodorant with a single twist, leaving no stains on your hands.
This product is ideal for women with sore nipples, as it has an applicator and a smooth, buttery texture that eliminates the need to rub it in with their fingers, which can worsen the pain.
Its ingredients include sunflower seed wax, rice bran oil, Shea butter, and coconut oil, all plant-based, meaning it doesn’t need to be wiped off before breastfeeding. Additionally, it’s free of artificial fragrances, petroleum, and lanolin.
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| Pros | Cons |
| The application is seamless and inclusive for women with chapped and sore nipples. | Not convenient to fit into small purses or diaper bags. |
| It has an evenly smooth texture. |
Specs
- Emollient ingredients: coconut oil, Shea butter, rice bran oil, sunflower seed oil, sunflower seed Shea butter.
- Size: 1 oz
- Price: $13 for 1 oz at Amazon, $13 for 1 oz at Target, $14 for 1 oz at Munchkin.
Best Thick Nipple Cream
Medela Purelan 100
Like Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve, Medela’s Purelan lanolin cream has a thick consistency that soothes and shields even the most cracked and painful nipples. This cream is made with natural ingredients, making it safe for your baby. You don’t have to remove it before feeding.
Additionally, it helps strengthen your skin’s natural barrier properties.
This product won the Best New Mum/Maternity Skincare Product category in the 2020 Mother&Baby Awards and received a Silver award.
| Pros | Cons |
| It can be used for other patches of dry skin | Sticky formula |
| It is affordable | May stain clothing |
Specs
- This cream is hypoallergenic – it is suitable for people with allergies.
- It has no additives, preservatives, or added fragrances.
Moms review
“Since I started nursing, my nipple has become quite sensitive, and this balm relieved a lot of that discomfort after a few days of use. The balm is also small, so I can carry it and use it on the go.”
“As a first-time mom, I had sore nipples during the 1-2 months of breastfeeding, and this cream helped relieve some discomfort.” It didn’t cure it completely, but it was nice to have something to help. However, it does feel sticky and leaves a yellow stain on my nursing pads. The cream does not need to be removed before feeding, which is nice.”
Best For Natural Ingredients
Weleda Nipple Cream Balm
Known for its natural ingredients, Weleda’s Nipple Balm is made with organic calendula, nourishing plant oils, and protective waxes. It is one of the easiest nipple creams to use and must not be removed before feeding.
The product was shortlisted for the Best Breastfeeding Product (excluding breast pumps) 2019 Mother & Baby Awards category.
| Pros | Cons |
| Developed by midwives and pharmacists | Sticky formula |
| Natural ingredients |
Specs
- It is made with organic calendula, nourishing plant oils, and protective waxes.
Moms Review
“Due to the nice, premium packaging and texture, using this cream felt more like a treat. Since it is so pretty, it isn’t embarrassing to leave it out or keep it handy in your purse.”
“My experience with it has been as effective as I have with other nipple creams, and I would recommend it as an alternative to the leading brand, which is more expensive. Visually, it is appealing, and I can easily store it in my bedside drawer or handbag when needed.”
Best Unscented
Lansinoh Organic Nipple Cream
Lansinoh claims that their nipple balm is free of scent and taste, making it a viable choice for breastfeeding infants who may react negatively to creams containing fragrances.
| Pros | Cons |
| It is suitable for use as a pump lubricant | Some moms find it difficult to apply at room temperature |
| Organic, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free | Some moms dislike the smell |
| Lower cost than other options |
Specs
- It is 100% USDA-certified organic
- It is hypoallergenic
- Contains sunflower seed oil, olive oil, beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, calendula extract, and argan oil.
- It is free from parabens, petroleum, and preservatives.
Best Long Lasting
Dr. Lipp’s Original Nipple Cream
Multi-award-winning Lanolin products are known for their long-lasting moisture and glossy finish. Made with 100 percent pure medical-grade Lanolin, they can be used for almost anything you want to keep moist.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ideal for lips and nipples | A very small tube |
| Lasts for hours |
Specs
- It is made with 100 percent pure medical-grade Lanolin.
Moms Review
“I have been using this product since I had my first child and I must say that I absolutely adore it. If you’re searching for a thick, non-sticky, and long-lasting balm, then Dr. Lipp is the perfect choice for you. Although the price may seem a bit steep for the small tube, the product lasts for months.”
Best Vegan
Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Cream
A plant-based substitute for medical-grade lanolin is used in this nipple cream, which is suitable for vegans.
It is made with vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil, kernel oil, avocado oil, and sunflower seed oil.
It is also free of fragrances, parabens, petroleum, lanolin, alcohol, sulfates, and SLS, and the packaging is recyclable.
| Pros | Cons |
| Vegan | Cost higher than other options |
| Multipurpose |
Specs
- Size: 1 oz
- It contains a plant-based substitute for medical-grade lanolin
Best Budget Nipple Cream
Palmer Cocoa Butter Nursing Cream
According to Palmer, this nursing cream can moisturize and protect your nipples while relieving dryness and chafing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable than most other option | Not cruelty-free |
Specs
- Size – 1.1 oz
- Ingredients include cocoa butter, petroleum jelly, and vitamin B5.
