The best nipple cream for the early breastfeeding weeks
The first weeks of breastfeeding are hard on nipples. A good cream takes the edge off cracking and lets healing skin keep up. All three of these are safe for the baby, so there is no wiping off before a feed.
Tested through the first weeks of breastfeeding. All three are baby-safe and need no wiping off before a feed.
The shortlist, compared
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
Earth Mama
- Price
- $12.99
- Rating
- 4.8
Pros
- Lanolin-free
- No need to wash off before a feed
- Spreads easily, even on raw skin
Cons
- Pricier than basic lanolin
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
Lansinoh
- Price
- $10.99
- Rating
- 4.6
Pros
- One ingredient, widely recommended
- Strong protective barrier
- Safe to leave on for feeds
Cons
- Thick and sticky to apply
- Not for families avoiding wool
Motherlove Nipple Cream
Motherlove
- Price
- $12.49
- Rating
- 4.5
Pros
- Lanolin-free
- Thin texture absorbs fast
- Safe before feeding
Cons
- Small tube
- Lighter barrier than lanolin
Why this is our pick
Earth Mama Nipple Butter is lanolin-free, spreads easily on sore skin even when cold, and has the cleanest ingredient list of the three. Lansinoh is the lanolin classic and a fine pick if lanolin agrees with you.
Common questions
Lanolin or lanolin-free?
Both work. Lanolin, like Lansinoh, is the long-time standard. Some prefer a lanolin-free balm because it spreads more easily, or because of a wool sensitivity.
Do I need to wash it off before feeding?
No. All three creams here are safe for the baby and do not need to be wiped off.
When should I call a lactation consultant?
Cream helps with normal soreness. Pain that is sharp, worsening, or paired with a poor latch is worth a lactation consultant, not just a balm.