The Best Nipple Cream For Breastfeeding: Nourish And Protect Your Skin In 2023
While breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, it can come with its fair share of challenges, including nipple pain and soreness. But fear not because nipple creams are here to save the day!
In this article, I’ll dive into the world of nipple creams and discuss the best options available for breastfeeding moms. I understand that choosing the right one can be overwhelming, but I’ve got you covered. From organic to natural ingredients, I’ll cover all the features you need to know to make an informed decision and soothe those sore nipples.
Because let’s face it, no one wants to experience pain while feeding their little one. So, sit back, relax, and let me guide you on your journey to finding the best nipple cream for breastfeeding. Trust me, you and your nipples will thank me later!
So what is the best nipple cream for breastfeeding?
Top pick: Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
Best lanolin: Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding
Most hypoallergenic: Medela Purelan Lanolin Cream
Best organic: Bamboobies Organic Nipple Balm
Best herbal: Motherlove Nipple Cream
Best lanolin free: Munchkin Milkmakers All-Natural Nipple Balm
Best luxury: Era Organics Soothing Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding Moms
Best for sensitive skin: The Honest Company Honest Mama Calm Your Nip Balm
Best balm stick: Green & Lovely Calming Nature’s Herbal Nursing Nipple Balm
Best nipple care set: Frida Mom Sore Nipple Set – Cracked Nipple Saline Spray and No-Mess Nipple Cream
Here’s the full list of the best nipple creams for breastfeeding moms:
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
This plant-based organic nipple butter is made with organic ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, mango seed butter and calendula flower extract to moisturize and heal dry, cracked skin. And the best part? It’s lanolin-free and safe for both you and your baby, so you don’t have to worry about wiping it off before nursing.
Not only is Earth Mama Nipple Butter a lifesaver for nursing moms, but it also has multiple uses beyond breastfeeding. Slather it on your lips, cheeks, heels, cuticles, and elbows for some extra hydration and soothing relief.
And let’s not forget about the ethical sourcing of the only non-vegan ingredient, organic beeswax. Earth Mama makes sure to obtain it in a bee-centric manner, so you can feel good about using this product.
Pros: Cons:
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding
Made with a single ingredient, 100% natural lanolin (found in sheep’s wool), this cream provides effective relief to sore and cracked nipples. Say hello to pain-free breastfeeding and enjoy bonding time with your baby.
Not only is Lansinoh HPA Lanolin nipple cream safe, it’s also ethically sourced, BPA and BPS free, and has no taste, color, or smell. You won’t have to remove it before breastfeeding, so it’s easy to apply whenever you need it.
With the British Allergy Foundation seal of approval, this hypoallergenic cream is also versatile. It can be used to comfort sensitive skin, nappy rash, itchy stretch marks, burns, abrasions, and dry skin patches. Plus, mums love using it as a natural moisturizing lip balm.
Awarded Gold in the Mother & Baby awards 2021 for the best product for breastfeeding, it has received rave reviews from 99% of mums who recommend it to other breastfeeding mums.
Pros: Cons:
Medela Purelan Lanolin Cream
Made with 100% natural wool wax (lanolin), Medela lanolin nipple cream helps to restore your skin’s natural moisture balance and keep your skin supple. Dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, Purelan is free from artificial additives and preservatives, making it safe for both you and your baby. And the best part? You don’t need to remove it before breastfeeding.
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Bamboobies Organic Nipple Balm
Bamboobies nipple balm is made with organic and natural ingredients like extra virgin olive and organic coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter, which help soothe and protect sore nipples. The cream is easy to apply and doesn’t need to be wiped off before breastfeeding. It’s safe for both mom and baby to use, as it’s lanolin-free and made with non-toxic ingredients. Plus, it’s made in the USA and recommended by experts.
Pros: Cons:
Motherlove Nipple Cream
Motherlove’s award-winning organic nipple cream can provide relief and comfort to nursing moms. Made with natural ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, shea butter, beeswax, and marshmallow root, this lanolin-free cream is safe for both you and your baby. Use it to soothe sore nipples, moisturize dry skin, lips, and cuticles, and lubricate pump flanges. With no petroleum, parabens, or synthetic fillers, Motherlove Nipple Cream is USDA certified organic, cruelty-free, and clinically tested for irritation.
