The 8 Greatest Breast Pumps of 2024

As environment friendly as electrical breast pumps are for expressing milk, having a handbook breast pump available can also be useful in surprising conditions. That is very true when you’ll want to pump to alleviate engorged breasts or when you end up with out a energy supply. Additionally, some individuals simply want a handbook pump.

“[Manual breast pumps] haven’t any motors or mechanical components and depend on your hand energy to work,” explains breastfeeding counselor Ashley Blankenship. “They should not be painful or too uncomfortable. You are accountable for how a lot suction you create. You solely want sufficient suction to get the milk flowing. Extra suction won’t make extra milk and might trigger breast or nipple injury.”

To seek out the perfect handbook breast pumps, our editors examined the top-rated and hottest choices in the marketplace within the consolation of their properties. We wore the handbook breast pumps for an preliminary two weeks and proceed to make use of all choices for months to find out sturdiness and longevity. We analyzed every breast pump on a number of attributes, together with ease of setup, ease of use, portability, and worth, noting our findings under. 

How Do You Use a Guide Breast Pump?

Actual directions depend upon the pump type, however handbook breast pumps usually create suction by squeezing and releasing the pump whereas the breast defend presses towards the areola and nipple. In the event you solely have one pump, you’ll need to swap breasts about each 10 to fifteen  minutes throughout your session. What’s extra vital, nonetheless, is guaranteeing you’re comfy utilizing a handbook breast pump bodily and mentally. 

“Breastfeeding is a psychological sport,” Blankenship says. “Typically pumping would not elicit the identical feelings as feeding your child straight from the breast. In the event you discover the noise of an electrical pump too distracting and are having a tough time stress-free, a handbook pump may help specific extra milk than an electrical pump. Understand that simply because it is a handbook pump, doesn’t suggest you may must squeeze it the entire time. You will squeeze till milk begins to circulate, then you possibly can relaxation till milk circulate stops earlier than squeezing once more.”

Our Favorites

Greatest Total: Medela Concord Guide Breast Pump

Why We Like It

The Medela Concord is every little thing you need in a handbook breast pump: light-weight, compact, quiet, straightforward to arrange, easy to make use of, and inexpensive. We admire the almost easy setup, minus somewhat confusion with placing the protecting cups on the flanges. As soon as we put it collectively the primary time, we may do it repeatedly with none battle or want for the handbook. The controls are additionally tremendous intuitive as soon as you use the handbook breast pump. 

What stands out to us probably the most is the portability of this handbook breast pump. The unit suits proper within the cellphone pocket of our yoga pants and even comes with a wrist strap. The ice packs with this handbook breast pump are additionally nice for simply getting milk from the workplace to your private home. We don’t really feel as free to do issues whereas sporting the breast pump, however general, it’s an amazing profit.

The Medela Concord Guide Breast Pump makes use of “two-phase” know-how to intently mimic a child’s pure sucking in order that it gained’t intrude together with your common breastfeeding routine. We loved this characteristic because it robotically switches from the stimulation to the letdown mode after two minutes. In the event you simply get distracted, this characteristic may shortly turn into your favourite. 

The pump is designed with a deal with, diaphragm, and stem with an O-ring to make handbook pumping simpler. The oval-shaped versatile defend with a padded rim and a 105-degree angle helps you discover the best match on your physique. We discovered that the suction doesn’t really feel very sturdy however is comfy, even on the very best suction stage. 

This handbook breast pump has lots of worth on account of its nice options and considerate equipment. The set comes with one 5-ounce bottle with extra-wide mouths, a lid and stand, one Concord connector, one valve, and one membrane. The battery lasts 6-9 pumping periods or three days on one cost.

However Take Observe

This breast pump passes the Zoom take a look at—it’s quiet sufficient that you simply gained’t hear it on Zoom whenever you’re pumping; nonetheless, it does make a smooth buzz sound. So long as you retain the motor away from the speaker, different individuals shouldn’t have the ability to hear you pumping. 

The Particulars: 

• Breast defend dimension: 24mm 
• Bottle dimension: 5 oz. 
• What’s included: Breast pump (deal with, stem, and diaphragm), breast defend, milk bottle, lid, stand, Concord connector, valve, and membrane
• Washing directions: Dishwasher-safe

Greatest Snug: Lansinoh Hand Pump for Breastfeeding

Why We Like It

This Lansinoh handbook breast pump has an easy-to-use design with a deal with for pumping and two different-sized breast shields that can assist you discover the perfect match. It additionally has two completely different modes:  stimulation and expression, so it is nice for pumping and helps get your milk to start out flowing.

