The 8 Best Breast Pumps

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Breast pumps can be an invaluable tool for nursing moms, but with lots of different types and features to wade through, it can be hard to know which one to buy. We surveyed more than 10,000 Pampers Parents to get the low-down on the best manual, electric, and battery operated breast pumps, and collated lots of insights and information on how to choose and use a breast pump. Discover everything you need to know about breast pumps right here.

What Is a Breast Pump?

Breast pumps are devices that help you extract your breast milk so that you can store it for later or give it to your baby via a bottle. The basic parts of a breast pump are:

• Breast shield or “flange.” This is the cone-shaped piece that fits over your nipple.

• Pump. The pump is either attached to the flange or connected to plastic tubing that connects to the flange. The pump is what “expresses” the milk from your breast.

• Milk storage container. This is often a bottle or a pre-sterilized, disposable bag.

Why Use a Breast Pump?

Breast pumps are useful for many reasons and in many situations, including:

• To collect breast milk for later use. Breast pumps are handy when you need to express milk while you’re away at work, for example. A breast pump is also great because you can express milk that other family members, like your partner or one of the grandparents, can then give to your baby, letting them participate in the bonding experiencing of feeding.

• To maintain or increase your breast milk supply. If you plan to return to work, for example, and won’t be able to breastfeed your baby during the day, your milk supply could decrease. However, if you’re able to pump at regular intervals during your workday, you can reduce the chance of your milk supply decreasing. Likewise, if you need to increase your milk supply, pumping your breasts between feeds will send a signal to your body to produce more breast milk.

• To relieve pain from an infection. If you have mastitis (a breast infection caused by a plugged milk duct), for example, using a breast pump can help clear this blockage and relieve the pain.

• To prevent engorgement. When your breasts are overly full with milk, they are engorged. This can be uncomfortable for you and might make it difficult for your baby to latch on. Pumping can help relieve some of the fullness and allows you to store the breast milk for later.

• To correct flat or inverted nipples. A flat or inverted nipple is one that doesn’t fully protrude. It can be difficult for a baby to latch on to your breast in these cases. A breast pump can help correct this issue so your baby can latch on to your breast more easily.

Types of Breast Pumps

There are two main types of breast pumps, powered pumps and manual pumps. What’s right for you may depend upon how often you plan to pump. Read on to learn more about each type.

Electric and Battery-Powered Pumps

Powered pumps, using either an electrical plug-in or batteries, have a motor that creates suction to express milk from your breast. These pumps have one or more long tubes that connect the breast shield to the pump mechanism. Powered pumps are ideal if you pump often, as they can work more quickly than manual pumps. Powered pumps have a control panel to adjust the level and speed of suction. Electric breast pumps and battery-powered pumps come in single or double versions. Single models express milk from only one breast at a time. Double pumps can extract milk from both breasts at once. Some electric breast pumps can convert to battery-powered pumps for easier portability when needed. If you go with an electric or battery-powered pump, you might also want to have a manual pump for backup in case you lose power or don’t have extra batteries on hand.

Manual Pumps

With manual pumps, you place the breast shield over your nipple, Then, often by squeezing some kind of handle or lever, you create suction to express milk from your breast into an attached container. Manual pumps are simple and small. They’re great if you need to pump only occasionally. However, it may take more time and effort to pump using a manual pump compared to an electric pump. Manual pumps are often single pumps, which means they extract milk from only one breast at a time.

What to Consider When Choosing a Breast Pump

Pampers Parents helped narrow down the huge selection of breast pumps on the market by voting for their favorites, but there are still some things to keep in mind when you’re choosing the best breast pump for you:

• Open- or closed-system electric pump. An open-system pump allows milk to flow through pumping tubes and other parts of the pump including, possibly, the pumping mechanism. A closed-system pump has a barrier that prevents milk from getting into any part of the pump besides the milk container. Open-system pumps are harder to sterilize, but they’re usually less expensive.

• Comfort. Using a breast pump might be a little uncomfortable at first. However, that initial discomfort should go away quickly. A breast pump shouldn’t cause any pain. If you experience pain, then you might need to switch to another kind of breast pump or perhaps change the size of the nipple flanges to better suit your breast size. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.

• Cost. Electric breast pumps can be quite expensive. Some private insurance companies and some state health departments and local clinics offer assistance in buying or renting a breast pump. Contact them to see what your options might be.

• Portability. If you need to carry your pump to and from work, for example, then consider whether the pump is light enough. Some models come with a carrying bag.

• Noise. Depending on where and when you’ll be pumping, you might prefer to look for a super quiet model.

• Flange size. Your nipple should comfortably fit in the center of the flange. Some manufacturers sell different flange sizes in case the included one doesn’t fit your breast.

• Pump assembly and care. Go for a breast pump that is easy to take apart and clean, as you’ll need to do this regularly.

Tips for Using Your Breast Pump

Here are some tips to help get the best results when you use your breast pump:

1. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before pumping

2. Wash your breasts beforehand if you have been using some kind of ointment or cream that you want to remove

3. Assemble your pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions

4. Find a comfortable place where you can relax while you’re pumping

5. Properly position the flange so your nipple is directly in the center and you don’t feel any pinching or discomfort while pumping

6. If you’re using an electric or battery-powered pump, turn the pump on to the lowest setting to stimulate your milk flow. If you’re using a manual pump, start gently pumping. Adjust the suction or speed as you feel comfortable.

7. Pumping sessions usually take about 10 to 15 minutes, so you might want to have a good book on hand or maybe scroll through some photos of your little one

8. When you finish pumping, insert your finger gently between the flange and your nipple to break the suction and release your breast

9. Use what you've pumped right away or safely store your breast milk.

Tips for Cleaning Your Breast Pump

Follow these guidelines for cleaning your breast pump:

• Each part of the breast pump that comes into contact with breast milk should be carefully cleaned after each use. These parts typically include the flange, valves, and the bottle. Let them air-dry afterward and limit touching the parts that come into contact with breast milk.

• There’s no need to sterilize each of these parts. Carefully washing them with soap and hot water will wash away any germs and bacteria. Many breast pump parts can be cleaned on the top rack of your dishwasher but check the manufacturer’s instruction manual first.

• You’ll need to wash the tubing part of your pump only if it comes into contact with your breast milk. If this is the case, after washing the tubing, hang it to air-dry before reattaching it to your pump.

• Wipe down the part of the pump that holds the motor after each use with a clean paper towel or cloth

• For the best results, review the instruction manual that comes with your pump for the product’s specific cleaning recommendations.

Top 5 Electric and Battery-Operated Breast Pumps

Many electric breast pumps can convert to battery power. Powered pumps are best if you need to pump often.