The 8 Finest Breast Pumps of 2024

As environment friendly as electrical breast pumps are for expressing milk, having a handbook breast pump readily available can also be useful in surprising conditions. That is very true when that you must 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 elements and depend on your hand energy to work,” explains breastfeeding counselor Ashley Blankenship. “They should not be painful or too uncomfortable. You are answerable 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 may trigger breast or nipple injury.”

To search out the very best 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 Handbook Breast Pump?

Precise directions depend upon the pump type, however handbook breast pumps sometimes create suction by squeezing and releasing the pump whereas the breast protect presses towards the areola and nipple. For those who solely have one pump, you’ll need to swap breasts about each 10 to fifteen  minutes throughout your session. What’s extra vital, nevertheless, is making certain 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. For those who discover the noise of an electrical pump too distracting and are having a tough time stress-free, a handbook pump might help specific extra milk than an electrical pump. Take into account that simply because it is a handbook pump, doesn’t suggest you will have to squeeze it the entire time. You will squeeze till milk begins to movement, then you’ll be able to relaxation till milk movement stops earlier than squeezing once more.”

Our Favorites

Finest Total: Medela Concord Handbook Breast Pump

Why We Like It

The Medela Concord is all the pieces you need in a handbook breast pump: light-weight, compact, quiet, simple to arrange, easy to make use of, and reasonably priced. We admire the practically 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 essentially 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 property. We don’t really feel as free to do issues whereas sporting the breast pump, however total, it’s an awesome profit.

The Medela Concord Handbook Breast Pump makes use of “two-phase” expertise to intently mimic a child’s pure sucking in order that it gained’t intervene along with your common breastfeeding routine. We loved this characteristic because it robotically switches from the stimulation to the letdown mode after two minutes. For those who simply get distracted, this characteristic may shortly turn out to be 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 protect with a padded rim and a 105-degree angle helps you discover the appropriate match on your physique. We discovered that the suction doesn’t really feel very robust however is comfy, even on the best suction degree. 

This handbook breast pump has loads of worth attributable to 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 once you’re pumping; nevertheless, it does make a delicate 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 protect dimension: 24mm 
• Bottle dimension: 5 oz. 
• What’s included: Breast pump (deal with, stem, and diaphragm), breast protect, milk bottle, lid, stand, Concord connector, valve, and membrane
• Washing directions: Dishwasher-safe

Finest Comfy: 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 very best match. It additionally has two completely different modes:  stimulation and expression, so it is nice for pumping and helps get your milk to begin flowing.

We love that you may effectively pump straight into the model’s milk storage baggage—a game-changer for pumping on the go. Considered one of our editors used this pump on automobile 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 difficulty 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 protect 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

Finest Price range: Haakaa Handbook Breast Pump

Why We Like It

Straightforward to make use of, delicate materials, and at a ridiculously nice value, the Haakaa Handbook Breast Pump will shock you. It’s a mild and extra simple method to pumping, particularly in case you’re a newbie breastfeeder. To set it up, connect it to your breast by squeezing the 100% delicate silicone bottle on the backside, relaxation your breast within the protect, 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 could actually maintain as much as 4 ounces of milk, is tremendous comfy, and is dishwasher and scorching water-safe.

“The Haakaa could be a useful gizmo if used correctly,” Blankenship says. “It could actually additionally trigger loads 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 appropriate angle when utilizing the pump might take some trial and error. After accumulating milk, it may really feel just like the pump misplaced some suction, and you’ll have to appropriate it so it doesn’t fall off. Additionally, in case you regularly 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 protect dimension: N/A
• Bottle dimension: 4 oz. 
• What’s included: One pump
• Washing directions: Dishwasher-safe

Finest Wearable: Elvie Curve

Why We Like It

The Elvie Curve is a silicone handbook breast pump worn straight on the breast (contained in the bra), which permits for hands-free expression. You connect, gather, and go on along with your day. This pump may be very intuitive and straightforward to make use of. To extend the suction degree, merely press on the pouch, or use the management valve on high to lower suction. It has two dishwasher-safe elements, so there aren’t loads of items to assemble and clear. After you pump, you’ll be able to 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 may 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 properly 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 underneath one layer of clothes, so this might 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 protect dimension: Common 
• Bottle dimension: 4 oz.
• What’s included: Body and pouch
• Washing directions: Dishwasher-safe

Finest for Journey: NatureBond Silicone Breast Pump

Why We Like It 

For those who’re in search of a small breast pump you’ll be able to simply carry round, that is the one. The NatureBond Silicone Breast Pump works just like the Haakaa: squeeze the delicate silicone, place your breast within the protect, after which launch the pump to create suction. The distinction between the Haakaa and NatureBond’s Silicone Breast Pump is the numerous 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 might be top-heavy, so we all the time suggest utilizing the stopper and capsule to maintain milk in. 

The Particulars:

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

Finest for Massive Nipples: Evenflo Superior Handbook 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 Handbook 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, all the pieces is protected to toss within the dishwasher on the highest rack. 

