We consulted experts and healthcare professionals to ensure our recommended products are safe to use and approved by those in the know. As mums, we’re often told that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world and whilst this may be true, natural is not necessarily synonymous with easy. If you feel like you’re struggling with breastfeeding then rest assured you’re not alone. Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve seen, tried and reviewed thousands of products.

Yes, applying a small amount of olive oil after breastfeeding can help prevent soreness and you don’t need to wash it off before breastfeeding. Like Vaseline, it provides a cheaper alternative, which some mothers prefer. What to look for when choosing a nipple cream Your needs: Such as if you need a cream that’s vegan, lanolin-free, organic, for sensitive skin etc. Weleda specialise in organic products and their popular nipple balm, which was developed by midwives and pharmacists, is 100% Certified & Natural Organic (certified by Natrue). This balm does still contain lanolin though so if you’re allergic, this isn’t the option for you. If you decide to breastfeed your baby, you may well find that the journey isn’t as smooth as you’d hoped. One of the main reasons for this can be nipple pain.Short answer, yes. If you don't want to invest in a dedicated nipple cream then a dab of Vaseline can help. Some women prefer it, while others feel better with a lanolin, or other oil-based product. Just make sure you wipe it off your nipple before you start a feed. Can you use olive oil as nipple cream?

The Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm certainly wins the award for most versatile product, boasting a number of uses in addition to soothing sore nipples, ranging from eyebrow shaping to shoe shining (yes really!)

Many of our recommended creams do not need to be washed off before feeding, but bear in mind that if you use too much just before a feed your nipple may become too slippery and prevent your baby from latching on properly. Is it safe to use nipple cream? But while lanolin nipple creams don't need to be wiped off before breastfeeding, this ingredient does come from sheep's wool so isn't suitable for vegans. However, there are plant-based or organic alternatives available, which we've recommended below.

In case you're wondering, lanolin is a naturally occurring soft and waxy substance that comes from wool-bearing animals, usually sheep. Medical-grade lanolin is used in a wide range of skin and beauty products due to its excellent moisturising qualities. It's also the most common ingredient in popular nipple creams. I’m currently using the Mama Mio oil not the cream and it’s just amazing and definitely worth the money. Smells really fresh too and doesn’t make me nauseous' - recommended by Mumsnet user PurpleIsTheColour Our verdict It depends what you want from your nipple cream. We chose Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream as our best overall nipple cream because it’s really raved about, has natural ingredients, soothes and moisturises, and is hypoallergenic.If this is your first time breastfeeding, you'll likely experience some soreness, which is why most mums start using nipple cream as soon as they begin breastfeeding. Finally, we collated all of this research to bring you our list of the 10 best nipple creams for a variety of needs and budgets. There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to the application of nipple cream but many of the mums on our forum said they chose to apply it after a feed to help relieve pain or discomfort after baby has latched.

I always found coconut oil helpful or Weleda.” - brand recommended by Mumsnet user MildDrPepperAddiction Our verdict Fragrance: Some of our recommended creams are heavily scented whilst others are completely fragrance-free. Most fragrances are created through the inclusion of natural ingredients such as coconut and mango and, whilst they won’t do your baby any harm, some mums prefer to use something unscented so as not to interfere with baby’s feeding, particularly in the early days.Creams made of organic oils or medical-grade lanolin will almost certainly be fine for both you and your baby. Creams containing petroleum or parabens are safe for skin application, but are not meant to be swallowed so will need washing off before letting your baby latch. Can you use Vaseline as nipple cream? It's made from ultra-pure, medical-grade lanolin and we like that it's tasteless and fragrance-free. The tube is just 15ml though, so it's not the most cost-effective option, despite its versatility. There are also numerous support networks and professional bodies who can help. Your midwife will be on hand to support you through those first few weeks and the NHS have an excellent comprehensive list of places where you can find support with breastfeeding. If there’s a brand parents trust when it comes to newborn essentials, it’s Tommee Tippee. Branching out into nipple cream, the much-loved company has delivered for mums once again, with many delighted reviewers praising this cream's benefits.