Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm Review: an effective, Vegan-friendly cream
We put Mumsnet-favourite brand Mama Mio's Keep Calm Nipple Balm to the test with the help of breastfeeding mum-tester Bethan. Read on to discover her verdict of this budget-friendly nipple cream.
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Apr 17, 2024
Price on writing: £6 for 30 ml | Buy now from Amazon | Buy now from Boots | Buy now from John Lewis
Vegan
Dermatologically tested
Recyclable packaging
Quite a slippery consistency
Not fragrance-free
Not recommended for facial use unlike other nipple creams which double up as moisturiser
Price on writing: £6 for 30 ml | Remove before breastfeeding? No | Type: Balm | Size: 30ml
Read next: Find the best breast pumps including the top manual pumps and wearable options with our bespoke guides.
How we tested Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm
Parent-tester Bethan, a mum-of-one currently breastfeeding a newborn, tested a selection of Mumsnet's top-rated nipple cream samples over a period of several months. During this time she took rigorous notes on each cream's effectiveness, ease of application, feel and value for money as well as her overall verdict on each nipple cream.
Discover how Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm compared with other Mumsnet-favourite best nipple creams, including Lansinoh Lanolin, Bennetts Nipple Cream, Weleda Nipple Balm, Medela Purelan Nipple Cream and My Expert Midwife No Harm Nipple Balm with our in-depth reviews.
Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm: first use
The cream comes with instructions on the box and on the tube, which Bethan described as, 'very easy to follow.'
Related: Find more solutions to sore nipples with our guide to the best nipple shields
How does the Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm feel to touch?
According to Bethan, the Mama Mio nipple balm felt 'much more like an oil' than a cream. 'It's a balm made up of olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil and other ingredients and does resemble quite an oily texture.'
It’s quite slippery. It rubs in easily though and leaves skin feeling very soft.
Read next: Find more soothing solutions with Mumsnet's guides to the best nappy rash cream and top stretch mark cream
Does the Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm have an odour?
'It has quite a herby smell,' said Bethan.
How easy is it to apply the Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm?
It is quite slippery and occasionally has dropped off my finger before I’ve applied it so I've switched to just squeezing it directly onto my nipples and that’s been better for applying. Just putting on the back of my hand to initially test, it slid down which shows the thinner consistency. Being thinner it means it doesn’t pull at the nipple to rub it in which is a real positive I feel.
Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm
Buy now from AmazonRelated: Discover the best baby feeding bottles, sippy cups and changing bags according to real mums
How effective is the Mama Mio Nipple Balm?
'The balm definitely soothes straight away and takes away any tight feeling,' reported Bethan. 'After an hour or so, my skin still feels very soothed and very moisturised.'
Read next: Find more parent-recommended feeding essentials with our guides to the best sterilisers, nursing chairs and highchairs
Can the Mama Mio Nipple Balm be used elsewhere on the body?
Bethan explained, 'It specifically says on the box that it's not recommended for use on the face. I tried it on other patches of dry skin, such as my cuticles for example, but found it a little too sticky on my fingers. I also tried it on my chapped lips but it was too thin.'
It’s definitely a thinner consistency compared to the other balms that I have tried. I would say it’s probably the thinnest balm consistency, it has a little more of an oily feel and slips off skin if not rubbed in as soon as it’s out of the bottle.
Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm
Buy now from AmazonMama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm: Overall verdict
While Bethan didn't rate the Mama Mio balm highly for versatility due to its consistency, she said she would still recommend it to other breastfeeding mums.
It's definitely good value for money. Compared to the higher priced balms, I would be very happy to use this specifically for how soothing it feels on the nipples.
About the author
Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy, baby care and general parenting-related content. As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews, features buyers' guides.
She regularly reviews a wide range of parenting and lifestyle products for Mumsnet, from breast pumps to kettles, board games and cribs.
About Mumsnet Reviews
All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real people after weeks of research and testing – this includes recommendations from the Mumsnet Talk boards. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.
All prices correct at time of publication