Nursing your baby should be a peaceful, pleasant interlude, and it usually is. Sore nipples can turn that sweet experience into a painful one and can even lead to some moms deciding to stop breastfeeding.
Before things get to such a serious point, however, most mothers should try a good nipple cream or nursing balm.
When you first begin to breastfeed your baby, your nipples may become a little sore. This is just a matter of the body adjusting to a new experience.
A nipple cream or nursing balm will soothe the initial discomfort, and continued use should prevent additional problems.
Sometimes, however, nipples get really painful and may even crack and bleed. This condition is due to other causes, and mothers suffering in this way may need additional help.
Even if there is a more complex issue behind your nipple discomfort, a good cream can help you feel better while the situation is remedied.
Nipple creams can also be helpful for breast pump users. Besides protecting the tender anatomy of the breast, the cream can also help you get a better suction. Some creams are better than others for this function.
Here are the best nipple creams we like.
Our Top Picks
- Easy to Spread. Medela Tender Care Lanolin spreads more easily than many other lanolin-based creams, making it ideal for nipples that are already sore.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. This combination of ingredients is approved by many users for both treating sore breasts and preventing soreness.
- All Natural Ingredients. This cream contains only three ingredients, and all three are natural.
- Helpful When Pumping. Since Medela makes breast pumps, it's to be expected that this product works well to increase the comfort of pumping.
- Reasonable Price. This cream falls in the low to middle price range for this type of cream.
- Good for Prevention and Healing. Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm prevents sore nipples and can also rescue you from the pain of raw nipples.
- Natural, Organic and Mostly Plant-based. With the exception of the lanolin, this cream contains organic plant-based ingredients.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product was helpful when using a breast pump.
- No Toxins. Mama Mio's “no nasties” pledge means that all of its products are free of parabens, petrolatum, phthalates and other ingredients of questionable safety for pregnant women.
- Low Odor. Most users found that this product had a mild, pleasant smell.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm Cream is recommended both to prevent irritation and to treat sore, cracked breasts.
- Natural, Organic and Mostly Plant-based. This cream contains six natural, organic ingredients, all plant-based except beeswax.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product increased comfort and improved suction when using a breast pump.
- Easy to Spread. Medela Tender Care Lanolin spreads more easily than many other lanolin-based creams, making it ideal for nipples that are already sore.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. This combination of ingredients is approved by many users for both treating sore breasts and preventing soreness.
- All Natural Ingredients. This cream contains only three ingredients, and all three are natural.
- Helpful When Pumping. Since Medela makes breast pumps, it's to be expected that this product works well to increase the comfort of pumping.
- Reasonable Price. This cream falls in the low to middle price range for this type of cream.
- Good for Prevention and Healing. Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm prevents sore nipples and can also rescue you from the pain of raw nipples.
- Natural, Organic and Mostly Plant-based. With the exception of the lanolin, this cream contains organic plant-based ingredients.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product was helpful when using a breast pump.
- No Toxins. Mama Mio's “no nasties” pledge means that all of its products are free of parabens, petrolatum, phthalates and other ingredients of questionable safety for pregnant women.
- Low Odor. Most users found that this product had a mild, pleasant smell.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm Cream is recommended both to prevent irritation and to treat sore, cracked breasts.
- Natural, Organic and Mostly Plant-based. This cream contains six natural, organic ingredients, all plant-based except beeswax.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product increased comfort and improved suction when using a breast pump.
*All product links in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, scroll down for our in-depth reviews below.
Shallow Latch and Other Nursing Issues
In order to understand the issues that may cause sore nipples, you need to know something about the anatomy of the breast and how breastfeeding works.
The nipple is not the only part of the breast involved in nursing. The dark area around the nipple, called the areola, also plays an important role.
The areola has glands that produce an oily substance to condition the nipple and areola. These glands also produce a smell that helps baby to find the breast.
When babies take hold of the breast, they need to open widely. The nipple and areola need to go deep into their mouths, so that the nipple fills the mouth and elongates.
The end of the nipple should press against the soft palate. This position enables babies to produce a good suck, which will compress the milk ducts and allow the milk to flow.
Sometimes babies do not get the nipple deep enough to enable proper suckling action. This is called a shallow latch. In this position, the mom’s nipple is actually being chewed on.
