Sore and cracked nipples can be very excruciating. You may think it is a tiny skin irritation, but it should still not be taken lightly. If left untreated, it could cause significant discomforts such as swollen breasts and mastitis and will most likely affect your milk production. Before diving into the best nipple cream for breastfeeding and treatment suggestions, let’s discover the causes and symptoms of sore and cracked nipples. In times of confusion about what products to buy for your nipples, the best thing you can do is read nipple cream reviews like this one!
Best Nipple Creams in Singapore
To make things easier for you, here are the things we think of when we hear a specific nipple cream brand. Check out the nipple cream reviews we made for moms who wish to have the best nipples before, during, and after birth!
Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream is a lanolin-free, plant-based solution for nursing mums looking for a safer and more natural alternative. Made with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and date palm extract, it deeply hydrates and soothes sore, cracked nipples. Its fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula provides quick relief while being completely safe for babies—no need to rinse before feeding. Specially formulated for mums with sensitive skin, this halal-certified cream is free from harmful chemicals, making it a gentle yet effective choice.
Price: $12.90 for 15ml
Where to Buy: Shopee
Medela Purelan 100
Medela Purelan 100 is a highly concentrated, 100% natural lanolin cream that effectively soothes and heals dry, cracked nipples. Its ultra-rich texture delivers deep hydration, restoring the skin’s natural moisture and preventing further dryness. Free from preservatives, parabens, and artificial fragrances, it’s gentle on sensitive skin and completely safe for babies, with no need to wipe off before nursing. This dermatologist-tested cream can also be used on dry lips, hands, and even baby’s skin, making it a versatile must-have for new mums.
Price: $ 16.90 for 7g
Where to Buy: Medela Official Website
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream is a hospital-grade, 100% ultra-purified lanolin cream that provides fast relief for sore, cracked nipples. Its rich and deeply moisturizing formula creates a protective barrier while restoring the skin’s natural moisture balance. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, this cream is dermatologically tested and safe for even the most sensitive skin. Unlike some nipple creams, it doesn’t need to be wiped off before breastfeeding, making it completely safe for babies. A trusted choice among mums, it’s designed to provide long-lasting comfort and protection.
Price: $19.70 for 40g
Where to Buy: Lazada
Pigeon Nipple Care Cream is a gentle and effective solution for soothing and healing sore, cracked nipples. Made with 100% ultrapure lanolin, it deeply moisturizes and protects the skin without any added preservatives, fragrances, or colorants. Its hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested formula is safe for both mum and baby, allowing direct breastfeeding without the need to wipe it off. The smooth, non-sticky texture absorbs quickly, providing instant relief while helping to restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Trusted by mums worldwide, this cream ensures a comfortable and worry-free nursing experience.
Price: $17.95 for 10g
Where to Buy: Shopee
Ardo Lanolin Nipple Repair Cream is a medical-grade, 100% pure lanolin cream designed to provide instant relief for sore, cracked nipples. Its ultra-purified, hypoallergenic formula is free from additives, preservatives, and fragrances, making it safe for both mum and baby. The rich and deeply moisturizing texture creates a protective barrier while supporting the skin’s natural healing process. With no need to wipe off before breastfeeding, it offers a hassle-free experience for nursing mums. Dermatologically tested and trusted by lactation consultants, it’s a must-have for breastfeeding comfort.
Price: $12.30 for 30ml
Where to Buy: Ardo Official Website
Earth Mama’s Organic Nipple Butter is a rich, plant-based cream made with organic herbs and oils to soothe and protect sore, cracked nipples. Unlike lanolin-based creams, it’s crafted with natural ingredients like olive oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and calendula, making it a safe and vegan-friendly choice for mums and babies. Its smooth, non-sticky texture provides deep hydration and fast relief while being safe to ingest—no need to wipe off before breastfeeding. Free from petroleum, parabens, and artificial fragrances, this USDA-certified organic cream is a top choice for mums seeking a clean, all-natural solution.
Price: $23.80 for 60ml
Where to Buy: Pupsik
Upspring Organic Nipple Balm is a 100% natural, lanolin-free formula designed to soothe and heal sore, cracked nipples while being completely safe for babies. Made with organic coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter, it provides deep hydration and protection without any synthetic additives. Its smooth, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, offering fast relief and long-lasting moisture. Free from parabens, petroleum, and artificial fragrances, this USDA-certified organic balm ensures a clean and worry-free breastfeeding experience. Best of all, there’s no need to wipe it off before nursing, making it a hassle-free choice for busy mums.
Price: $ 42 for 44ml
Where to Buy: Vitamin UK
Motherlove Nipple Cream is a USDA-certified organic, lanolin-free balm made with a soothing blend of natural ingredients, including olive oil, shea butter, beeswax, and calendula. Designed to provide quick relief for sore, cracked nipples, it deeply hydrates and promotes healing without any synthetic additives. The smooth, non-sticky texture absorbs well into the skin, ensuring comfort while nursing. Free from petroleum, parabens, and artificial fragrances, this cream is completely safe for babies, so there’s no need to wipe it off before breastfeeding. Trusted by mums and lactation consultants, it’s a gentle yet effective choice for breastfeeding care.
