Breast pumps have made life easier for a lot of women. Having the best breast pump is especially important now that we know how crucial breastfeeding is for newborn health. Scientists now urge mothers to breast-feed for at least the first six months if at all possible, and it's easy to worry if you don't have the time or milk flow to easily breastfeed.
For moms who have difficulty getting a consistent supply of milk going, or for working moms who can't be there every instant the baby is hungry, breastfeeding can be a guilty struggle. The best breast pumps can solve this conundrum for you. Even if you don't have either of these issues, a breast pump can give you the freedom to occasionally take a day off and still be sure your baby has plenty of milk
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WHAT WE REVIEWED
BEST BREAST PUMP FAQ
This is one of the most essential products you'll ever buy once your baby is born, so it pays to think carefully about the choice before you buy. Making the right decision about the best breast pump for you starts with knowledge.
1. WHAT IS A BREAST PUMP?
2. HOW MANY TYPES OF BREAST PUMPS ARE THERE?
3. WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
4. WHEN CAN I START USING A BREAST PUMP?
5. IS IT SAFE TO GET A USED PUMP?
6. IS THERE A WAY TO MAKE PUMPING EASIER?
HOW WE REVIEWED
We took a look at some of the best breast pumps on the market and narrowed things down to ten we think can do the job for anyone. We looked at some of the best breast pumps in both the electric and manual categories and considered features, what users think of them, and prices. We've included a link for each so you can buy or read more.
OVERALL PRICE RANGE
When it comes to manual pumps, the best breast pumps run between $ and $$. Electric pumps are more, with the best ones going for close to $$$ and the most economical choices for less than $$. When you pay more, you can expect more powerful, two-step pumping efficiency. More expensive models will also offer more sizing options right out of the box and may be more comfortable for some women.
SOMEK ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP
- 🍼[One Split Dual Use Electric Breast Pump] - Integrated electric breast pump can be operated with one hand, small and...
- 🍼[Adjustable Massage & Pumping Level] - Our milk breastfeeding pump has 8 levels massage mode which can help the...
- 🍼[Backflow Protector & Safe and Hygienic]- The anti-backflow design provides a hygienic closed system to prevent...
Features
The Somek electric pump is very easy to use. The parts that touch your breast are made from food-grade silicone, and the back flow protector helps make things more comfortable by preventing any airflow from developing between your milk and the tubing.
This unit is also very quiet and offers nine different settings for suction and even massage. These different levels mean that this pump is probably going to work for almost any woman, no matter how strong or weak your milk flow.
Price $$$
This pump is one of the most expensive we reviewed, but there's a reason for that. It's fast, powerful, adjustable, and discrete. It's easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
SPECTRA BABY USA
- Includes: Spectra S1 Hospital Grade Double/Single breast pump, 12 volt AC power adapter, detachable power cord prongs,...
- Closed system: No need to clean the narrow tubing because Spectra S1 has a closed pumping system that keeps tubing dry...
- Rechargeable battery: Spectra S1 has a convenient, inbuilt rechargeable battery
Features
This is a hospital-grade pump with an entirely closed system to protect your milk and baby from any contaminants. For such a powerful pump it is remarkably portable, and it recharges quickly in under an hour.
This breast pump offers a high degree of flexibility and most women who have one swear by it. The fact that it's used by many hospitals is a testament to the fact that it is versatile and useful.
Price $$$
This is another relatively expensive product, but it is well worth the price if you need speed, convenience, and portability in one package.
MEDELA PUMP IN STYLE ADVANCED WITH ON THE GO TOTE
- Medela is the #1 Physician Recommended Breast Pump Product in the U.S.*
- DISCOUNTED MONTH OF 24/7 LC Breastfeeding Support: Receive 30 days of discounted access with your purchase of Pump in...
- DOUBLE ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP: Pump in Style is designed for daily use and moms who pump several times a day, thanks to...
Features
The Medela is a double pump electric model. It's designed to be used every day. It's larger than the first two pumps we reviewed; but then it can also express both breasts at once.
Medela is a big name, and their offerings are always among the best breast pumps you can buy. This one comes with a tote bag, a cooler and extra bottles, and plenty of size options to fit any mother's pumping needs.
Price $$$
The Medela is a bit cheaper than the first two we reviewed but still more expensive than most on our list.
MEDELA, HARMONY BREAST PUMP
- EASY AND CONVENIENT PUMPING: Harmony is a manual pump that has been designed for the occasional time when you’re away...
- EASY TO USE: Manual controlled vacuum allows you to adjust the suction for the most optimal comfort level and efficient...
- RESEARCH-BASED TECHNOLOGY: Unique to Medela breast pumps, this research-based and patented design allows mothers to pump...
Features
The Medela manual is one of the most highly rated manual breast pumps on the market. Although it is a manual breast pump, it still offer two-phase expression and a very natural experience.
This is not made for everyday use. It's made for occasional use, so it's not a substitute for a quality electric pump if you need to pump milk every day. But for occasional use, even a few times a week, this could be the perfect, comfortable choice.
Price $
This is an economical model that any mom would be glad to have on hand
Philips Avent Breast Pump Manual
- More comfortable pumping position due to unique design
- Soft, textured massage cushion helps stimulate milk flow
- Compact, lightweight design of the pump body makes it easy to hold and position on your breast
Features
This highly rated manual breast pump is comfortable, portable, and compact. It features a unique design that makes expressing your breast milk a comfortable experience. This unit comes with a massage cushion to make the experience as painless as possible and is especially easy to clean. Like other manual pumps, it is not meant for constant, everyday use.
