Objective To evaluate effect of natural external preparations on prevention of maternal cracked nipples during breastfee-ding. Methods We searched WanFang data, CNKI, CBM, VIP, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding natural external preparations for the prevention and treatment of maternal cracked nipples, with the trials being published from database inception to August 12, 2022. Results A total of 19 studies were finally obtained, with a total sample size of 2 590 cases, involving a total of 13 intervention methods.Network meta-analysis results showed that the natural external preparations with best preventive effect in descending orders were vernix caseosa, olive oil, sesame oil, lanolin lip balm, egg yolk oil, peppermint, Yupingfeng powder, lanolin cream, etc; the least effective interventions were routine nursing care (warm water cleansing and education), breast milk usage. Conclusion The results of network meta-analysis recommended the clinical use of natural external preparations of vernix caseosa, olive oil,etc., for preventive care of cracked nipples.