This can be painful and can cause nipples to become very sore. A lactation specialist can help remedy a shallow latch. Remember that the services of a lactation adviser may be covered by insurance as part of breastfeeding benefits, which insurance companies are required to provide in almost all cases.
Some babies also have a condition commonly known as tongue tie. In this condition, the membrane under the baby’s tongue, called a frenulum, is too short or is extended too far forward.
The tongue does not move freely enough to allow the baby to open wide and get a good latch on the breast. This condition can be remedied with a quick snip in the doctor’s office, done with a topical anesthetic. If the condition is preventing a proper latch, it could also keep your baby from getting enough milk to thrive.
Other Causes of Sore Nipples
Other situations are less commonly the cause of raw or tender nipples. If you are using a breast pump, it could be the cause of your soreness.
The breast shields or flanges on your pump need to fit your breast properly. Also, you may be setting your suction too high. Again, a lactation specialist can help.
Sometimes babies get a yeast infection called thrush in their mouths and pass it on to their moms’ breasts. If you have a thrush infection, your nipples won’t just be sore. They will also be shiny and pink or red.
Occasionally they will be crusty or flaky. The nipples may burn, and you may have shooting pains in your breast when you nurse. Treatment of thrush requires medications for both baby and mom, because otherwise the two of you will just pass the infection back and forth.
If you get a small painful spot on the breast, typically a blister or a whitish dot, you may have one of several minor skin problems associated with breastfeeding. You will need to see a doctor or a lactation specialist.
Ingredients for Nipple Creams
Creams and balms that are intended for nursing moms to use on the breast are all non-toxic. Most specify that the cream does not have to be removed before breastfeeding.
Still, some moms prefer certain formulations for anything that might end up in their babies’ mouths. Some want organic. Some want natural. Some want vegan.
The main ingredient in any nipple cream is going to be a type of emollient. The most common ones are lanolin and various oils.
Lanolin is a fatty substance derived from sheep’s wool. Because it combines easily with water, it has been widely used for skin treatments.
Some moms don’t want lanolin in their breast creams because sheep are often dipped in pesticides. They fear some pesticide residue might remain in the lanolin. Manufacturers who use lanolin in their products say that they use only lanolin that has been further refined so that it is completely safe.
So should lanolin be used by breastfeeding moms? Opinions are mixed. The studies that have been done are mostly small, but they indicate lanolin is not superior to other treatments for sore nipples.
One study, however, showed that patient satisfaction was higher when breasts were treated with a preparation containing lanolin, perhaps because of its uniquely soothing properties.
If you are concerned about animal cruelty, you should know that lanolin receives mixed reviews in that area. Most lanolin is taken from wool sheared from sheep.
Slaughter of the sheep is not necessary for the derivation of this product; however, lanolin is also removed from the wool of slaughtered sheep.
In addition, some animal activists believe that some of the common practices of sheep raising constitute cruelty.
Beeswax, an ingredient in most lip balms, is added to many nipple creams because it acts as a barrier. Beeswax is a less problematic ingredient than lanolin, but many vegans do not use products containing beeswax because it is considered an animal product. Vegetarians, on the other hand, are usually okay with beeswax because it does not contain animal material.
Olive oil, cocoa butter (technically cocoa seed butter) and shea butter are also commonly used in nipple creams.
Other Things to Consider
If the cream you buy comes in a jar or tin, it can be very easily contaminated by your fingers. Since these creams are food-grade and fit for consumption, they should be treated like food.
At a minimum, you should wash your hands before putting your fingers in the jar or tin. It’s probably better to use something to scoop the cream out of the container. Tubes are less easily contaminated, but you still should use care not to touch them with dirty hands.
Many of these creams seem very expensive when you look at the price per ounce; however, a very small amount is usually required. If a nipple product protects you from sore, cracked and bleeding nipples, it is a very good investment indeed.
When checking reviews of any product, you’ll notice a wide range of opinion. In the case of creams, that range is perhaps most notable in the area of smell.
For almost every one of these creams, some users hated the smell, while others declared that the product had little smell, and others said it had a pleasant smell.
The bottom line is that recommendations and reviews are helpful, but you’ll have to try a product to be sure you really like it. If you don’t like it for its intended use, you may be able to use it for dry skin in other areas of the body, such as lips, elbows and heels. Most of these products can also be used for baby skin care.