- It is free from parabens and phthalates.
Best For The Least Amount Of Waste
The No Harm Nipple Balm from My Expert Midwife is a game-changer with two significant advantages. Its airless pump promotes hygiene and reduces product usage by requiring only two pumps.
The balm’s thick and quick-absorbing formula eliminates the need to wipe it off before breastfeeding, thanks to its 100% natural composition. With its nice scent and convenient pump, every last bit of the No Harm Nipple Balm is utilized effectively.
Notably, the Mother&Baby Awards shortlisted this product in the Best Product for Breastfeeding (excluding breast pumps) category 2019.
| Pros | Cons |
| It has a unique bottle pump design | Consistency is a little runny |
| Pleasant smell |
Specs
- It is 100% natural
- Unique pump design
Moms Review
“The No Harm Nipple Balm provides fast relief upon application and helps to prevent future occurrences of cracked nipples. It is effortless to apply and does not affect breastfeeding. Its dispenser design allows for minimal wastage by dispensing small amounts. Though it may be pricier, it offers more applications and less waste in the long run.”
Do I Need A Nipple Cream?
Breastfeeding is an unpredictable adventure. You can’t tell how it’ll go until you’re in it. For women with already dry skin, it is good to keep a nipple cream handy because the constant sucking on the nipples can cause bleeding.
In general, nipple creams are safe for all breastfeeding mothers except those with preexisting skin conditions.
In that case, there’s a need to consult a doctor. Ironically, nipple creams are not exclusive to breastfeeding moms.
Women who pump breast milk can make the process easier and more convenient by using nipple creams as a lubricant.
What To Look For In Nipple Creams
Choosing a nipple cream should be based on personal preference because of the diversity of the products available.
Some moms sensitive to smell prefer creams with little to no smell. Others are a matter of convenience. However, if you’re still lost on what to look for in nipple creams, here are some hints to guide you.
Ingredients
In the past, lanolin has been the go-to emollient for breast creams. However, for mothers sensitive to lanolin, plant-based ingredients are now being utilized in these creams.
Most ingredients are written on the description label for you to decide which ingredient you prefer.
Texture
Some nipple creams are grainy and difficult to apply, especially on sore nipples. Choose creams with an evenly smooth texture that is easy to apply.
Packaging
For the sake of convenience, choose creams that are portable and sizable to fit into your purse or diaper bags.
What to avoid in nipple creams
Being aware of the ingredients in nipple creams is crucial, especially if your baby comes into contact with them while feeding.
It’s important to steer clear of parabens regarding your cosmetics. These preservatives may extend the shelf life of your products, but studies have shown they can interfere with hormone levels in your body. To safeguard your well-being, opt for paraben-free products.
The FDA is currently evaluating their safety. Phthalates are another ingredient to watch out for, and the FDA is monitoring them to determine if they pose a risk.
Some nipple creams contain lanolin, a yellow fat from sheep’s wool that can help ease pain and chafing. However, if you’re vegan, choose a product without lanolin or beeswax.
Lanolin is generally considered safe, but it’s up to personal preference whether or not to use animal-derived products.
Related Post: How To Stimulate Nipples To Induce Labor
Is Nipple Cream Safe For Breastfeeding?
Before nursing, it’s important to ensure that any nipple creams, balms, or butter you use do not contain unsafe ingredients for your baby.
Some creams like Lanolin are safe to leave on, but if your baby has an issue with taste or odor, it’s best to remove them. Always read the label instructions and consult your healthcare provider for any questions.
When should I start using nipple cream during pregnancy?
Mothers have varying preferences on when to begin using nipple cream. Some opt to start using it during the final trimester to prepare for feeding, while others begin after the baby is born and feeding begins.
This choice is personal and entirely yours. Your breasts and nipples undergo significant changes during pregnancy, and some mothers may experience dryness before delivery, so applying nipple balm can offer relief.
When to see a doctor
If your nipples remain cracked or painful after trying self-care for several days, it’s best to consider seeing a doctor or lactation consultant for assistance.
A lactation consultant can help you identify and resolve any breastfeeding issues causing cracked nipples. They may also prescribe medication to aid in healing and prevent further complications.
Untreated cracked nipples may result to:
- bleeding nipples
- reduced milk supply
- mastitis
- breast abscess
- severe breast pain
If you have the symptoms mentioned above and cannot find relief from home remedies like nipple creams, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide further assistance.
Related Post: How To Increase Nipple Size For Feeding
Conclusion
During breastfeeding, the nipples become more tender and can easily get injured. Babies who have begun teething sometimes munch on the nipples to soothe themselves, which can lead to bleeding.
It’s worth noting that nipple creams for breastfeeding often contain anti-inflammatory properties. These creams effectively lubricate dry and cracked nipples, prevent soreness, and facilitate the healing process for sore nipples.