BabyBreast Pumps10 Best Breast Pumps

10 Best Breast Pumps

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Choosing the best breast pump for your own personal needs will make breastfeeding easier and much more manageable. Regardless of when and where you’re pumping, having the right device for your needs and lifestyle will really improve your experience, so if you’re at home and pumping to a schedule, or back at work and expressing, these are very different to your needs when say traveling. Luckily, there’s a breast pump to suit each situation and we cover them in this article!

We’ve looked at a range of pumps and put together this list of the best available and compared some of the key features including suction, portability, and how easy it is to clean.

If you intend to breastfeed exclusively or have a combination approach, don’t forget to sort out a schedule which will help you plan and prepare (and freeze) milk to keep you in stock at any time. Why? Your stash of breast milk from pumping will help you when you return to work or have to do errands or attend appointments without your partner; it’s especially useful if you plan on dividing up the feeding duties between you and your partner or other caregiver.

Note: For specific types of pump, take a look at our guides to rechargeable electric pumps, wearable or hands free breast pump, and portable breast pumps for travel.

Top 10 Best Breast Pumps

Here’s our range of the top ten breast pumps across all categories, including electric, wearable, and portable devices. Our number one spot goes to the Spectra S1 that’s powerful, easy to use and has some very thoughtful features – take a look at this model and all the others in our guide below.

1. Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump

Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump

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The Spectra S1 is among the best hospital-grade pumps available. This is a closed-system pump with a powerful, fully-adjustable vacuum pump. Although expensive, the cost is often covered by insurance plans.

The S1 is a lightweight and easy to transport device thanks to an integrated carry handle. The S1 model offers a choice between a power cable and a battery, making it ideal to use when traveling or moving between locations. If you find yourself pumping at 2 a.m., the timer and nightlight feature might come in very useful !

It’s crucial to take extra caution while installing the backflow valves initially to prevent moisture from entering the tube.

Read our full review of the Spectra S1 and our guide to choosing the best bottles that will fit your Spectra.

Pros

  • Hospital-grade pump
  • You can use it on a battery or a power cord
  • Fast and functional
  • Among the best electric pumps
  • Closed system 

Cons

  • It vibrates while in use
  • Suction reliability issues

2. Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump

Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump

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An alternative like Haaakaa is both inexpensive and easy to take with you. If you’re worried about wasting breast milk, the Haakaa provides a handy solution: The Haakaa is easily attached to the breast that is not being used to feed the infant, preserving any milk that is left at the same time. When weaning or attempting to minimize breast fullness between feedings, it is also useful for expressing a smaller amount of milk.

With no electrics to worry about, it’s easy to dismantle and thoroughly clean, but it takes more effort to maintain than an electric pump. Unfortunately, some users report that the Haakaa’s design makes it easy for milk to leak if it is accidentally knocked over, so it’s worthwhile buying an additional storage cover.

Pros 

  • Among the best breast pumps
  • Portable
  • Lightweight and functional
  • Very basic 
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • It needs some effort to pump
  • Suction pump gets weaker over time

3. The Medela Harmony

Medela Harmony

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The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump stands out from other manual devices on the market because of its innovative swivel handle, a standard feature on most electric breast pumps but absent from manual models.

Unlike other manual units, Harmony’s handle can be adjusted to fit the hand of the user, making it surprisingly easy to use. It’s more affordable and easier to transport than comparable electric ones. With no engine or tube, the Harmony is very simple to maintain.

Watch out as you might start to lose suction when the O-ring wears out, however, replacement Medela components are readily available. (Also, the cheap cost makes it easier to replace this pump entirely if needed.)

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Convenient
  • Easy
  • Discreet

Cons

  • It takes effort to use
  • Handle keeps falling off

4. The Willow Wearable Breast Pump

Willow Wearable Breast Pump

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The Willow breast pumps are great if you’re working or often out and about since it doesn’t need you to hold it. It’s a popular choice if you need to use it in public since it can be concealed in a bra and does not need any cords. There aren’t many reports of milk going to waste as a result of leaks, and it comes with a wide range of customer care choices.

You might find you’ll need to replace storage bags in the middle of a session since Willow’s bags can only store a smaller volume of breast milk than many of the other bags. Another downside is that assembling the Willow is a little more involved and its latching mechanism may need a little practice.