Without further ado, take a look at these nipple care products, starting with three containing lanolin and moving to lanolin-free products.
Best Nipple Creams For Breastfeeding
Lanisoh has its own method of processing lanolin so that it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. The company states that its lanolin is medical grade, hypoallergenic and natural, so there’s no need to remove it before breastfeeding.
Manufactured in Australia, this lanolin is free of parabens and other additives. The company also claims that its cream is recommended more often than any other by U. S. doctors and lactation specialists.
The instructions say to soften a pea-sized amount in the hand and then apply it to the nipple. This cream is advertised for other uses, too.
You’ll notice that the product name does not include any reference to breasts. Many women swear by it to soften heels, cuticles, lips and other areas of dry skin.
- Soothing and Healing. Most users found that Lanisoh HPA Lanolin did a good job of soothing their breasts and allowing them to heal.
- Good Preventative. Many moms said they successfully used this to prevent sore nipples.
- One Natural Ingredient. Lanolin is the only ingredient listed, and it is considered a natural ingredient since it is derived from an animal.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product increased comfort when using a breast pump.
- Little Odor. Most users detected none of the typical lanolin odor.
- Reasonable Price. This cream falls in the middle of the price range for nipple creams.
Cons:
- Oily Stains. This product can leave an oily stain, so using breast pads is recommended if you do not want stains on your bras.
- Thick Consistency. Some users found that the cream was so thick that it was hard to get out of the tube and difficult to spread.
- Stickiness. According to some users, the cream is very sticky, gets all over everything and is hard to remove from hands and from breast pump shields.
- Not Organic or Vegan. The lanolin used in the Lansinoh cream is not certified organic and is not vegan since it is an animal product.
Medela Tender Care Lanolin
Capric or capryllic triglycerides are found naturally in glycerin and coconut oil. Oat beta glucan is a polymer derived from oats that have moisturizing qualities.
The addition of these products makes Medela’s product softer and easier to spread than pure lanolin cream. The manufacturer states that it does not need to be removed before breastfeeding.
Medela Tender Care Lanolin is considered to be an all-natural product. The company states that there is no need to remove this product before breastfeeding.
Although the product information specifies that it is for use on nipples, many moms also use it as a general skin care product. It is made in the U.S.A.
- Easy to Spread. Medela Tender Care Lanolin spreads more easily than many other lanolin-based creams, making it ideal for nipples that are already sore.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. This combination of ingredients is approved by many users for both treating sore breasts and preventing soreness.
- All Natural Ingredients. This cream contains only three ingredients, and all three are natural.
- Helpful When Pumping. Since Medela makes breast pumps, it’s to be expected that this product works well to increase the comfort of pumping.
- Reasonable Price. This cream falls in the low to middle price range for this type of cream.
Cons:
- Distinctive Odor. Many users said that the cream has an unpleasant odor.
- May Stain. Although this product is not as oily as pure lanolin, it could stain clothing.
- Not Organic or Vegan. The ingredients used in this cream are not certified organic, and the lanolin means that it is not a product for vegans.
Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm
For some reason, Mama Mio uses fancy names for its ingredients. The Keep Calm Nipple Balm contains olus oil (vegetable oil), cocos nucifera oil (coconut oil), bupyrospernum parkii butter (shea butter), calendula officinalis (calendula flower) and lanolin. The company states that the balm does not need to be washed off prior to breastfeeding.
Mama Mio is a relatively new company, founded in 2004 as one of the only skincare companies to be devoted to pregnancy skincare.
The company scored a big hit with its Tummy Rub Butter. The company now offers a broader line of products but designs all of its products to be safe for pregnant women.
- Good for Prevention and Healing. Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm prevents sore nipples and can also rescue you from the pain of raw nipples.
- Natural, Organic and Mostly Plant-based. With the exception of the lanolin, this cream contains organic plant-based ingredients.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product was helpful when using a breast pump.
- No Toxins. Mama Mio’s “no nasties” pledge means that all of its products are free of parabens, petrolatum, phthalates and other ingredients of questionable safety for pregnant women.
- Low Odor. Most users found that this product had a mild, pleasant smell.
Cons:
- Contains Lanolin. Because this cream contains lanolin, it would not be acceptable to many moms.
