PRODUCT NAME:             

Little Bairn Organic Nipple Balm 

 

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PRODUCT CATEGORY:

Nipple Balm - Breastfeeding - For Mum 

 

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COMPANY PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

• This organic balm has been specifically developed to both protect and repair the skin

• Coconut oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties

• Apply directly to nipples between feeds

 

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PAED PREFERRED REVIEW:

There are many different nipple balms available on the market, and this product forms part of the overall very good skin care range from Little Bairn. Obviously, my review of this product is based on feedback from breastfeeding mothers, but I have used this product myself as a lip balm.

 

The Organic Nipple Balm’s ingredients are essential oils and extracts, including coconut oil, avocado oil, beeswax, evening primrose oil, and calendula.

 

The product is nicely packaged, cosmetically very easy to apply with minimal residue, and has a very pleasant aroma. The beeswax content can certainly be appreciated on application.

 

For a long time, Lansinoh has been the most commonly used nipple balm by mothers. So it makes sense to compare the two products. Compared to Lansinoh, my patients’ mothers reported the Little Bairn to be easier to apply as it wasn’t as thick, but by the same token, had to be used more frequently as a result. Most felt that Little Bairn was an excellent general nipple care balm for early cracking, but Lansinoh was their preferred for very damaged nipples.

 

Cost is potentially a factor. The RRP for 30g is $23.95, and if needing to be used between every feed, is not the cheapest product on the market. In comparison, Lansinoh (50g for approx $23.99 – price varies) is more cost effective.

 

What does the Evidence say?

 

The main claim to be tested by literature evidence is that of coconut oil having antibacterial and antifungal properties. This is based on the recognition since the 1960s that lauric acid, one of the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil, and a component of breast milk, has bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal properties. The studies in humans are small, and by no means large scale.

 

Lauric acid is metabolised to monolaurin. It has been postulated that a monolaurin dosage of 30-90mg in children aged 2-10 years, or 1-3 years in adults, would provide protection against certain organisms. The accurate dosage for each particular organism has not been established. 

 

Therefore, the topical application of small amounts of a 30g tub of Little Bairn (of which only a small proportion would be lauric acid from coconut oil) would provide very little protection against serious infection.

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