Price: ~$20 for 29.5ml
Where to Buy: All Mom
Honest Company Calm Your Nip Balm is a plant-based, lanolin-free nipple balm designed to provide soothing relief for sore, cracked nipples. Made with a nourishing blend of organic coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, it deeply hydrates and restores the skin’s natural moisture. Its smooth, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, offering long-lasting comfort while being completely safe for babies—no need to wipe it off before breastfeeding. Free from parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances, this dermatologist-tested formula is a clean and gentle choice for nursing mums.
Price: $24.03 for 51g
Where to Buy: Amazon
Weleda Nipple Balm is a natural, lanolin-free formula designed to soothe and protect sensitive nipples during breastfeeding. Made with organic calendula extract, sunflower seed oil, and beeswax, it provides deep hydration while supporting the skin’s natural healing process. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly and forms a protective barrier to prevent further dryness and irritation. Dermatologically tested and free from synthetic preservatives, parabens, and artificial fragrances, it’s completely safe for babies—no need to wipe off before nursing. This gentle yet effective balm is ideal for mums looking for a clean and natural solution.
Price: ~$39.90 for 36ml
Where to Buy: FairPrice
Burt’s Bees Mama Soothing Nipple Cream is a nourishing, natural solution crafted specifically for breastfeeding mothers. Made with a blend of soothing ingredients like lanolin, coconut oil, and shea butter, this cream provides deep hydration and helps to relieve soreness and discomfort associated with nursing. Its rich, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, forming a protective barrier that supports healing and prevents further irritation. Free from artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates, it is safe for both mum and baby, allowing for direct breastfeeding without the need to wipe it off. Dermatologically tested, this cream is a gentle yet effective choice for soothing sore nipples during breastfeeding.
Price: ~$13 – $20 (30g)
Where to Buy: Amazon
Common causes of sore and cracked nipples
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Improper Latching: If the baby is not latching on correctly, it can create friction and pressure on the nipples, leading to cracks and soreness.
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Dryness and Dehydration: Lack of moisture can make nipples dry and more susceptible to cracking, especially in low-humidity environments.
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Frequent Feeding or Pumping: Increased frequency of breastfeeding or pumping can cause irritation and lead to cracks if the skin does not have time to heal.
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Infections: Conditions such as thrush (a yeast infection) or bacterial infections can cause nipple soreness and cracking.
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Sensitivity to Products: Reactions to soaps, creams, or laundry detergents can irritate the skin and contribute to cracking.
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Nipple Trauma: Physical trauma from rough handling, friction from clothing, or breastfeeding-related injuries can lead to cracked nipples.
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Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and postpartum can affect skin elasticity and sensitivity, leading to cracking.
Symptoms of sore and cracked nipples
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Pain or Discomfort: This can range from mild tenderness to sharp, shooting pain, especially during breastfeeding or pumping.
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Redness and Inflammation: The skin around the nipple may appear red, swollen, or irritated.
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Cracks or Fissures: Visible cracks or splits in the skin of the nipple can occur, which may bleed or ooze fluid.
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Itching or Burning Sensation: Some women may experience itching or a burning feeling in the nipple area.
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Dryness or Flaking: The skin may become dry, flaky, or scaly in appearance.
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Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity in the nipple area, making it painful to touch or exposed to clothing.
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Discoloration: The nipple may appear darker or discolored due to irritation or trauma.
Treatment for sore and cracked nipples
The symptoms above may be overwhelming, but don’t let them scare you away from breastfeeding your baby. Not all mums go through every single pain, and you’d be glad to know that there are effective home remedies to treat most of the symptoms above. These are remedies practised by mums and recommended by breastfeeding experts.
Salt water rinse
This is also known as normal saline and can be easily prepared at home.
Warm compress
This can be done with a warm and moist washcloth. Also, applying a warm compress on your breasts/nipples before and after feeding helps soothe the pain.
Apply freshly expressed breastmilk to the affected area
Breastmilk contains Vitamin E, which is effective in healing the skin. But never apply Vitamin E oil from a capsule as it can be toxic to your baby. This method also should be avoided if you have thrush as it thrives in milk.
Apply a medical-grade ointment, or nipple cream
We’d say this is a must-have throughout your breastfeeding days. Most nipple ointments or creams are made of natural and baby-safe ingredients, so you don’t have to wash them off before feeding.
The best nipple cream for breastfeeding doesn’t only soothe your pain but also helps speed up your recovery. Several nipple cream reviews attest that nipple creams are important, especially if you are breastfeeding your baby.
Choosing the best nipple cream for pregnancy and breastfeeding
To help you choose a suitable and the best nipple cream for breastfeeding for sore nipples while breastfeeding, we have shortlisted the top 7 brands of the best nipple cream for breastfeeding available on the market. We created nipple cream reviews for a lot of brands here!