- May Stain. This product could leave an oily stain on clothing.
- High Priced. This cream is one of the most expensive choices in this market.
Motherlove Nipple Cream
Extra virgin olive oil and shea butter are the primary emollients. Beeswax serves as a barrier to coat and protects the skin. The cream also contains marshmallow root, described as an emollient herb, and calendula flowers, known for natural healing properties.
All are certified organic and, in compliance with the USDA regulations for organics, none are GMOs. Moms do not have to remove Motherlove Nipple Cream before nursing.
The Motherlove Nipple Cream comes in a jar, which is generally not recommended for creams due to the ease of contamination.
However, the combination of shea butter, beeswax, and olive oil is not conducive to bacteria growth because it creates an anaerobic environment, according to a statement by the company.
Motherlove is a Certified B Corporation, which means that it is a socially responsible and environmentally conscious company.
It belongs to a number of organizations that promote organic, cruelty-free and environmentally responsible products. Its nipple cream is made in the United States.
- Easy to Spread. The Motherlove Nipple Cream spreads easily, making it suitable for nipples that are already sore or cracked.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. Many moms used this to prevent soreness, and others reported that it was effective in healing sore breasts.
- All Natural, Organic Ingredients. This cream contains five natural, organic ingredients.
- Little Odor. Many users said that the cream has a slight but not unpleasant odor of olive oil.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product increased comfort when using a breast pump.
- Guaranteed Satisfaction. Motherlove offers a full refund for customers who are not satisfied with this product.
Cons:
May Stain. The combination of olive oil and beeswax means that this product could leave an oily stain on clothing.
Somewhat Expensive This cream falls in the middle to high price range for this type of product.
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
One of those products is Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter. This product has many ingredients in common with Motherlove Nipple Cream: olive oil, beeswax, shea butter and calendula flowers.
The Earth Mama formulation does not contain marshmallow root but does contain two seed butters: mango and cocoa. It’s lanolin-free and does not have to be removed before breastfeeding.
Earth Mama is recognized by nine organizations promoting organic products. Its products are also certified as non-GMO. Its nipple butter is tested by dermatologists to ensure that it is non-irritating. It is made in the U.S.A.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. Earth Mama Nipple Butter is good for both preventing soreness and for healing sore, cracked nipples.
- All Natural, Organic Ingredients. This cream contains only natural, organic, non-GMO ingredients.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product increased comfort when using a breast pump.
- Reasonably Priced. This cream falls in the lower range for this type of product and is definitely in the lower range for an organic product.
Cons:
- Grainy Texture. The plant butters in the Earth Mama Nipple Butter solidify at cooler temperatures, giving the product a slightly grainy texture that some moms find uncomfortable to apply.
- Not Odor-free. Many users did not like the smell of this product, and some said that their babies seemed to be unhappy with the smell.
- May Stain. You could get an oily stain on clothing from the combination of olive oil, beeswax and plant butters in this product.
Bella Bee Nipple Butter
The website does not list the other ingredients, but e-commerce sites say that it also contains olive oil, avocado oil, and soybean glycerides.
Those sites say that it also contains ascorbyl palmitate, which is a form of Vitamin C, and tocopherol, which is a plant-based form of Vitamin E.
Experts are divided about whether the topical use of vitamins is effective for healing. The nipple butter does not have to be removed before breastfeeding, according to the website.
Bella Bee is a relatively new company, having been formed in 1999. It is known for economically priced natural and organic products for moms and babies.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. Users say this cream works both to prevent soreness and to heal nipples that have already become sore.
- All Natural, Organic Ingredients. Bella B Nipple Nurture Cream contains only natural, organic ingredients.
- Mild Scent. The cream isn’t completely odorless, but the odor is mild and non-offensive to most users.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product reduced discomfort when using a breast pump.
- Reasonably Priced. This cream is much lower priced than most natural, organic products.
Cons:
- Grainy Texture. Some users found that the Bella B cream has a grainy texture, probably caused by tiny particles of plant butters, that can make it uncomfortable to apply on cracked nipples.
- Hard to Get Out of Tube. Some users said that this cream’s thick texture makes it very hard to get out of the tube. Warming it slightly could help.
- May Stain. The oils in this product could leave a stain on clothing.
Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm
It’s lanolin-free and contains no artificial colors or fragrances, so there’s no need to wipe it off before breastfeeding. It is also recommended by lactation consultants.
Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm is created with a base of olive oil, beeswax and shea butter, to which have been added three herbal ingredients: marshmallow root, calendula, and self-heal.
That last ingredient, sometimes called heal-all, is a herb of the mint family that contains tannin and is considered to have healing properties.
Milkies is a product line associated with Fairhaven Health, a company that seeks to unite conventional allopathic medicine with herbal homeopathic healing.
According to the company website, Milkies products are supported by clinical research, adhere to the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines and are tested for quality by third party agencies.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm Cream is recommended both to prevent irritation and to treat sore, cracked breasts.
- Natural, Organic and Mostly Plant-based. This cream contains six natural, organic ingredients, all plant-based except beeswax.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product increased comfort and improved suction when using a breast pump.
Cons:
- Unpleasant Odor. Some moms objected to the smell of this product.
- Not Vegan. Because this cream contains beeswax, it would not be acceptable to most vegans.
- Can Liquefy. Some users found that the balm liquefies at high temperatures, sometimes leading to messy leaks and waste.
- May Stain. This product could leave an oily stain on clothing.
- Somewhat Expensive. This cream falls in the middle to high price range for this type of product.
Honest Company Organic Nipple Balm
Any mom who is picky about baby products will tell you that many companies are much less forthcoming.
The Honestly Free guarantee can be found on each Honest Company product. It shows what ingredients are not contained in the product, and these are ingredients that do appear in similar products.
In the case of its Organic Nipple Balm, the company promises that it does not contain lanolin, mineral oil, parabens or synthetic fragrances.
The company is also committed to keeping up with research and eliminating any ingredients that are indicated to be harmful by emerging data.
Honest Company’s Organic Nipple Balm contains mostly ingredients that are USDA certified organic. (Some ingredients, such as water and silica, are not available in an organic form.)
The Honest Company’s formulation includes canola oil, coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, castor seed oil, cornstarch, tamanu seed oil, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, aloe leaf, calendula flower and citric acid. It does not have to be removed before nursing.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. Honest Company Organic Nipple Balm both prevents sore nipples and helps to heal those that have become chapped or cracked.
- Natural, Organic and Mostly Plant-based. This cream contains mostly organic ingredients, and most are plant-based.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product was helpful when using a breast pump.
- Low Odor. Most users found that this product had little or no smell.
- Reasonably Priced. This cream falls in the middle price range for this type of product.
Cons:
- Can Liquefy. Some users found that the balm liquefies easily and can leak out of the container.
- Not Vegan. Because this cream contains beeswax, it would not be acceptable to most vegans.
- Many Ingredients. Some moms prefer creams with a lower number of ingredients, finding them simpler and less likely to cause a reaction.
- May Stain. This product could leave an oily stain on clothing.
UpSpring Nipple Balm
One of their best-known products is a kit for testing breast milk for alcohol, so you can enjoy an occasional alcoholic beverage and be sure that the alcohol is out of your system before you breastfeed.
When they decided to create a nipple cream, they developed an all-natural formula containing beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, cocoa seed butter, and extracts from calendula flowers and rosemary seeds.
If you like products with lots of information online, you’ll love Upspring, which has a super helpful website. Each product has clickable tabs so you can see the product label, see reviews, learn about the science behind the product and see answers to FAQs.
- All Natural Ingredients. UpSpring Nipple Balm contains only natural ingredients, all plant-based except the beeswax.
- Certified Organic. The ingredients have been certified organic by the USDA.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. Users say this cream works for both prevention of soreness and healing of raw or cracked nipples.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product was helpful when using a breast pump.
- Non-Staining. The website states that this product will not stain clothes, and users agree.
- Low Odor. Most users found that this product had a mild, pleasant smell.
- Budget-Friendly. This cream is one of the lowest in price.
Cons:
- Hard to Spread. Some users found that the balm is so thick that it is hard to spread. The company suggests warming it in the hand before applying.
- Grainy Texture. Some users described this cream as having a grainy texture, probably caused by bits of plant butters that have become solid.
- Not Vegan-Friendly. The beeswax in this cream makes it unacceptable to most vegans.
