Soothe & Protect: Best Nipple Creams for Pumping and Breastfeeding
A nipple cream provides much-needed relief before, during and after feedings.
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Breastfeeding doesn’t always feel natural—especially at the beginning if your nipples are dry, cracked, chapped, itchy or even bleeding.
The adjustment period can be tough as you and your little one get the hang of latching and proper positioning. A soothing nipple cream eases the learning curve and provides much-needed relief before, during and after feedings. But nipple creams aren’t just for those who are breastfeeding. They also help soothe nipples during pumping by providing lubrication in the breast pump flange.
After hours of researching and testing many nipple creams, we think Earth Mama’s Organic Nipple Butter stands out as the best overall pick. It’s widely recommended by lactation professionals and real parents alike, is filled with natural, skin-soothing ingredients and is one of the most consistently helpful options on the market. But we know every parent is different, so we have several other picks to help you find the best one for you. And most importantly, all of the picks on this list are safe for breastfeeding—no need to wipe them off before feeding baby! (Pro tip: apply cream immediately after a feed to give it time to absorb if you’re still nervous about it.)
Keep in mind, though, that a nipple cream might not be enough to help if you have severe pain or something like thrush. Be sure to reach out to your doctor or a lactation consultant for guidance and support if your pain is ongoing and causing breastfeeding challenges.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
As Babylist’s assistant editor and a mom of two who breastfed both babies for a total of three years, I’ve tried a lot of nipple creams. I used my insight from that experience and from what I learned after becoming a certified lactation consultant (CLC) to choose the tried and true creams on this list. Jen LaBracio, Babylist’s senior gear editor, has a decade of experience in the world of baby products and is also a parent of two young boys, ages ten and two. In addition, we spoke to Emily Spaeth, a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) and founder of Be Well Baby PDX. We also reviewed feedback from thousands of parents through Babylist’s annual Best Baby Products survey of thousands of Babylist users, and talked to parents at Babylist for their input.
Best Overall Nipple Cream
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter - 2 Fl Oz, 1
From $13.97Pros
- Organic, lanolin-free formula
- Great for any dry areas
Cons
- Grainy texture (applies better when slightly warmed)
- Light smell
- Some people report it stains clothing
There are a few factors that go into choosing a nipple cream—you want something that’s safe, effective and not too messy. The Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter checks all of those boxes. It was my go-to pick in my own breastfeeding journeys, and countless Babylist parents raved about how it was one of the most helpful products in our Best Baby Products survey. One parent called it a “lifesaver and a complete game changer.”
It’s made with skin-nourishing ingredients that include olive oil, beeswax and cocoa, shea and mango butter. It also contains calendula extract which is known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help skin heal. The smooth consistency makes it easy to apply, which is important because the last thing you want to do is rub something thick and sticky on when your nipples aren’t feeling great. It’s not just for breastfeeding parents either: “I use it all the time to make pumping more comfortable and can’t live without it,” a Babylist parent shared. Beyond your boobs, this nipple butter is also multipurpose; it can be used as a lip balm, diaper cream and moisturizer for dry skin.
Emily Spaeth, an IBCLC, also recommends this to her clients who are looking for a nipple cream, noting that it helps with pain and healing.
Babylist parents did mention a few things they don’t love about this nipple butter. A few reported that the nipple butter stained their clothes, so you might consider wearing nursing pads. Another prime complaint is about the texture—the formula contains beeswax, which can make it feel grainy at first (especially when cold). One parent in our survey noted they thought the consistency was “horrible”. If it bothers you, you can remedy this by warming it up in the jar with your finger a bit before applying. If you’re not familiar with using herbal or plant-based products, they do often have a light scent. This one smells a bit like olive oil but it’s not something that many parents found to be an issue.
Best Moisturizing Nipple Cream
Pros
- Lanolin-free
- Plant-based ingredients
- Smooth formula
Cons
- Pricey
- Thin consistency
- Doesn’t stay on long
It was tough to choose between this nipple cream and Earth Mama’s as our best overall pick so know that they’re both really great options. The main differences are the consistency—this one is thinner, and the price—this cream is more expensive (though a little goes a long way).