We love which you could effectively pump straight into the model’s milk storage baggage—a game-changer for pumping on the go. One in every of our editors used this pump on automotive rides and at a live performance with zero points. Along with milk storage baggage, this breast pump comes with a NaturalWave nipple, cap, collar, and wide-neck bottles suitable with Lansinoh’s electrical pump.

However Take Observe

Placing the Lansinoh Hand Pump collectively and taking it aside for cleansing is so simple as utilizing it. The one concern we encountered was squeezing the deal with; it makes a slight squeaking noise, but it surely’s minimal. Furthermore, the deal with was nearer to the bottle, which felt somewhat unsmooth when pumping, although not a dealbreaker.

The Particulars:

• Breast defend dimension: 25mm and 30.5mm 
• Bottle dimension: 5 oz. 
• What’s included: Pump (stem, deal with, and silicone diaphragm), two flanges, wide-neck bottle, a valve, stand, slow-flow nipple, and bottle storage lid
• Washing directions: Dishwasher-safe

Greatest Funds: Haakaa Guide Breast Pump

Why We Like It

Simple to make use of, smooth materials, and at a ridiculously nice worth, the Haakaa Guide Breast Pump will shock you. It’s a light and extra easy strategy to pumping, particularly if you happen to’re a newbie breastfeeder. To set it up, connect it to your breast by squeezing the 100% smooth silicone bottle on the backside, relaxation your breast within the defend, after which launch the bottle to create suction. You possibly can repeat this step as wanted till you’ve sufficiently pumped. 

We love that the Haakaa is completely silent and makes no sound when used. It may well maintain as much as 4 ounces of milk, is tremendous comfy, and is dishwasher and sizzling water-safe.

“The Haakaa is usually a useful gizmo if used correctly,” Blankenship says. “It may well additionally trigger lots of points. Solely use a Haakaa if really useful to you by a breastfeeding skilled.”

However Take Observe

Setup was a breeze, though discovering the best angle when utilizing the pump could take some trial and error. After amassing milk, it may really feel just like the pump misplaced some suction, and you will have to appropriate it so it doesn’t fall off. Additionally, if you happen to frequently use the handbook breast pump over time, discovering the “proper” angle could also be more difficult. In any other case, the silicone and physique are very sturdy, and we have not expertise any points.

The Particulars:

• Breast defend dimension: N/A
• Bottle dimension: 4 oz. 
• What’s included: One pump
• Washing directions: Dishwasher-safe

Greatest Wearable: Elvie Curve

Why We Like It

The Elvie Curve is a silicone handbook breast pump worn instantly on the breast (contained in the bra), which permits for hands-free expression. You connect, gather, and go on together with your day. This pump could be very intuitive and simple to make use of. To extend the suction stage, merely press on the pouch, or use the management valve on prime to lower suction. It has two dishwasher-safe components, so there aren’t lots of items to assemble and clear. After you pump, you possibly can place the Elvie Curve on its entrance to forestall spilling milk.

With solely a few items, it’s seamless to move. The 4-ounce silicone pouch is versatile and might squeeze into your bag with out harming every other a part of the handbook breast pump. Moreover, it maintains its form after frequent use. Total, the pump has held up effectively throughout testing, and there aren’t any indicators of wear and tear and tear after months of use. 

However Take Observe

It’s nonetheless very noticeable below one layer of clothes, so this will not be a handbook breast pump you need to put on when leaving the home. On the plus facet, it’s easy to make use of wherever you go, so that you don’t need to cease working errands or take a break to pump.

The Particulars:

• Breast defend dimension: Common 
• Bottle dimension: 4 oz.
• What’s included: Body and pouch
• Washing directions: Dishwasher-safe

Greatest for Journey: NatureBond Silicone Breast Pump

Why We Like It 

In the event you’re searching for a small breast pump you possibly can simply carry round, that is the one. The NatureBond Silicone Breast Pump works just like the Haakaa: squeeze the smooth silicone, place your breast within the defend, after which launch the pump to create suction. The distinction between the Haakaa and NatureBond’s Silicone Breast Pump is the various equipment the NatureBond contains. It comes with a pump, a capsule for storage, a stopper to forestall spilled milk, and a carrying strap for the final word portability. A marbled silicone stand additionally retains the pump upright to forestall additional leakage or spilled milk. 

However Take Observe

This handbook breast pump may be top-heavy, so we all the time suggest utilizing the stopper and capsule to maintain milk in. 