Pros 

  • Great for milk supply
  • Useful accessories
  • Wearable 

Cons

  • Noisy
  • Only suitable for small breasts 

5. Phillips Avent Manual Breast Pumps

Phillips Avent Manual Breast Pump

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When designing the Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump, the manufacturers prioritized user convenience. You may relax comfortably while manually pumping thanks to its ergonomic design. Pumps with silicone lining are more ergonomic than their plastic counterparts. The pump may be taken apart and cleaned like any other manual pump. It’s lightweight, small, and cheap, making it convenient to take everywhere.

As the Philips Avent Manual’s handle lacks a bumper to keep it from hitting the collection bottle, it makes more noise than usual while pumping. Since the handle doesn’t pivot or allow for an adjustable grip, using it may be a bit of a workout for your hands. Although components can wear out, this is a more widely distributed kind of pump, making replacement parts readily available.

Pros

  • Easily bearable when pumping
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to disinfect

Cons

  • Suction pump degrades with time
  • Milk leaks if you pump while sitting down

6. Lansinoh Signature Pro Double-Pump

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It’s safe to say that the Lansinoh pump is a dependable alternative in the middle price bracket. A closed medical system with a stimulation phase and variable speed and suction settings is included in the all-inclusive package. Some parents may be interested in buying this pump because of the versatility it offers with three different pumping modes and the option to use either batteries or an electrical outlet to power it. This twin pump has backflow clamps to prevent milk from reentering the hoses. It also includes a convenient carrying case for transport.

To those who have experienced discomfort while using pumps in the past, we offer this alternative: a model with gentler, massage-like suction. There were a lot of first-time moms who had no trouble using this pump.

Pros

  • Perfect for expectant mothers
  • Clean and sealed for optimal hygiene
  • Superior Quality
  • Very quiet

Cons 

  • A little noisy
  • Poor build quality

7. The Freemie Liberty Breast Pump

Freemie Liberty Breast Pump

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The Freemie hands-free pump is perfect for pumping discretely whilst still being able to carry on with (some) other tasks. It’s easy to fit and wear the device, leaving the pump do the work of pumping milk – you can’t quite go about your normal activities, but it certainly frees you up to move around. The pump can be held with one hand and delivers a tremendous suction power despite its small size. And each cup contains an ample 8 fluid ounces. Spares are easily available and easy to fit and the tubing and parts work across models. If you are looking for a discrete unit to use at work or in public, it’s a good choice with plenty of very positive reviews.

Pros

  • There’s a vehicle plug-in adaptor
  • Portable 
  • Adjustable suction levels

Cons

  • There’s a chance the cups may spill
  • Terrible battery life

8. Motif Portable Pump

Motif Double Electric Breast Pump

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If you’re looking for a model that’s a good choice if you travel, the Motif Portable Pump makes it easy to keep pumping whilst traveling. The portable remote control is compact and lightweight enough to have on hand at all times. You can utilize this without anybody noticing if you’re on the go or a frequent traveler.

The pump’s massage settings and suction power can be stored in the unit’s memory making it quick to start a sessions without any time-consuming setup required.

This device’s massage and expressiveness may be customized to your preferences. You should go through the massage possibilities until you find one that is similar to your baby’s feeding practices. By switching to expression mode, you should be able to reduce the time taken to express.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Tiny and light

Cons

  • When the battery is low, suction decreases
  • It’s immobile 

9. Medela Sonata Smart Double Electric Pump 

Medela Sonata Smart Double Electric Pump

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The Sonata double electric breast pump’s two-phase expression mechanism is designed to feel like the quick start of a baby breastfeeding. Many users have found that this hospital-grade model enhances their milk output and helps them pump more often and effectively. One of the best features is the one month of unlimited access to a Medela lactation specialist.

If you’re a lover of gadgets, there’s an app for this model: the MyMedela app for smartphones allows you to track your baby’s growth and the amount of milk you’ve pumped.

Pros

  • Superb for taking on trips
  • Streamlined and clever construction
  • Brings out a lot of juice

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Most of its parts are hard to clean 

10. Bellababy Two-Pump Electric Breast Pump

Bellababy Two-Pump Electric Breast Pump

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If you want an inexpensive electric pump, go no further than Bellababy. This model has nine different suction settings and four different modes, one of which is a massage to encourage lactation.

This pump has an easy-to-understand interface, with a straightforward screen and controls. Many users will appreciate the flexibility provided by the device’s ability to be powered either by batteries or a cable. This pump includes two adapters that make pumping directly into storage bags a breeze.