The Particulars:

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

Finest for Small Nipples: Dr. Brown’s Handbook Breast Pump with Softshape Silicone Protect

Why We Like It

The 100% silicone breast protect (25mm) on this pump conforms to your physique and stays comfy whilst 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 elements 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 that you must hand-wash the items.

However Take Observe 

The Dr. Brown’s Handbook Breast Pump contains a lengthy, slender deal with, which makes it easy to seek out when pumping at midnight. Nevertheless, it could not really feel ergonomic relying on the way you maintain the bottle to pump. 

The Particulars:

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

Finest Pump and Bottle Combo: Philips Avent Breast SCF430/03 Pump Handbook

Why We Like It

The Philips Avent Handbook Breast Pump creates optimum consolation. The angled breast protect has a delicate, 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. Based on the corporate, there are fewer elements 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 bit 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 Handbook 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 large 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

Throughout 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 package 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 protect 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 very best handbook breast pumps, we researched and reviewed greater than two dozen breast pumps in the marketplace and spoke to specialists, together with a breastfeeding counselor and our editors who’re or have been breastfeeding. Our editors examined the handbook breast pumps at house 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 typical. They switched between breasts, mimicking a child’s suction patterns till performed. When completed, they cleaned and sanitized the product and famous their findings relating to noise, setup, sturdiness, ease of use, portability, and worth. 

For handbook breast pump recommendations and recommendation on tips on how 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 Handbook Breast Pumps

• Tommee Tippee Single Breast Pump: We like that this pump comes with a nipple high to transform from pumping to bottle feeding, however the flange was large and flat, making it tough to get a safe match to the breast. 
• Boon Trove Silicone Handbook Breast Pump: This pump works just like the Haakaa and NatureBond breast pumps by accumulating milk through a pure suction; nevertheless, it’s a tad cumbersome underneath skinny layers.

Elements to Contemplate When Shopping for a Handbook Breast Pump

• Comfy Design: You need to have a pump that’s as comfy as potential, Blankenship explains. “Discover one with a cushty grip and straightforward motion. If the deal with is hard to press, it’ll actually tire out your arms,” she says. “The pumps with a lever you press are usually thought of simpler to make use of than syringe sorts. Bulb sorts might be good for reduction of discomfort however aren’t going to precise as a lot as extra complicated pumps.” 
• Cleansing: To assist in killing potential 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 may additionally need a pump with a cap or cowl to maintain it sanitary whereas in your bag.
• Efficacy: Some handbook breast pumps might have a slight studying curve, whereas others could also be simple 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 powerful suction/maintain in your breast, so match is extraordinarily vital. If potential, store from retailers with versatile return insurance policies in case the one you buy doesn’t give you the results you want.
• Measurement: Likelihood is excessive that you simply’ll carry this pump round, so be sure that it’s sturdy and easy to tote. Whether or not you are pumping at work, at a buddy’s home, or on the street, having a handbook pump that’s compact and light-weight is right. You will additionally need to search for one thing that’s both made on your breast dimension or comes with completely different protect choices to seek out the very best match. When you’ve got bigger breasts, choosing a pump suitable with a number of flange dimension choices is the best way to go.

Security Issues

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 appropriately, and it could 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 arms, assemble the pump, and discover a cozy place to connect the breast protect. You shouldn’t pinch or pull your breast to regulate the breast protect as it could irritate your nipple or breast tissue. Whereas utilizing a handbook pump, discover a velocity that’s comfy for you. 

I like to recommend chatting with a breastfeeding skilled earlier than beginning a pumping routine. There are lots of issues to consider when pumping, and it might probably save loads of hassle down the street in case you provide you with a plan that works on your specific points forward of time. Extra milk shouldn’t be all the time a superb factor.

Do Handbook Breast Pumps Work Higher Than Electrical Ones?

“For those who’re pumping typically or solely pumping, an electrical one could also be higher as a result of to make use of a handbook pump, that you must squeeze a deal with of some type, and it might probably tire out your arms,” Blankenship explains. “Identical goes for points with carpal tunnel, which is quite common after having a child. Nevertheless, in case you’re utilizing it solely as soon as a day or sporadically, a handbook pump could be a nice possibility! They are much inexpensive than an electrical pump and take up much less room.”

How Do You Sterilize a Handbook Breast Pump?

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) recommends eradicating the pump fully (if relevant) and completely rinsing every bit. In case your breast pump is dishwasher-friendly, pop it in there. If it is not, you’ll be able to wash it by hand utilizing scorching soapy water. For those who’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’ll be able to place the pump in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes earlier than letting it air dry or use a bottle sterilizer (nevertheless, verify 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 concerns she used when deciding on these suggestions embrace performance and private expertise.

Further 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 very best merchandise for households, pregnant individuals, and children of all ages. She’s researched 1000’s of child merchandise, toys, presents, and extra and personally examined a lot of them. In her spare time, you’ll probably discover her within the lovely outside of Oklahoma together with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina began with an electrical wearable breast pump however struggled to get a superb match. As a substitute, she switched to the Medela Concord Handbook Breast Pump, which created higher suction than her electrical pump and felt comfy to make use of.