The Particulars:

• Breast defend dimension: Common
• Bottle dimension: 3.4 oz.
• What’s included: Pump, capsule, stopper, strap, and stand
• Washing directions: Not listed

Greatest for Massive Nipples: Evenflo Superior Guide Breast Pump

Why We Like It

With this handbook breast pump, you get a 24.5-millimeter flange and a 30.5-millimeter flange, which is useful for an individual who wants one thing that may accommodate bigger nipples. You should buy further sizes individually if these two do not work.

The Evenflo Superior Guide Breast Pump has a light-weight, compact design with an easy-to-use deal with pump that pivots, so it’s comfy to carry on each the left and proper sides. 

However Take Observe

If you wish to clear this handbook breast pump completely, you’ll need to take aside a number of items. On the plus facet, every little thing is protected to toss within the dishwasher on the highest rack. 

The Particulars:

• Breast defend dimension: 24.5mm and 30.5mm
• Bottle dimension: 5 oz.
• What’s included: Pump, flange equipment, smooth flange insert, bottle, cap ring, sealing disc
• Washing directions: Dishwasher-safe

Greatest for Small Nipples: Dr. Brown’s Guide Breast Pump with Softshape Silicone Protect

Why We Like It

The 100% silicone breast defend (25mm) on this pump conforms to your physique and stays comfy when you use it. It has a squeeze deal with and two pumping modes to mimic a child’s pure feeding. We admire how all the components are top-rack dishwasher-safe. Together with the pump, you get one 5-ounce Dr. Brown’s wide-neck bottle with a level-1 nipple, a wide-neck cap, and a cleansing brush for when you’ll want to hand-wash the items.

However Take Observe 

The Dr. Brown’s Guide Breast Pump incorporates a lengthy, slim deal with, which makes it easy to search out when pumping at the hours of darkness. Nevertheless, it might not really feel ergonomic relying on the way you maintain the bottle to pump. 

The Particulars:

• Breast defend dimension: 25mm
• Bottle dimension: 5 oz.
• What’s included: Pump, breast defend, wide-neck bottle, nipple, wide-neck cap, cleansing brush 
• Washing directions: Dishwasher-safe

Greatest Pump and Bottle Combo: Philips Avent Breast SCF430/03 Pump Guide

Why We Like It

The Philips Avent Guide Breast Pump creates optimum consolation. The angled breast defend has a smooth, textured cushion to make a safe match and stimulate the nipple for feeding. It has an ergonomic deal with for pumping and comes with a 4-ounce Avent bottle. In accordance with the corporate, there are fewer components to assemble and disassemble for cleansing than earlier fashions. Initially, attaching the pump lever to the flange was somewhat complicated, however as soon as we did, it was a chunk of cake every time. Taking the pump aside to wash it’s simply as easy. 

We admire how compact and light-weight the Philips Avent Guide Breast Pump is for portability. Our editors saved this pump in a diaper bag, took it on an airplane, and carried it to the workplace.

Though this pump solely contains one 4-ounce bottle and a nipple, its broad neck is suitable with all Philips Avent Pure and Anti-Colic bottles, which was useful after we wanted to swap bottles to feed the child with the freshly expressed milk whereas pumping the second breast.

However Take Observe

In the course of the Zoom take a look at, we discovered that there was a slight squeaking sound when the deal with was launched, but it surely wasn’t too bothersome. Observe additionally that some retailers promote a primary equipment that features solely the pump, cushion cowl, bottle, and sealing disc with the screw ring, whereas others additionally embrace a nipple and disposable breast pads.

The Particulars: 

• Breast defend dimension: One dimension suits most (as much as 30mm)
• Bottle dimension: 4 oz.
• What’s included: Pump, bottle, cushion cowl, sealing disc with screw ring, nipple, disposable breast pads.
• Washing Directions: Dishwasher-safe

Our Testing Course of and Consultants

To decide on the perfect handbook breast pumps, we researched and reviewed greater than two dozen breast pumps in the marketplace and spoke to consultants, together with a breastfeeding counselor and our editors who’re or had been breastfeeding. Our editors examined the handbook breast pumps at dwelling for an preliminary testing window of two weeks, adopted by a months-long real-world testing interval. First, our editors unpacked the breast pump from the packaging, sanitized them correctly, and breastfed and pumped as ordinary. They switched between breasts, mimicking a child’s suction patterns till completed. When completed, they cleaned and sanitized the product and famous their findings concerning noise, setup, sturdiness, ease of use, portability, and worth. 