Pros

  • Cost-effective
  • Several helpful additions 
  • It helps increase milk production
  • Compact
  • Lightweight design

Cons

  • The package only contains two bottles
  • Reduces milk output

Tips for Choosing a Breast Pump

Start your search for a breast pump with an understanding that one mother’s ideal pump may not be the best option for you. Andrea Tran, a qualified lactation consultant, suggests the following criteria for vetting potential breast pumps:

Rate of Pumping Milk

Consider how frequently you’ll need to pump. A manual pump is inefficient if you need to pump more than a few times each week because of the effort required. A two-motor electric pump would be a good choice in such circumstances. And if you’re thinking of trying exclusive pumping, you should get the most expensive model you can.

The volume of noise: There is no such thing as a completely quiet breast pump, although some are noisier than others. If you’ll be using it in a busy workplace or on a conference call, you may want to choose a pump that has a good reputation for being low noise.

Portability

A portable unit is ideal for those who spend a lot of time on the road or in the air.

Do you know whether there is a power outlet near where you’ll be pumping? If not, and you plan on pumping in less conventional locations like the vehicle on the way to work or the toilet, you may want to look into a double-electric type that includes a battery pack, or choose a smaller, more portable battery-powered version. Some modern designs may be concealed beneath clothing, making it possible to wear it without using your hands or showing any visible tubing or cables.

Accessories 

Tubing and duck valves are only two examples of parts that need periodic replacement. Choose a model that uses commonly accessible replacement components if you anticipate needing to pump regularly. And if you need more than one device, maybe one for work and one for home, it might be simpler to get two of the same type so that the components (such as bottles and flanges) would be interchangeable.

Mobility

If you’re returning to work outside the home or just want to maintain your pumping routine while traveling, a portable pump is an absolute must. Ask yourself these questions, as suggested by breastfeeding specialists: Can I bring the unit? How big and heavy is it? Can you easily store it in a purse or handbag and take it with you everywhere you go? If it’s too little, it’ll probably be squished in your bag or bashed on your commute.

The kind of portable pump you’ll need depends on your destination. The silicone Haakaa manual pump is ideal for stowing away in a diaper bag when you need a portable electric model for work.

Do your research and read user reviews to find out how noisy each model is when running. Listen carefully when it operates at its maximum speed since this is when it creates the most noise.

Type

Your maternity care facility will most likely provide you access to a breast pump to use after giving delivery. Because of their heavier power needs, hospital-grade pumping systems are often larger and more difficult to move than those designed for home use. Anyone may buy or rent these pumps, which are most common in medical facilities but it’s common to opt to rent one instead of buying since they tend to be more expensive.

An electric unit requires electricity either from a rechargeable battery, a USB port, or a regular wall socket to power the motor. Most of them are still of a medical grade, but they’re lighter to make them more convenient to carry about and utilize. Some modern breast-pumping accessories allow for hands-free operation.

Price

The price tag could easily vary widely depending on factors including the pump’s make and type. The great news is that several options exist to accommodate varying financial constraints. Furthermore, if you don’t plan on utilizing the equipment for an extended amount of time, renting may be preferable to purchasing the more expensive options and hospital-grade equipment.

If you have medical coverage, you may obtain a breast pump at a much-reduced price. Healthcare.gov states that a breast pump should be covered by health insurance. Your plan may include restrictions on the kind of pump (electric vs. manual), the length of time you may rent one, and whether or not you can get one before or after giving birth. Make sure you have everything you need by consulting with your doctor or other healthcare providers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

  1. At what point should I begin pumping?

In the first several days after giving birth, you may start using a breast pump, but check with your nurse or medical professional and read our article here.

  1. Can you explain the function of a breast pump?

A breast pump is an appliance for a breastfeeding woman to use to express milk. It helps with engorgement, increases milk supply, and can fill in for mom when she’s not around.

Summing Up

In our guide we’ve looked at ten of the best breast pumps on the market that each make it easier for a mom to express and store milk. There’s a range of products available with portable options, manual and electric models to suit your requirements (or like us, you might have one for travel and one for home). Whichever you choose, don’t forget you might be able to claim the cost back on your insurance and take a look at our guides to setting up a pumping schedule.

Written by

Anna Thornhill
Anna Thornhillhttps://conqueringmotherhood.com/
Anna is one of our expert writers and, as a mom of two lovely kids (a daughter and son), she has plenty of practical experience to draw on when writing guides and reviews. Anna writes about techniques she's used both during pregnancy and as a new mother, such as combination feeding, and guides to products that have made feeding and care of her kids a little easier.

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