Price $
This is an economical model that will work with other items in the Philips line of products. This is a solid choice that's worth the purchase price.
GLAND Double Electric Breast Pump
- Safe and Hygienic: Germany imported PPSU raw material for breastfeeding bottle, safe and hygiene, CE and FDA...
- Save Time and Comfortable : Double electric breast pump has 2 care modes: Massage, Expression. Adjustable 9 suction...
- Memory Function: The breast pump can help to record the most comfortable level you use, so you don’t need to set it...
Features
This double electric breast pump is a more economical choice for people on a budget. It does not have a rechargeable battery, but it is easy to use and offers two-phase pumping with five adjustable levels of suction.
There are some concerns from some users about inconsistent pumping after a few minutes and a short lifespan for the unit. Still, when it works moms are generally very pleased with it.
Price $$
For an electric pump, this is a very economical choice, especially considering it is a double pump.
NIBBLE RECHARGEABLE ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP
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Features
The Nibble is another economical offering that can pump both breasts at once. It features a power bank, a USB charger, and five modes to adapt to various womens' needs.
It also has a closed system that ensures the whole experience is perfectly hygienic. The unit comes with only one cup size, so you may have to get a separate one in order to ensure it fits correctly.
Price $$
This is a very economically priced electric pump and puts electric pumping power within the reach of nearly any mother.
LANSINOH Smartpump Double Electric Bluetooth-Enabled Breast Pump
- Smart pump: This double electric breast pump connects to the Lansinoh Baby App via bluetooth to track & simplify breast...
- Versatile & efficient: This double electric breast pump is the ultimate in comfort, with 3 pumping styles & 8 suction...
- Convenient & hygienic: Lansinoh breast pumps allow you to pump directly into our pre-sterilized Lansinoh breastmilk...
Features
This breast pump is an amazingly affordable one with some excellent features you would expect to find on pumps of twice the price. It offers three styles of pumping and eight levels of suction to ensure that anyone can find the right setting for their needs.
The closed system prevents any mold or bacteria from growing, and the manufacturing company is owned by moms. The pumps are designed by moms, too, so you can be sure they know what they're doing.
Price $$$
The Lansinoh is one of the best breast pumps on the market, and yet also very economical; especially for a double pump.
YIHUNION PORTABLE ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP
- 🍼[One Split Dual Use Electric Breast Pump] - Integrated electric breast pump can be operated with one hand, small and...
- 🍼[Adjustable Massage & Pumping Level] - Our milk breastfeeding pump has 8 levels massage mode which can help the...
- 🍼[Backflow Protector & Safe and Hygienic]- The anti-backflow design provides a hygienic closed system to prevent...
Features
The YIHUNION pump is a single breast pump, but it's also one of the best breast pumps out there in this category. It provides nine different suction settings, one-way flow, and a clear LCD screen that is intuitive to control.
This unit is quiet, fast, and portable. It comes with everything you need to use it right out of the box, and it is rechargeable via USB cable. Despite the low price, moms seem to love it.
Price $$
This electric pump is actually more economical than some of the best breast pumps in the manual category. If you're on a budget but need to pump every day, this might be your best choice.
HAAKAA SILICONE BREASTFEEDING MANUAL BREAST PUMP
- 2019 New Model. Award winning, best-selling, nursing mom and lactation consultant recommended.
- Patented design. Pat. No. USD810,925S. Distributed by Haakaa USA. Counterfeits will be removed by Amazon.
- Material: 100% food grade silicone. Soft and comfortable. BPA PVC and Phthalate Free
Features
The Haakaa is perhaps the simplest manual style pump you can buy. It is a contained system that offers the last word in portability, simplicity, and ease of cleaning.
It is dishwasher safe, quiet, and fits into any large pocket or bag. You control the suction by gripping the cup itself, and while it might take a little doing to find the perfect fit, once you do you'll never look back.
Price $
This was the cheapest breast pump on our list, but it's definitely not a cheap product. It does take a little maneuvering to get the right fit, but it's an excellent pump for occasional use.
THE VERDICT
All these pumps have their place, and in the end your choice is a personal decision that only you can make. We have our favorites, however.
Best in Show
If you want the best breast pump that money can buy you in terms of speed and efficiency, then you want the Spectra. This is a fast, easy-to-use, and hospital-grade unit that will not let you down. Unlike many other hospital-grade units, this one is affordable and portable. It's especially good for women who need to pump regularly throughout the day and need that to happen quickly and efficiently.
Best Economy Electric
If you want something that will do the job but not break the bank, we would have to recommend the Lansinoh. This is the best breast pump among the electric models we considered when you balance price, portability, ease of use, and speed. We highly recommend this one and can't help but think that its fine design has something to do with the fact it's designed by moms!
Best Manual Model
If you're in the market for a manual breast pump, either to go with your electric model or to be your go-to unit, we recommend the Haakaa. The price is almost unbelievable, but it's comfortable, easy-to-clean, and works as well as any manual pump on the market.
Your choice of breast pump could have everything to do with your comfort once the baby is born. The right pump will make your life easier; the wrong one will make pumping a chore you dread. Take some time to consider the one that might be right for your needs, ask other mothers what they like, and then get the one that's right for you.
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