The brands of the best nipple cream for breastfeeding for pregnancy and breastfeeding should be qualified based on the below criteria:
- Quality ingredients that are safe for you and your baby. Of all the nipple cream reviews out there, this is their number one concern.
- The cream’s texture should not feel greasy or oily on the skin. Lanolin creams are often thicker in feel and consistency but can protect throughout the day. Blended lanolin creams usually have a lighter texture that is easier to apply but may require reapplication throughout the day.
- Smell and taste because babies are susceptible during the first few months of birth, and a strong smell/taste may lead to latching issues in the baby.
How to prevent sore and cracked nipples
Breastfeeding indeed comes with different kinds of challenges, even for experienced mummies! Each child is different, so you have to learn to manage your expectations with every little baby that you’re blessed with.
We always recommend our fellow mummies prepare themselves with a good amount of breastfeeding knowledge before the arrival of their little one, so you won’t panic should you ever experience any hiccups.
Here are some helpful tips to prevent nipple pain from pregnancy all the way into your breastfeeding journey:
- Ensure proper latching when breastfeeding.
- Hand-express some breast milk before feeding the baby to avoid engorgement.
- Wash breasts with warm water only. Avoid soap as it could cause dryness.
- Wear breast pads made from natural materials.
- Let your baby unlatch from the breasts naturally.
- Avoid wearing bras that are too tight as they may cause friction.
We hope this list helps you decide on the right nipple cream for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Continue reading tips on caring for sore nipples during breastfeeding to understand further how best to prevent discomfort throughout your journey.
What is lanolin?
Lanolin is a thick, yellowish substance that is secreted by the glands in the skin of sheep. It is often used in the production of various skin care products, including nipple cream because it is an effective emollient that can help to soothe and moisturize dry or chapped skin.
Nipple cream that contains lanolin is often used by nursing mothers to help alleviate the discomfort and soreness that can occur as a result of breastfeeding.
It is typically applied to the nipples after each feeding to help keep the skin soft and supple. Some nipple creams may also contain other ingredients, such as aloe vera or vitamin E, to provide additional nourishment and protection to the skin.
Benefits of lanolin extract
Nipple cream lanolin has several benefits when applied to the nipples:
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Moisturisation: Nipple cream Lanolin extract is an effective emollient, which means it can help to moisturise and hydrate dry or chapped skin. This can be particularly helpful for nursing mothers who may experience soreness and discomfort due to breastfeeding.
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Healing: In fact, nipple cream Lanolin extract has properties that can help to promote the healing of damaged skin. It can help to reduce inflammation and redness, and may even help to prevent scarring.
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Protection: Basically, nipple cream Lanolin extract forms a protective barrier on the skin that helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated. This can be especially useful for nursing mothers, as their nipples may be exposed to frequent wetness due to breastfeeding.
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Softening: Nipple cream Lanolin extract can help to soften and smooth the skin, making it more comfortable for both the mother and the baby during breastfeeding.
It is important to follow the instructions on the package when using nipple cream Lanolin extract or any other nipple cream and to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions.
Understanding other nipple challenges for breastfeeding moms in Singapore
Breastfeeding is a journey filled with memorable bonding moments—and sometimes unexpected challenges. While dry and cracked nipples are common concerns, other lesser-known nipple issues can also arise, especially for new moms. Here’s a look at some nipple discomforts you might encounter, along with tips on managing them.
1. Vasospasm (Nipple Blanching)
Vasospasm occurs when blood flow to the nipples is restricted, causing them to turn white, then blue, and finally red as blood returns. It’s often triggered by temperature changes or latch difficulties, and it can cause a sharp, stinging pain. Using warm compresses and ensuring a proper latch can help alleviate symptoms.
2. Nipple Thrush (Yeast Infection)
If your nipples are itchy, or shiny, or you experience a burning sensation, you might have a yeast infection. Thrush often occurs after antibiotic use or in humid climates like Singapore. Anti-fungal creams and good hygiene can help manage it, and it’s essential to treat both mom and baby to prevent reinfection.
3. Bleb or Milk Blister
A milk blister, or bleb, appears as a small, white dot on the nipple, blocking milk flow. It can be uncomfortable and cause milk stasis. Gentle massages and warm compresses can help open the blocked pore while adjusting your baby’s latch, which may prevent future occurrences.
4. Eczema or Dermatitis
For some moms, eczema can flare up due to hormonal changes, causing red, scaly patches on the nipples. Avoiding harsh soaps, using gentle moisturizers, and consulting a dermatologist for breastfeeding-safe treatments can provide relief.
5. Self-Care is Key
Breastfeeding challenges are normal, but you don’t have to handle them alone! Speak with a lactation consultant, and remember, every mom’s experience is unique. Prioritize comfort, seek support, and embrace the beautiful journey of breastfeeding.
ALSO READ
The Importance of Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding Mums
Surviving Nipple Pain During Pregnancy: Causes and Relief Tips
Sore Nipples? How To Make the Pain Go Away