Motherlove is organic and made with soothing plant-based ingredients like calendula, marshmallow root, and extra virgin olive oil, which work wonders for moisturizing dry, cracked nipples. It’s also lanolin-free, making it a good choice for those who’d rather steer clear of the ingredient for the reasons mentioned above. It’s also safe for baby to ingest; you don’t need to wipe it off before feeding or pumping.
And it’s a true multitasker—you can use this cream for more than just soothing sore nipples. “It works so well on chapped anything. I love applying it to my little one’s dry winter cheeks!” one Babylist parent said.
The consistency is smooth and easy to apply, but I do want to point out that it’s very thin. Because it has a more oily texture, it won’t offer the same barrier protection a thicker cream would (particularly a lanolin-based option). For example, if your nipples are so sore that shower water or your nursing bra causes discomfort, you might want something that’ll layer on thickly and create a barrier. Some parents also say it doesn’t last very long and they find themselves reapplying frequently.
Best Lanolin-Based Nipple Cream
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
From $8.99Pros
- 100% natural lanolin
- Affordable
Cons
- Potential allergen
- Too sticky for some parents
- Can stain clothing
There’s a reason you might get a sample of this Lansinoh nipple cream in the hospital when you deliver. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends medical-grade, purified lanolin (among colostrum and breastmilk) as an effective option to treat cracked nipples, and Lansinoh in particular has been the go-to for decades, long before other companies thought about breast care.
Lanolin is derived from sheep’s wool and is much thicker than Earth Mama’s nipple butter, meaning it’ll create a sort of protective layer over super sore nipples. The consistency creates a barrier and stays put. I found this option to be helpful when I experienced blisters from a poor latch while we were still getting the hang of things. Or when my nipples felt sensitive to everyday touch (from things like my nursing bra, water pressure in the shower or my scratchy towel).
You may have heard lanolin isn’t ideal for everyone, though. It can irritate anyone with a wool sensitivity; Spaeth adds, “While some moms and babies tolerate [lanolin] well, others experience irritation or even an allergic reaction.” So if you’re someone with a wool allergy or want to avoid animal products you won’t want to add this option to your stash. Spaeth also says she’s had clients report things like clogged pores or “babies refusing to latch possibly due to the taste or smell.” If you notice your baby isn’t a fan, try wiping it off first or giving creams like Earth Mama and Motherlove a try if you need an alternative.
Due to its thick consistency, we recommend using nursing pads with this one to prevent stains. If that does happen, Lansinoh recommends treating it like any other grease stain before throwing it in the wash. Pro-tip: Dawn dish soap works wonders!
Best Multi-Purpose Nipple Balm
Pros
- Great texture
- Multi-purpose
- Giftable
Cons
- Pricey
- Can stain clothing
In the postpartum period, you have to find the little glimmers in your routine that make you feel good. And sometimes, that’s a spendy product with nice packaging. But what sets Nemah’s Nipple + Lip Balm apart is that it not only looks pretty, it works so well.
Many parents love that this formula spreads well without feeling too greasy. They also note it keeps their nipples hydrated and comfortable while pumping (it’s got a nice “slip” to it since it’s not thick and goopy). And with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil, mango butter and calendula, it works well for everything from chapped nipples and lips to dry elbows. It has a light olive oil and rosemary smell (two of the ingredients), but it’s not overwhelming. And it’s safe for breastfeeding so there’s no need to wipe this one off before you go to feed your baby.
While it isn’t the most affordable nipple cream on the list, Nemah’s high-quality natural ingredients work well and feel a bit more indulgent when applied. You can even sign up for “subscribe and save” to save some money when it’s time for a new jar. We do recommend wearing nursing pads as some parents noticed stains on their clothing.
Like many other products in the world of baby products, it might take some trial and error when searching for the right nipple cream for you. Here are a few honorable mentions we recommend giving a try if one of the above options isn’t a good fit:
Medela
Purelan Lanolin Cream
Bamboobies
Lanolin-Free Organic Nursing Balm
HATCH
Nipple + Lip Rescue Balm
frida mom
No-Mess Nipple Balm
Momcozy
100% Natural Nipple Cream, Vegan Lanolin-free Nipple Butter
Dr. Brown's
Lanolin+ Nipple Balm
How We Chose the Best Nipple Creams
We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled thousands of Babylist users, and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
We relied upon the insight and experience of the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, CPST, who has been an expert in the baby space for over six years, is a mom of two and has tested a slew of nipple creams. I also added my own insight as a mom of two who breastfed both babies (through many leaks), and I’m also a certified lactation counselor (CLC). I also spoke to Emily Spaeth, a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) and founder of Be Well Baby PDX.