Pros: Cons:
Munchkin Milkmakers All-Natural Nipple Balm
Milkmakers All-Natural Nipple Balm – the mess-free solution to your breastfeeding journey. This balm is made with 100% natural ingredients, including coconut oil, sunflower seed oil and shea butter, that provide instant relief and nourishment to your delicate skin. The hands-free stick applicator makes it easy to apply without getting your fingers messy or contaminating the balm. Plus, it’s free of lanolin, parabens, petroleum, and artificial fragrance, making it safe for both mom and baby.
Pros: Cons:
Era Organics Soothing Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding Moms
USDA Certified Organic Mommy Balm is a powerful and safe solution to soothe chapped, irritated, and sensitive skin. Made specifically for breastfeeding moms, the ointment provides deep moisturization to calm irritated and cracked skin. The robust formula uses nutrient-rich and 100% natural ingredients, including cocoa seed butter, apricot oil, chamomile extract, and calendula oil, to provide quick and effective relief from chafing, irritation, the appearance of redness, and dry, cracked skin. The hypoallergenic and non-GMO formula is free of harsh chemicals and toxins, making it safe for both nursing moms and babies.
Pros: Cons:
The Honest Company Honest Mama Calm Your Nip Balm
A nourishing, organic nipple cream that’s safe for both you and your baby. Honest Calm Your Nip is with a blend of natural ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, aloe leaf extract and shea butter, this nipple cream is gentle yet effective. Plus, Honest nipple balm it’s not just for your nipples – use it on other dry, sensitive areas like your lips or cuticles for some extra TLC. And the best part? You don’t have to wipe it off before nursing!
Pros: Cons:
Green & Lovely Calming Nature’s Herbal Nursing Nipple Balm
This gentle and effective nipple cream is made with 100% certified organic ingredients, including organic calendula petals, known for their healing properties. The high-quality cream does not contain any water, so a little goes a long way. The mess-free application and portable size make it a convenient choice for on-the-go nursing sessions. Plus, it doubles as a luscious lip balm for chapped lips!
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Frida Mom Sore Nipple Set – Cracked Nipple Saline Spray and No-Mess Nipple Cream
Introducing the A[nip]erol Spritz – the natural solution for sore and cracked nipples! A simple two-step system to soothe and hydrate those tender nips. The Cracked Nipple Saline Spray is a mess-free way to provide relief on-the-go, and the No-Mess Nipple Balm is the perfect way to hydrate and protect your sensitive skin. Plus, the products are made with simple, natural ingredients that are safe for both you and your baby.
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What is nipple cream for breastfeeding?
Nipple cream is a product that is specifically designed to soothe the tender nipples of breastfeeding mothers. It is typically made with ingredients that are safe for babies to ingest, such as extra virgin olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and mango butter. Lanolin nipple creams are also a popular choice.
Nipple creams can help to prevent and treat sore nipples, which can be caused by a variety of factors including poor latch, dry skin, or even just the natural friction of breastfeeding.
Why do you need nipple cream for breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding can cause nipple pain, soreness, and cracking, especially during the first few weeks. The baby’s sucking can cause friction on the nipples (especially elastic ones), leading to soreness and even bleeding. Applying a nipple cream can help soothe and heal sore nipples and prevent further damage plus provide a protective barrier.
It is one of those essential breastfeeding products that very few nursing mothers would ever be without! Bonus – many can double as diaper cream to put in your diaper bag!
How to use nipple cream
To use nipple cream, wait until you have finished a feed with your baby. Apply a small amount to the sore or cracked nipple soon after and, if very tender, place a breast pad in your bra to prevent rubbing. You can reapply the cream as often as needed, but make sure you have read the instructions on the packaging to get the best from the product.
How to choose a nipple cream
When choosing a nipple cream, look for the following features:
- Safe and non-toxic: The best nipple creams are safe for you and your baby. Not all nipple creams are free from parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Steer clear of anything containing petroleum jelly, which isn’t safe for your baby to ingest.
- Organic and natural: Some mothers prefer an organic and natural nipple cream that is free of synthetic fragrances. They are generally recognized as safe for babies who may ingest small amounts of cream during breastfeeding.
- Soothing and moisturizing: The cream should be soothing and moisturizing to provide relief to sore and cracked nipples.
- Easy to apply: The cream should be easy to apply and not require much effort or mess.
- Easy to transport: Some moms like to carry a smaller version of their favorite cream in the diaper bag when out and about then have a second larger tub at home – this way they are never too far from nip relief!
