Best nipple creams recommended by midwives and mums – and tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute

Score: 87/100

Lansinoh has been nourishing nipples for over forty years. Hard-working lanolin replenishes painful dryness and adds a layer of moisture to prevent further cracking. It’s also an emollient, which prevents water loss from the area.

Our mum testers were impressed, with many reporting it healed cracking overnight. It comes in a convenient squeezy tube, and there’s no need to wipe it off before the next feed as it’s tasteless, odourless, and free from harmful ingredients.

Score: 83/100

Weleda’s nipple balm also contains ultra-healing lanolin, as well as organic calendula extract. This skin-friendly, naturally antiseptic ingredient soothes and heals and is gentle on sensitive areas.

A little goes a long way with this tiny tube, and one mum liked how easy and discreet it was to apply while out and about. What’s more, it absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel sticky on the skin.

Score: 81/100

Our panel of mums loved this buttery balm, which soothed aching nipples and doubled as a nappy cream for babies. In fact, it restores and heals dry, cracked skin anywhere on the body and is even effective on eczema-prone skin.

It's packed with nourishing ingredients, such as calendula and shea butter to soothe and heal inflammation, while hemp acts as an emollient, working alongside beeswax to lock in hydration.

Although it may not be as convenient as a squeezy tube for on-the-go use, it is perfect for keeping at home to provide extra comfort.

Score: 80/100

Cream isn’t the only cure for sore nipples. These clever nipple cups are a fantastic reusable alternative, scoring full marks for design.

Silver is naturally antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal, which helps to soothe and protect sore nipples – and many enjoyed the relief felt from the cold metal. They work by creating a moist environment that promotes faster wound healing while preventing infection and irritation, and act as a physical barrier against friction from clothes. They’re lightweight and fit discreetly into nursing bras, simply add a drop of breast milk to each cup and stick them on.

Score: 75/100

Co-founded by Baby Spice Emma Bunton, the Kit & Kin range aims to protect and care for your skin without any harmful or irritating ingredients.

Their lightweight balm features skin-friendly arnica extract, a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that aids tissue repair. Packed with flaxseed, coconut, and sunflower oils, it delivers essential omega acids to enhance suppleness and soothe dry skin.

Many testers praised its fast absorption, including one who remarked, “It felt like my skin was being nourished by the good stuff.”

Score: 73/100

If you’re sensitive to lanolin or prefer a plant-based alternative, My Little Coco’s potted balm is an ultra-soothing option. The star ingredient, coconut oil, is rich in skin-softening fatty acids, delivering deep and long-lasting hydration. Testers particularly appreciated its subtle scent and moisturising effect.

However, a minor drawback is the need to wipe the balm off before nursing – a hassle during those early days of frequent feeds. Despite this, the balm is effective at calming irritation and inflammation, making it a comforting choice for sensitive skin.

Score: 70/100

Like a cold flannel pressed to a sore head, these cooling pads provide instant relief to tender teats. Testers appreciated how they fully cover the areola with a hydrogel that soothes and protects against friction.

The pads are easy to pop on and off between feeds and can be stored in the tray included for up to three days. However, be careful when removing them, as some testers reported discomfort during this process.