For handbook breast pump solutions and recommendation on the right way to use them safely, we spoke to the next skilled: 

• Ashley Blankenship, breastfeeding counselor, founding father of Supported Season, and creator of Bump Up Delivery Technique

Different Notable Guide Breast Pumps

• Tommee Tippee Single Breast Pump: We like that this pump comes with a nipple prime to transform from pumping to bottle feeding, however the flange was broad and flat, making it tough to get a safe match to the breast. 
• Boon Trove Silicone Guide Breast Pump: This pump works just like the Haakaa and NatureBond breast pumps by amassing milk by way of a pure suction; nonetheless, it’s a tad cumbersome below skinny layers.

Components to Think about When Shopping for a Guide Breast Pump

• Snug Design: You need to have a pump that’s as comfy as attainable, Blankenship explains. “Discover one with a snug grip and simple motion. If the deal with is hard to press, it should actually tire out your fingers,” she says. “The pumps with a lever you press are usually thought of simpler to make use of than syringe sorts. Bulb sorts may be good for reduction of discomfort however aren’t going to precise as a lot as extra advanced pumps.” 
• Cleansing: To assist in killing attainable micro organism—and make life a complete lot simpler—go for a handbook pump that’s dishwasher-safe to make sure all items are squeaky clear after every use. “I additionally just like the pumps that come aside to wash. It makes sanitization simpler,” Blankenship says. You might also need a pump with a cap or cowl to maintain it sanitary whereas in your bag.
• Efficacy: Some handbook breast pumps could have a slight studying curve, whereas others could also be easy to make use of proper out of the field. Both approach, you want to have the ability to use the pump correctly to get the complete advantages. The pump gained’t work if it doesn’t create a robust suction/maintain in your breast, so match is extraordinarily vital. If attainable, store from retailers with versatile return insurance policies in case the one you buy doesn’t be just right for you.
• Measurement: Chances are high excessive that you simply’ll carry this pump round, so make certain it’s sturdy and easy to tote. Whether or not you are pumping at work, at a good friend’s home, or on the street, having a handbook pump that’s compact and light-weight is good. You will additionally need to search for one thing that’s both made on your breast dimension or comes with completely different defend choices to search out the perfect match. You probably have bigger breasts, choosing a pump suitable with a number of flange dimension choices is the best way to go.

Security Concerns

Earlier than utilizing a breast pump, step one is to learn the producer’s person handbook. You’ll discover ways to assemble and use the pump accurately, and it might come in useful to have the corporate’s customer support line for any questions. When you’ve learn by means of your handbook, wash and dry your fingers, assemble the pump, and discover a comfortable place to connect the breast defend. You shouldn’t pinch or pull your breast to regulate the breast defend as it might irritate your nipple or breast tissue. Whereas utilizing a handbook pump, discover a velocity that’s comfy for you. 

I like to recommend talking to a breastfeeding skilled earlier than beginning a pumping routine. There are lots of issues to consider when pumping, and it will possibly save lots of hassle down the street if you happen to provide you with a plan that works on your specific points forward of time. Extra milk will not be all the time a superb factor.

Do Guide Breast Pumps Work Higher Than Electrical Ones?

“In the event you’re pumping typically or solely pumping, an electrical one could also be higher as a result of to make use of a handbook pump, you’ll want to squeeze a deal with of some type, and it will possibly tire out your fingers,” Blankenship explains. “Similar goes for points with carpal tunnel, which is quite common after having a child. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re utilizing it solely as soon as a day or sporadically, a handbook pump is usually a nice possibility! They are much inexpensive than an electrical pump and take up much less room.”

How Do You Sterilize a Guide Breast Pump?

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) recommends eradicating the pump fully (if relevant) and completely rinsing each bit. In case your breast pump is dishwasher-friendly, pop it in there. If it is not, you possibly can wash it by hand utilizing sizzling soapy water. In the event you’re hand-washing, use a brush just for cleansing bottles, then rinse the items once more and allow them to air dry.

To additional sterilize it, you possibly can place the pump in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes earlier than letting it air dry or use a bottle sterilizer (nonetheless, examine your pump producer’s information earlier than you do that).

Who We Are

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting author and mother to a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old. She has private expertise researching and buying merchandise important to motherhood. Key issues she used when choosing these suggestions embrace performance and private expertise.

Extra reporting by: 

Katrina Cossey is a commerce author, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mother. She spent a number of years in broadcast journalism however discovered her true ardour in writing about the perfect merchandise for households, pregnant individuals, and children of all ages. She’s researched hundreds of child merchandise, toys, items, and extra and personally examined a lot of them. In her spare time, you’ll seemingly discover her within the lovely outdoor of Oklahoma along with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina began with an electrical wearable breast pump however struggled to get a superb match. As an alternative, she switched to the Medela Concord Guide Breast Pump, which created higher suction than her electrical pump and felt comfy to make use of.