11 Best Nipple Creams For Breastfeeding

If you have ever experienced sore or even cracked nipples from breastfeeding then you need a high quality nipple cream to help heal and soothe your pain.

When you’re pregnant, you can’t help but think about how much your life is going to change when that little bundle of joy arrives. You’ll have less sleep and more laundry, but the best part will be breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding has been proven to provide a number of health benefits for both mom and baby! But even though breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t come without challenges. One challenge many moms face is sore or cracked nipples which makes nursing difficult at best.

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In the early days of breastfeeding, moms often power through but nipple cream sure can help along the way to heal and soothe. New moms may need nipple cream to soothe them since they aren’t used to so much suction, but it can also get cracked from a poor latch.

If this sounds like something you’ve dealt with before or are currently dealing with now, we recommend trying one (or all) of these 11 nipple creams before giving up on nursing altogether!

Why Do Breastfeeding Moms Need Nipple Cream?

Nipple cream is not absolutely necessary but it sure can be a lifesaver! If you have ever struggled with nipple pain from nursing your newborn you definitely understand the importance of having a bottle on hand.

When I started breastfeeding my first baby it helped so much to have some to soothe in-between feedings.

For some, using nipple cream is helpful just to soothe since they aren’t used to so much suction. For others, it helps heal dry and cracked nipples. Having cracked nipples is common but it is a result of an improper latch so be sure to seek help from a lactation consultant to improve the latch.

Breastfeeding should be a pain-free experience but in the beginning, there can be challenges and these creams can help you along the way.

It can also be used just before pumping. Frequent pumping sessions when you are new to pumping or trying to boost your milk supply can leave you feeling sore.

Nipple creams can act as a lubricant before and after you pump to help soothe.

When and How To Apply Nipple Creams

There are so many things to learn when you are just starting to breastfeed and when to apply nipple cream is an important one.

Apply liberally to the nipple just after each nursing session and as much as needed throughout the day.

If you apply it just before feeding, it will more likely not have enough time to work and will just be sucked off while nursing.

As for using breast pumps, apply it liberally before and after pumping.

What To Look For When Buying Nipple Cream

There are a lot of options out there when looking for the best nipple cream for breastfeeding! But be sure to find the ones that only have high quality ingredients with organic shea butter and vitamin e to help stay moisturize tender nipples and without any harmful ingredients. If you check the label and you can’t read the ingredients then it’s best to choose a better option for you and your baby.

Things you need to watch out for are:

Synthetic or added ingredients are never needed and can be harmful to your endocrine system.

Alcohol based products will dry out your skin which can worsen the problem of dry cracked nipples.

Lanolin based creams are wool based and are commonly sprayed with pesticides.

Numbing agents are a common ingredient and might help in the short term but in the long run they don’t heal the cracks and they don’t help the cause of the problem. Plus not only is it numbing you but it also could be numbing your baby’s mouth which isn’t helpful for oral and motor development.

When choosing a nipple cream, clean and simple ingredients are best for you and your baby. Natural products can be just as effective and safe for you and your baby. Here are my top picks for the best nipple creams.

Related Article: Best Probiotics Your Should Be Taking While Breastfeeding

Tips For Applying Nipple Cream

When applying nipple cream there are a few tips that will help them heal fast for better results.

Wash your hands before applying to prevent introducing bacteria and causing infection.

If your nipples are cracked it is important to keep them wet and moisturized. This is called “wet wound healing”. Keep applying the cream liberally to keep them wet until they have healed.

Apply the cream after every feeding.

Make sure to change your breast pads often to prevent any bacteria from growing and causing infection.

Is Nipple cream safe for babies?

Yes. Always make sure to buy the best nipple cream for breastfeeding that have very clean and simple ingredients. Since your baby will be ingesting small amounts when nursing or will be in your breast milk when pumping. It’s important to use cleaner ingredients whenever possible and avoid pure lanolin products, lanolin cream is not safe for your baby to ingest.

How To Prevent Cracked Nipples

Be sure to check the latch every time you are breastfeeding. If possible, follow up with a lactation consultant to make sure the baby still has a proper latch.

It’s important to have the baby’s lips flanged out almost like “fish lips” so they are getting a deep enough latch but also not constantly irritating the same area.

You can also try different breastfeeding positions to help give some areas a break when needed.

Preventing dry nipples is important especially when your nipples are cracked. Keeping them moisturized will help them heal faster.

Other Tips for Comfort

Use a warm wet washcloth before pumping or nursing to help prevent pain.

Use a cold compress after to help soothe. You can use a cool wet washcloth or these cool pads that fit into your bra and soothe after you are done nursing.

Be sure to check out the Best Nursing Chairs to make breastfeeding as easy as possible for you!

The Best Nipple Creams

Earth Mama Vegan Nipple Butter

This vegan option is great to soothe your dry and cracked nipples.It’s made with organic olive oil base and has a flower extract to smell amazing. You can use this right after or before breastfeeding, just before pumping, or even used to heal dry lips or cheeks. Some moms even said their dryness and cracked nippled healed overnight!