Palmer’s Nursing Butter
A pro-vitamin is one that the body can convert into a vitamin. Panthenol is a common ingredient in products for skin and hair. It can be derived from either plants or animals.
Palmer’s does not disclose the source of its panthenol. Palmer’s Nursing Butter was previously known as Palmer’s Nursing Cream.
Palmer’s is a product of the E. T. Browne Drug Company, one of the oldest producers of hair and skin care products in the United States. It claims to produce the top cocoa butter product in the world.
The company is a member of the World Cocoa Foundation, which is committed to sustainable farming methods and to practices that benefit everyone involved in the cocoa industry, including farmers.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. Palmer’s Nursing Butter can be used to prevents sore nipples and to treat those that are already sore.
- Simple Formula. This cream contains only two ingredients.
- Longstanding History. The company has a long history and many years of making cocoa butter products.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product was helpful when using a breast pump.
- Pleasant Odor. Most users enjoyed the chocolate-y smell of this cream.
- Reasonably Priced. This cream falls in the middle price range for this type of product.
Cons:
- Not Full Disclosure. Palmer’s does not give out a lot of information about how this product is made. The company makes no claims about its nursing butter being organic, natural, or vegan.
- May Stain. Since it is practically pure cocoa butter, this product is almost certain to stain clothing.
Badger Organic Nursing Balm
Its ingredients are all certified organic and do not have to be removed before breastfeeding.
Badger is a small New Hampshire company that prides itself on being family-run and family friendly. It was started in 1995 by Bill Whyte, who developed a balm that helped his hands survive carpentering in severe winter weather.
Referred to as Badger Bill, Whyte is still active in the the company, which offers some unique benefits for employees. Organic lunches are served free to all employees, and its Babies at Work program allows employees in non-hazardous jobs to bring infants to work with them.
- Lasting Effect. Badger Organic Nursing Balm is a thicker product than many, so it stays in place and provides a lasting benefit.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. Moms said that this product is effective in preventing and treating sore nipples.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product was helpful in preventing skin irritation when using a breast pump.
- All Natural, Organic Ingredients. This cream contains five natural, certified organic ingredients.
- Little Odor. Users said that the balm has very little odor, but what it does have is pleasant.
Cons:
- May Stain. The oils and waxes in this product could leave a stain on clothing.
- Hard to Apply. Because this balm is stiffer than many products, it can be hard to apply unless warmed first.
- Somewhat Expensive. This cream falls in the middle price range for nipple care products.
Hey Mama Nipple Cream
If you’re one of those moms who likes to go to a website to check out all the details of a product, you won’t choose Hey Mama, which seems to have no working website.
According to the package, Hey Mama is based in Carlsbad, California. It is listed as the distributor of this product. The package also states that the cream is made in the United States.
- All Natural Ingredients. Hey Mama Nipple Cream contains only natural ingredients.
- Good for Healing and Prevention. Users say this cream works both to prevent soreness and to heal nipples that have already become sore.
- Helpful When Pumping. Some users said this product was helpful when using a breast pump.
Cons:
- Strong Scent. The cream has a smell that many users do not like.
- Grainy Texture. Some users found that the Hey Mama cream has a grainy texture, probably caused by bits of plant butters that have become solid.
- Not Vegan-Friendly. The beeswax in this cream makes it unacceptable to most vegans.
- May Stain. The oils in this product could leave a stain on clothing.
- Not Budget-Friendly. This cream is medium to high in price.
And the Winner Is!
UpSpring Nipple Balm is a winner in almost every category. It’s natural, organic and lanolin-free, which will please most moms.
Some users didn’t like the stiffness of the balm, but a thicker consistency means that the balm will stay on the nipple longer and that it won’t leak out of the container like some of the softer creams did.
In addition, it doesn’t stain clothing. Moms have enough to do without cleaning up spills and trying to get stains out of clothing.
Taking a minute to warm the balm in your hand should make the balm soft enough to spread and should also soften the bits of butter that sometimes feel grainy. For a final bonus, the balm is budget-friendly.
If you have cracked, sore or bleeding nipples that don’t respond to conventional creams, you may need to try a lanolin-based product, and the Lansinoh cream is the most popular and the most trusted.
The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is a simple solution for those who want to avoid beeswax. But for the majority of moms, Upspring checks the right boxes.
