It is undeniable that (at least under normal circumstances), breastfeeding is best for baby – and, really, for mama, too.  But we’re often too quick to assume that breastfeeding is easy.  It isn’t always.  And one of the hurdles one sometimes finds is that of sore nipples.  The most obvious way to address this is to keep them treated with something to prevent their becoming, essentially, chapped.

Unfortunately, a lot of the options are not very baby-safe.  They have to be washed off before baby can nurse.  That adds another hurdle in and of itself.  (Who wants to have to wash up every time they’re ready to nurse?  That would be especially inconvenient while you’re out!)  A well-respecting, long-standing alternative is Lansinoh’s lanolin.

Naturally-derived and high-grade, this is perfectly safe for baby and does not need to be washed off.  It got a ton of use when my first baby was born.  (I didn’t find it as necessary, personally, with later babies.)  It’s thicker than a lotion, so it will stay put and protect the skin’s surface.  But not so thick you can’t apply it.  It does tend to be a little “greasy,” so if you are concerned about bras staining, you might want to be sure you’re using nursing pads.

Disclosure: Lansinoh provided me with a tube of lanolin to facilitate this review.  They are also providing lanolin for the upcoming Naturally Healthy Baby event.  As always, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.