 

PROS

• Quickly heals dryness and cracks
• Vegan formula
• Free on Beeswax for allergies

CONS

• If you buy this product that has been sitting a while, it tends to get clumpy

Buy it on Amazon | Earth Mama

Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream by Earth Mama

Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter is a great natural nipple cream for you and your baby. I love that it is non-GMO since your baby will be ingesting small amounts, it’s important to have clean ingredients. Even better is you don’t need to wipe it off before nursing since the last thing you need is more friction on your already sore nipples. Some moms don’t love the coco butter smell but I love it!

 

PROS

• Trusted by NICUs
• Great for sensitive skin
• 100% organic
• Long lasting

CONS

• Can have a grainy texture before being melted
• Cocoa butter smell

Buy it on Amazon | Earth Mama

Motherlove Nipple Cream

This is a great organic and plant-based option. I love that it’s lanolin-free to keep it safe for your baby. It is completely free of animal products and there is no beeswax for those that may have an allergic reaction to it. The main ingredient is extra virgin olive oil and it is made with ingredients like shea butter and marshmallow root to moisturize and soothe dry skin. Moms say it’s great and feels lightweight. It’s perfect for keeping your nipples moisturized.

 

PROS

• Plant-based product
• Women-owned business
• Planet over profit business
• Certified organic

CONS

• Not for very sensitive skin
• Higher price point

Buy it on Amazon

Tiny Human Organic Nipple Cream

This is another great organic option that is lanolin-free. I love that it’s tasteless and orderless so it won’t turn your baby away or if you are sensitive to smells. Moms say it’s very easy to spread and there is no sticky residue left behind.

 

PROS

• Small business
• Fast relief
• No sticky residue
• Certified organic

CONS

• Higher price point
• Can have a grainy texture before being melted

Buy it on Amazon

Pink Stork Nipple Cream

This organic nipple cream is made with jojoba oil, coconut oil, and shea butter to moisturize dry and cracked nipples. It is made lanolin-free so it’s safe to use before breastfeeding. I love that it’s third-party tested to ensure that it is completely safe for your baby! It also has anti-inflammatory properties that will help heal dry and chapped nipples.

 

PROS

• 100% organic
• Great for sensitive skin
• Women owned business
• Has anti-inflammatory properties

CONS

• Can have a grainy texture before being melted
• Higher price point

Buy it on Amazon

Munchkin Milkmakers Twist-Stick Nipple Balm

I love this design that makes the application easy and mess-free. It’s made with coconut oil and shea butter to have long-lasting moisture and to quickly heal dry, sore nipples. If you have really cracked nipples though, I would recommend a more traditional applicator. Some moms said this was a bit difficult to get on when their nipples were at their worst.

 

PROS

• Mess-free applicator
• Cruelty-free product
• Easy to apply
• Long-lasting

CONS

• If you are too sore the stick can be difficult to touch
• Some don’t care for the smell

Buy it on Amazon

Bella B Nurturing Nipple Butter

This nipple butter is made with shea butter and mango butter to completely moisturize the skin. You can use this before and after breastfeeding to prevent them from getting dry and cracked. It also works great as a lubricant for pumping.

 

PROS

• Can be used before nursing as a barrier
• Hypoallergenic product
• Food grade ingredients
• Organic Ingredients
• Can be used as lip balm 

CONS

• Can have a grainy texture before being melted
• Very thick

Buy it on Amazon

EraOrganics Soothing Nipple Cream

This certified organic nipple cream is great for cracked and chapped nipples. It’s hypoallergenic so it’s great for sensitive skin. Moms say a little goes a long way and you can use it for many things including healing diaper rash.

 

 

PROS

• Certified organic
• Family-owned business
• Hypoallergenic product
• Food grade ingredients
• Can be used as diaper cream

CONS

• The hard wax texture made it hard to apply
• Can have a grainy texture before being melted

Buy it on Amazon

Bamboobies Nipple Cream

Bamboobies is another good nipple cream that is certified organic. It is really rich with extra virgin olive oil to help soothe dry, cracked skin and help prevent any skin irritation. The all-natural ingredients make it great for being able to use before and after breastfeeding.

 

PROS

• Certified organic
• Little goes a long way
• Non Toxic ingredients
• Can be used before nursing
• Made with natural ingredients

CONS

• Stronger extra virgin olive oil smell
• Not as thick as others

Buy it on Amazon Here

Mum. Motherhood Essentials Organic Nipple Butter

This is a great certified organic nipple butter that has a great creamy consistency. It is made with organic beeswax and organic shea butter to completely soothe and heal dry and irritated nipples. Made with only 7 organic ingredients so it is safe to use before breastfeeding and pumping.

 

PROS

• 100% certified organic
• Anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties
• Creamy consistency

CONS

• Higher price point

Buy it on Amazon Here

Mommy Love Organic Nipple Cream

Mommy Love Organic Nipple Balm is certified organic. A lot of moms love that this is odorless and is made of all-natural ingredients. They also have a great return policy so if for any reason you or your baby aren’t completely happy with it, they will accept your return. So it is truly risk-free!

 

PROS

• Odorless
• Certified organic
• Cruelty-free
• Provides immediate relief

CONS

• Thinner consistency
• Can feel oily

Buy it on Amazon Here

Breastfeeding can have its challenges but with the right support and the right tools, moms can work through those trying times and enjoy an amazing breastfeeding experience with their baby.