Nipple Cream Recommendation

Updated on April 01, 2011
S.B. asks from Chicago, IL
15 answers

Hi Ladies! Was wondering if you all could recommend a good nipple cream, besides lanolin? I've been breastfeeding my son going on 17 months now, and for awhile my nipples have seemed to be a little dry and itchy, and the skin on the areola gets flaky. It doesn't hurt, and it doesn't affect my nursing, but it's annoying. I have the lanolin, but I really hate it. It's sticky and it gets on my bra and clothes, and it doesn't wash off my fingers well after I apply it. I would rather use a moisturizing cream or balm, something that rubs in, but that is safe for my son and for that delicate area. Thanks!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.A.

answers from Chicago on

Mother Love nipple cream by about a mile. I hated lanolin. This stuff is made of oils and melts gently as you rub it on. You skin just drinks it in. I sometimes used it as lip balm in a pinch too. Fantastic stuff..

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

You can only use creams on your nipples that are same for baby to ingest.

Lanolin is the best.

Don't over slather it. It just takes a tiny bit. Then rub it on etc., so that no excess is present.

Just also use nursing pads in your bra. So that it doesn't dirty your bra.
That's what I did.
Drug stores sell nursing pads, in the baby aisle.

Also, don't wash your nipples with soap. Just warm water. Washing it/rubbing it with soap, will dry it out more.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Yes, yes, yes! This saved my life: All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO). Google it. My LC recommended it and told me to have my OB write a perscription which she did. It only comes from a compounding pharmacy, but your doctor can tell you where to go. It has an analgesic for pain releif, an antifungal (I think), and is safe for baby. Lanolin is nonsense in comparison.

If you think this is overkill, then you might ask the pediatrician or your pharmacist for an idea. I don't know if something like vasoline jelly would be safe or not.

Oh, and I recall that going topless is supposed to help too (fresh air) - I am sure that is just what you feel like doing...:)

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from Chicago on

Try your own breastmilk! It has healing properties and soothes skin. I much preferred using my own milk over any sticky, smelly creams (plus they tended to stain my bras). After you finish nursing, just express a few drops & rub it in, letting it airdry for a few seconds. You'll notice a big improvement in just a few days & probably will never need to use any other kind of product again. By the way, breastmilk is also fantastic to use for diaper rash! Very soothing!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

I thought Lansinoh was for sure the best nipple cream. I used other, non-lanolin based ointments (including Earth Mama and Bellas) and nothing worked as great as the Lansinoh. Like others have said, a little goes a long way, and I used to rub the excess on my lips, which works great and I ended up getting hooked on.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Austin on

Miracle Salve is fabulous. That is the only thing I use. It is all natural so it won't hurt the baby. You can get it here www.theredpoppybaby.com.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.T.

answers from San Francisco on

Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Cream. It is a little pricey but totally worth it. I used it the entire time I breastfed my daughter and never had any issues at all with dryness. I LOVE this product. I know they sell it at Whole Foods and lots of online vendors like diapers.com.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.B.

answers from Enid on

I am breastfeeding, and last winter even my nipples became dry and itchy, and it was not just that, when my daughter sucks the nipple, it really hurts. I was having a hard time, was about to stop nursing her. Then one of my friends told me about PALMER'S NURSING CREAM. That really worked for me, its almond based nursing cream, so u can nurse your baby without worrying that cream will go into your baby's mouth, cos, its almonds n not likely to have any side effects. Its a good moisturizing cream. And use nursing pad to avoid the cream getting on to your bra.
Apply this cream after each feeding.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Chicago on

Hello S., I used Motherlove Nipple Cream from Whole Foods. I liked it so well, that I gave it to several of my friends, intending to nurse in a baby shower bag, including Brown's Reusuable Nursing Pads. They all loved it. The lanolin was so sticky, that I would always dread using it. This nipple cream was very soothing, non-sticking and light. I only needed to tuck half a tissue in my bra, to keep it clean. The little that I have left, I am using for my baby's chapped face and lip balm. It heals really fast!

R.D.

answers from Richmond on

Lanolin is the BEST. Take a teeny pea-sized amount and really rub it between 2 fingers before applying it, it makes it less sticky. Wear nursing pads in your bra so it doesn't get on your bras. It's really the best stuff out there!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Chicago on

not sure if anyone else said this, but make sure you aren't using any soap in your nipples - that can dry them out.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Chicago on

I TOTALLY agree with SM....All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO) is the way to go. From what I recall from my lactation consultant, lanolin can contribute to thrush. You do need a prescription but it is awesome and totally safe. Depending where you are located, Ballin Pharmacy at 3330 North Lincoln mixes it.

http://breastfeeding.about.com/od/nippleproblems/qt/tripl...

Good luck. :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Dallas on

I'm allergic to lanolin, so I use coconut oil on my nipples. I buy it by the jar- extra-virgin cold expressed. It smells wonderful!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Bellingham on

I love bella b's nipple butter. It's very moisturizing, but not sticky like lanolin, plus it's vegan! : D

T.L.

answers from St. Louis on

I always used chapstick right after I nursed my son. This seemed to work really well for me and was the right price. I just made sure I kept that tube of chapstick seperate from my others. :)

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions