During pregnancy, a woman’s nipples become slightly larger and more sensitive to prepare for breastfeeding. And as she begins breastfeeding her baby, she may experience nipple or milk blisters, especially when her baby suckles for too long or too hard. This is when a good nipple cream comes in handy, so mum can continue breastfeeding comfortably.
Although a nipple cream is generally used during breastfeeding, some pregnant mums actually start applying it during pregnancy as an early preparation.
As both mum and baby are new to breastfeeding, they are bound to encounter difficulties such as getting the right posture, in the early days. Using a good nipple cream not only helps make learning breastfeeding more bearable for mum but also soothes her with the much-needed comfort before, during and after breastfeeding.
Choosing The Right Nipple Cream During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
To help you minimise the risk of nipple sores and/or blisters during pregnancy and breastfeeding, we have shortlisted 7 of the best nipple creams that are available at your nearest physical stores and online. These nipple creams are chosen based on the criteria below:
- Quality ingredients
All ingredients in the cream must be safe for mom and baby.
- Feel and texture
Comfort is key when breastfeeding, so you have to ensure that the nipple cream applies smoothly and is not too thick or sticky. Pure lanolin cream has a thick texture and provides all-day protection, while blended lanolin is lighter but may need to be applied a few times a day.
- Smell and taste
Depending on the ingredients, certain nipple creams may have a slight smell and taste. Most babies are not bothered by this but those who are more sensitive to smells and tastes may react by rejecting your breasts.
7 Best Nipple Creams For Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
#1 Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream
Why is this great?
Unlike other products that use lanolin as its main ingredient, Mama’s Choice uses 100% natural ingredients, is free from harmful chemicals and best of all, is also safe if swallowed.
This product has also gone through many rounds of lab tests, so you can be sure of its quality and that it is perfectly safe for mum and baby. Experience a soothing sensation with Mama’s Choice intensive nipple cream that not only treats cracked and sore nipples but also conditions dry skin and improves skin elasticity.
Mama’s Choice nipple cream is also Halal-certified, so it is suitable for Muslim mummies.
What we love about it:
Quality ingredients:
- Lanolin helps condition dry skin
- Date palm is known as an antioxidant with anti-ageing benefits. It soothes and hydrates cracked and sore nipples
- A hydrating edible oil that functions as a natural emollient to hydrate dry and tight skin
- Shea butter from the shea tree is anti-inflammatory and protects the skin to stay soft and smooth
- Vitamin E to moisturise and strengthen the skin barrier function
Feel and texture:
- Soft and light, easy to apply on the skin
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested to be suitable for all skin types
Smell and taste:
- None – so baby can enjoy a fuss-free nursing session with mummy
#2 Medela Purelan – Lanolin Cream
Why is this great?
Purelan Lanolin Cream is made of 100% lanolin. What makes this product stand out is the fact that it is not tested on animals. We approve! Purelan is also effective in treating any dry skin problems such as cracked lips, rough elbows and knees as well as cracked heels.
It is also 100% natural and perfectly safe for babies, so there is no need to wipe it off before you breastfeed your little one.
What we love about it:
Quality ingredients:
- 100% lanolin and free from preservatives
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for mums and babies with sensitive skin
- Safe if swallowed so there is no need to wipe off before breastfeeding
Feel and texture:
- It has a thick texture that sinks into the skin and doesn’t leave a sticky residue
Smell and taste:
- None, so it is baby-friendly
#3 Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream
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Why is this great?
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream is the number one nipple cream that is recommended by mothers and doctors in the USA and clinically proven to be safe for mum and baby.
What we love about it:
Quality ingredients:
- 100% natural lanolin, free from preservatives, parabens, smell and taste
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for mums and babies with sensitive skin
- Safe if swallowed so there is no need to wipe off before breastfeeding
Feel and texture:
- Thick, yet easy to apply
- It may leave a stain but can be easily removed with a laundry detergent
Smell and taste:
- None, so it is baby-friendly
#4 Pigeon Nipple Care Cream
Why is this great?
Pigeon is a well-known brand and a trusted manufacturer of breastfeeding and baby care products. Lanolin acts as a great moisturising agent that is able to penetrate deep into the skin to nourish it from the inside. It can be used from the third trimester to overcome sore nipples, combat dryness and maintain healthy skin.
What we love about it:
Quality ingredients:
- 100% natural lanolin
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for mums and babies with sensitive skin
- Safe if swallowed so there is no need to wipe off before breastfeeding
Feel and texture:
- Thick and non-greasy. Helps treat dry and cracked skin as it keeps the skin’s moisture intact
Smell and taste:
- None
#5 Ardo Lanolin Nipple Repair Cream
Why is this great?
Ardo is a top-grade nipple cream that is made in Switzerland. It is highly popular in Europe and has long been a go-to repair cream for mums with dry and sensitive skin. This nipple cream keeps the skin’s moisture intact and is also recommended by medical professionals.
What we love about it:
Quality ingredients:
- No additives or preservatives and safe if swallowed
- Made of 100% natural lanolin via a special extraction and purification process
Feel and texture:
- Very light and non-greasy
- No need to rinse your hands after application as it doesn’t leave a sticky residue
Smell and taste:
- None, hence it is a hypoallergenic product
#6 Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream by Earth Mama
Why is this great?
This nipple butter is loved by many mums around the world. It is made of 100% natural beeswax, so we highly recommend it. It is a trusted product that is also widely used in pediatric wards around the world.
What we love about it:
Quality ingredients:
-
- Organic beeswax that softens the skin without being greasy
- Lanolin-free
- Organic Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) Seed Butter, Organic Shea (Butyrospermum Parkii) Butter and Organic Mango (Mangifera Indica) Seed Butter that soften skin and protect against dryness
- NON-GMO – safe for baby
- Clinically-tested to ensure it does not irritate mummy’s skin
Feel and texture:
- Very light and non-greasy
- No need to rinse your hands after application as it doesn’t leave a sticky residue
Smell and taste:
- None, hence it is a hypoallergenic product
#7 Philips Avent Moisturising Nipple Cream
Why is this great?
Philips Avent Moisturising Nipple Cream is a blend of lanolin, coconut oil and aloe vera. It is one of the best creams in the market to hydrate and soften dry and cracked skin. Partner this with your Philips Avent Breast Pump for a smooth breastfeeding journey!
What we love about it:
Quality ingredients:
- Coconut oil to soothe the skin after breastfeeding
- Aloe vera to soften and hydrate the skin
- Natural lanolin to keep skin moisturised and supple
Feel and texture:
- Light and soft for easy application
Smell and taste
- Although it is fragrance-free, there is a slight natural smell to it, which might irritate some babies
We hope these nipple creams will help you throughout your breastfeeding journey.
Happy trying!
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Read more: Helpful Breastfeeding Basic Tips for the New Mum Within the First 6 Months