We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.
What is a nipple cream?
Think of nipple cream being made for nipples like diaper cream is made for baby bums. As the name implies, nipple creams are meant to help soothe, heal and protect nipples in the early days of nursing and pumping, while they acclimate to their new job. The variety of issues people experience as they get used to breastfeeding ranges from things like minor soreness and discomfort to dry cracked nipples that bleed and sometimes blister. Nipple creams help to remedy some of these things.
Do you need a nipple cream?
It depends on a few things (like your personal preference) and you can definitely get away with not using it, according to Spaeth. “I always start by recommending breast milk as the first tool before you go out and buy anything,” Spaeth says. Breast milk contains so many great things (they don’t call it liquid gold for nothing). Spreading a little bit on sore or dry nipples after a feed is something I’ve personally found to be really soothing. Spaeth says you can even pair breast milk and silverettes—little silver nursing cups that are meant to be worn in your bra—for even more soothing relief.
But at some point—especially early on in your journey—you may find yourself needing more soothing. Nipples tend to get dry as they adjust to feeding a baby, and that can lead to cracking, bleeding and pain. And that’s where a nipple cream comes in. It’s a good idea to have one in your stash of postpartum care products, so it’s ready when and if you need it. Nipple creams can help make breastfeeding more comfortable from the start by keeping your nipples extra moisturized and the nourishing ingredients help repair any damage that might arise as you learn how to get an ideal latch.
If you’re experiencing severe nipple pain or exhibiting signs of a possible infection, you should reach out to your doctor right away.
What To Look For When Choosing A Nipple Cream
There are lots of choices when it comes to nipple creams. Here are the most important things to consider when picking one for you:
Ingredients
Any product you put on your nipples will be ingested in small amounts by your nursing baby. And that’s why it’s important to make sure the label says it’s safe to use before a feeding and does not need to be washed off. (Note: all of the picks on our list are safe to leave on during a feed).
Many creams and salves contain organic and plant-based ingredients that are safe for baby to ingest. The most common include things like:
Olive oil
Cocoa butter
Shea butter
Mango butter
Calendula
Marshmallow root
Beeswax
And you’ve probably heard of lanolin (the main ingredient in our second pick). It’s a waxy substance found in sheep’s wool and has been a go-to nipple treatment for decades. However, there are mixed opinions on its use. “While some moms and babies tolerate it well, others experience irritation or even an allergic reaction,” says Spaeth, “in my experience, lanolin doesn’t seem to relieve pain and sensitivity as effectively [which is why] I tend to recommend more reliable, organic, plant-based, hypoallergenic options like Earth Mama and Motherlove.”
If you decide to give a lanolin-based cream a try, make sure it’s made with lanolin that’s pure-grade, hypoallergenic and free of additives, preservatives and pesticides (Lansinoh and Medela check all of these boxes).
When choosing the best ingredients for you, it comes down to what you feel most comfortable using.
Consistency
The last thing you need is more discomfort, so you’ll want a product that glides on easily. Thick, sticky creams can be helpful for creating a protective barrier for really damaged nipples, but they’re also tough to apply, (and some may rub off on your nursing bra and leave a greasy mark). You can prevent any transfer or staining by using breast pads. Some babies may also get distracted by anything too thick and gooey before a feed. It can also make it harder for some to get a proper latch if there’s too much residue on the nipple, making it slippery.
Smell & taste
Depending on the ingredients, the cream or balm may have a slight scent or taste. They’re most noticeable in the organic and plant-based formulations due to their natural ingredients. Usually, this isn’t bothersome to babies—but you’ll definitely notice if your little one isn’t a fan.
Expert Sources
Babylist content uses high-quality subject matter experts to provide accurate and reliable information to our users. Sources for this story include:
Emily Spaeth (IBCLC), board-certified lactation consultant and founder of Be Well Baby PDX.
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