Packing for the Hospital: Gentle Support for Sore Nipples with Nip Gloss™
Packing your hospital bag checklist is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming. Alongside essentials like baby grows and nappies, many parents add a nipple cream to their hospital bag list. That’s because nipple pain, dryness, or sensitivity can sometimes appear in the early days of breastfeeding.
At Pippeta, we’ve designed something new for this exact moment: Nip Gloss™, a gentle, plant-based balm created for sore nipples, dry lips, and sensitive skin. But before we dive into why Nip Gloss™ is different, we want to make one thing clear: the NHS and Breastfeeding Network both recommend that nipple pain should always be investigated first by checking positioning, latch, and attachment. A poor latch is the most common reason nipples become sore, and correcting it can make a huge difference. Our balm is there as gentle support not a replacement for skilled breastfeeding help.
Why Go Lanolin-Free?
For years, many new parents have reached for lanolin nipple creams to soothe soreness. But lanolin, a waxy substance derived from sheep’s wool, isn't always the best choice. Here’s why:
- Allergic potential: Some studies show lanolin can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities, especially in people with wool allergies. What’s more, in 2023 Lanolin was named the American contact dermatitis allergen of the year.
- Impurities: Research also suggests unless highly refined, lanolin can sometimes contain pesticide residues from sheep dips.
- Not vegan: For families choosing plant-based, lanolin is off the list.
- Texture and taste: Some mothers find lanolin thick, sticky, or with an unpleasant taste for babies.
One Reddit user states: “Lanolin was so thick that it hurt when I applied it. I couldn't get it soft/runny enough to go on smoothly.”
That’s why we created Nip Gloss™ as a safe substitute for lanolin nipple cream, one that’s natural, vegan, plant-based, and IBCLC-approved.
Meet Nip Gloss™ : Gentle, Natural Support
Our nipple balm has been carefully developed and tested in the UK, using a local factory to ensure quality and traceability. We chose a blend of natural oils and waxes over lanolin for Nip Gloss™ because, while lanolin can soothe dryness, it isn’t always ideal for cracked or healing skin. It may trap bacteria, feed yeast if used long term, and isn’t suitable for anyone with a wool allergy.
Our carefully selected natural oils sunflower seed, olive, apricot kernel, and avocado combined with protective candelilla wax offer deep nourishment, skin barrier support, and natural antimicrobial properties, without the heavy, sticky texture of lanolin. These lightweight oils absorb easily, soothe irritation, and keep nipples soft and protected, making them safe for long-term use and gentle enough for breastfeeding parents.
Our founder Aimee has been heavily involved in the process of choosing the perfect formulation drawing on her own breastfeeding journey to ensure every ingredient is safe, soothing, and genuinely supportive for parents and babies.
Key benefits:
- 100% plant-based and vegan
- Made in the UK with certified ingredients
- IBCLC-approved and dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic and safe for both mums and babies
- Clinically tested and designed by parents, for parents
Ingredients you can trust:
- Hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglycerides- A plant-derived emollient that restores the skin barrier, boosts hydration, and gives Nip Gloss its silky glide.
- Sunflower seed oil (Helianthus annus)- Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it protects and repairs the skin barrier while soothing irritation with a lightweight, fast-absorbing finish.
- Olive oil (Olea europaea)- Packed with antioxidants and squalene, it deeply hydrates, nourishes, and supports the skin’s natural repair process.
- Candelilla wax (Euphorbia cerifera cera)- A vegan alternative to beeswax that forms a breathable protective barrier, locking in moisture with a smooth, non-sticky finish.
- Apricot kernel oil (Prunus armeniaca)- A light, silky oil rich in vitamins A and E that softens, soothes, and promotes healing without leaving a greasy feel.
- Avocado oil (Persea gratissima)- Omega-rich and intensely nourishing, it helps repair cracked skin, reduce inflammation, and support long-term skin resilience.
This unique blend creates a silky, soothing balm that works for sore nipples, chapped lips, or irritated patches of skin.
We have put deep thought and time into not only the formulation aspect of this product but the actual design of the tube and applicator. Our zinc applicator head delivers a cooling, soothing touch while keeping application hygienic and mess-free. Its smooth tip makes it easy to apply the perfect amount, whether you’re treating sore nipples or giving your lips a nourishing boost, no sticky fingers, just instant relief and comfort.
The Science of Milk Production and Nipple Pain
It’s easy to worry when the nipple is painful or when your baby’s feeding patterns aren’t what you expected. But it helps to understand:
- Every mother and baby is unique.
- Milk supply works on a supply-and-demand basis. The more milk you remove (by feeding or pumping), the more your body produces.
- Soreness isn’t always a sign of low supply. Often, it’s a latch issue, cluster feeding phase, or simply the early days of adjustment.
(To learn more about this subject read our separate blog here)
It’s important to remember, before reaching for any cream, check in with your midwife, health visitor, or an IBCLC if nipple pain continues. Creams like Nip Gloss™ are there for comfort and healing but positioning and support always come first.
Hospital Bag Must-Have
When preparing your pregnancy hospital bag, Nip Gloss™ makes a smart addition alongside muslins, snacks, and baby’s first outfit. Unlike some heavier creams, it’s:
- Multi-use (for nipples, lips, and skin)
- Smooth and non-sticky
- No need to wipe off before feeding
That means one less worry in those first days.
Final Thoughts
Nipple pain is never something you “just have to put up with.” Support is available, and most soreness improves once latch and positioning are corrected. But when you need a little extra relief, Nip Gloss offers a safe, natural alternative to lanolin nipple creams, one that’s gentle, effective, and designed to support you through the realities of feeding.
Ready to add Nip Gloss™ to your hospital bag checklist? Stay tuned. It's launching soon! Alternatively you can sign up here to our unique mailing list here for extra info, launch date previews and exclusive offers.
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