Are nipple creams safe to use directly before breastfeeding?
It depends on the specific nipple cream. Some creams must be wiped off before breastfeeding, while others do not need to be. Most of the nipple creams on the market are designed to be completely safe for babies with no need to remove them before feeding but be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them accordingly. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult your doctor or lactation consultant for advice.
Can Using Nipple Cream Help with Bottle Refusal in Breastfed Babies?
Using nipple cream can definitely help with bottle refusal in breastfed babies. When transitioning to bottle feeding, choosing the best bottle for breastfed baby is essential. The right bottle, combined with nipple cream, can make the process much smoother for both the baby and the parents.
Tips for preventing nipple soreness while breastfeeding
Preventing sore nipples from ever occurring is always the best strategy but, when feeding your newborn up to 8 times in 24hrs, even the hardiest of nips are going to be put to quite a test!
That said, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure your baby is latching correctly: A good latch is essential to prevent nipple soreness and maintain your milk supply. Your baby’s mouth should cover most of the areola, and the nipple should be at the back of his/her mouth.
- Switch sides often: some moms like to tie a little ribbon to their bra strap on the side that their baby last fed. This ensures that both boobs are getting the same workout!
- Avoid using rough materials: don’t be tempted to scrub your nipples to ‘toughen them up’. This is a very old wives tale and, not only will scrubbing not toughen anything, it will cause severe pain and damage to extremely delicate skin!
- Take a break: if the soreness persists, take a break from breastfeeding and express milk until your nipples recover. There is an old myth that your baby will forget how to latch if you use a bottle – once or twice to give your nipple a chance to rest won’t make any difference!
- Consider a pacifier: Another myth is that using a pacifier will definitely cause nipple confusion. There are some fantastic options now that are unlikely to cause such an issue and can give you a well-deserved break especially if your baby is the type just to sit on the boob for hours!
- Apply nipple cream: check out my recommendations (above) and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect one for you.
- Change positions: Switching breastfeeding positions can help reduce pressure on sore nipples. A different feeding position can completely change a baby’s latch and they all have a preferred position!
- Use breast pads: Breast pads can absorb excess breast milk and prevent nipple irritation.
- Avoid tight clothing: Wearing tight bras or clothing can cause friction on the nipples and lead to soreness. Now is the time to prioritize comfort over fashion!
When to consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider
If, at any point during your breastfeeding journey, you would like some emotional support, latching guidance, encouragement, or simply another experienced pair of eyes to assess your baby’s feeding, then get in touch with a lactation specialist immediately.
Usually, pain or excessive fussiness when feeding is due to a latching issue – lactation specialists are experts in this field and will be able to help you ensure your baby latches properly. They can also recognize if there may be an underlying medical problem, such as thrush or bacterial infection, or even tongue tie, and can advise you to seek further care from a healthcare provider.
Certainly, if you experience severe or persistent nipple pain or soreness, it’s essential to consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. There is no reason to suffer alone and a few visits with someone who offers support may be just what you need to help you successfully breastfeed your baby.
Breastfeeding is not a solo sport! Throughout centuries moms have sought help from learned women to help them with techniques and strategies to optimize their breastfeeding.
If finding a lactation consultant is tricky check out my breastfeeding book recommendations.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience between mom and baby, but let’s be real – it can also be a real pain in the…nipples. Ouch! That’s where nipple cream comes in! This magic potion can soothe and heal sore nipples, making breastfeeding a more comfortable experience.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right nipple cream? Well, first things first – look for a safe and natural option that will moisturize those tender nips. Bonus points if it’s easy to apply (because let’s face it, you’ve got your hands full!).
And if you’re still experiencing persistent pain or soreness, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for extra support. They’re there to help you through the ups and downs of this journey.
In short, finding the perfect nipple cream can make all the difference in your breastfeeding journey. So take a deep breath, slather on some good nipple cream, and enjoy those sweet moments with your baby.
Final thoughts
I breastfed both of my children for over 12 months and I remember those early days well! The toe-curling pain of a nipple fissure and the anguish of seeing another damaged nipple – it was enough for me to ask myself “When does breastfeeding get easier?!” but then a friend handed me a tube of nipple cream and it was an absolute game changer! From that day on it was never far from my side and even to this day I use it as a lip balm or for any skin irritations my children have.
An essential breastfeeding item for sure and one that I always give to any mom friends when their new babies are born!
FAQ’s
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