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. We consulted experts and healthcare professionals to ensure our recommended products are safe to use and approved by those in the know.

It’s considered safe to use during breastfeeding and you don’t need to wash it off before you start a feed. However, around 2% of people are allergic, so if you or your baby experience irritation when using lanolin-based products stop using them immediately and look for alternatives. Why you should trust usCreams 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? 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. This is the only one on our list to come with a dispenser. We love that the airless pump makes it more hygienic and much easier to dispense with one hand while holding baby with the other arm. 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

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. 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. 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. 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.My preferred products for stretch marks were Burts Bees Mama Bee, Mamma Mio tummy butter plus Palmers cocoa butter' - brand recommended by Mumsnet user bananaramama 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? Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve seen, tried and reviewed thousands of products.

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. 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.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 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!) 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. I always found coconut oil helpful or Weleda.” - brand recommended by Mumsnet user MildDrPepperAddiction Our verdict