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Breastfeeding your baby is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a mother, but sometimes breastfeeding just doesn’t work for you or your baby.
And that’s totally okay! Pumping your breast milk and feeding with a bottle can provide the same bonding experience as breastfeeding, and it is often much more convenient for you than breastfeeding.
By pumping, you can control your schedule, reduce and prevent pain associated with breastfeeding, and monitor your baby’s intake effectively.
There are numerous reasons to pump your milk, and choosing the right pump for your unique circumstances is important.
To help, we considered 1132 customer reviews and analyzed 28 products over 21 hours to find the best breast pumps in Canada for you to look through.
We’ve included electric and manual pumps with a variety of features and price points to cater to every need and preference.
We evaluated these products on a number of factors including ease of use, value, effectiveness, and overall quality to ensure you have a great selection to choose from.
Following our last update, we recommend the Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump and the Medela New Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex for ultimate ease of use, quality, and comfort.
In a rush? Buy it Now on Amazon!
Breast Pump Comparative Table
| Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
|
TOP ELECTRIC PICK
|
Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump
|
|
9.2/10 | See price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOP MANUAL PICK
|
Medela New Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex
|
|
9.3/10 | See price on Amazon |
|
UPGRADE PICK
|
Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
|
|
9.5/10 | See price on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
|
NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump
|
|
9.0/10 | See price on Amazon |
Our Top Electric Pick for The Best Breast Pump
Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump Review
The Best Electric Choice
Medela
For busy moms who always have their hands full, manually pumping can feel like a huge chore and an unnecessary burden. If you’re looking for an electric pump that does everything you need it to do without being ridiculously expensive, choose the Medela Swing single electric breast pump.
Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump Video Review
What We Think of The Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump
The Medela Swing breasts pump is an efficient way for moms to express milk without any manual work. The hands-free approach offers freedom to fold laundry or read a book while you pump to save precious time. The pump is battery operated to provide freedom of movement as well, so you can pump when you’re out and about without needing an outlet.
The Medela swing pump is a single pump, so you can only pump one breast at a time, but most moms will prefer the extra portability of a single pump over a double pump enough to make it worth it. As a single pump, women can pump while breastfeeding to speed things along even more. The 5oz bottle volume offers enough capacity to pump both breasts in one session without emptying or changing out the bottle.
I bought this pump about 3 months ago and am mostly satisfied. It has similar power and suction to the pump I used in the hospital just after my daughter was born. I have used a few others in the past but this is still my favourite and one of the best options on the market. I find it efficient, especially since I can move while it works with the lanyard keeping it safe and the battery providing an alternate source of power.
heather o.
This breast pump uses an adjustable dial for suction control, so you’ll be able to speed up for efficiency’s sake or choose a gentler suction level if you’re sore or not in a rush. One of the most thoughtful design features of the Medela swing breast pump is the addition of a neck lanyard and waist strap to keep things secure when pumping on the move. However, you must be careful to remain upright when pumping with this breast pump as the line can back up if you’re bent over.
Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump Specifications
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Pump Type: Single
- Electric or Manual: Electric
- Pump Volume: 5 oz
- Power Source: Adapter or battery
- Suction Strength Options: Dial adjustable
- Warranty: 1 year
Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Suction power adjusts with a dial for subtle changes
- Can be operated with battery power for extra portability
- 5oz volume for your fullest days
- Comes with a neck and waist strap for pumping on the move
Cons
- Can only pump one breast at a time
- Loses suction over time
- Leaning over fills the line with milk – must stay perfectly upright
Our Final Opinion about the Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Medela Swing single electric breast pump is one of the best options on the market if your aim is to purchase a reliable, efficient, easy-to-use breast pump that won’t break the bank but also doesn’t feel cheap. For the best of all worlds, this is a pretty solid choice.
Our Top Manual Pick for The Best Breast Pump
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex Review
The Best Manual Pick
Medela
Though we usually assume that an electric pick is always the more convenient choice over a manual product no matter what we’re purchasing, many moms prefer the simplicity and control offered by a manual pump. If this describes you, the Medela Harmony manual breath pump with PersonalFit Flex is the top choice.
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex Video Review
What We Think of The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex
The Medela Harmony manual breast pump is one of the highest-quality manual options on the market. It uses 2-phase expression to improve the efficiency of manual pumping, as well as to stimulate milk expression so you can spend less time pumping. A convenient bottle stand ensures that the bottle cannot tip over, so you’ll never tear up over wasted milk again.
This pump is a bit bulkier than many other manual pumps that use suction over hand expression, but it is still more portable than electric pumps and is worth the bulkier style for extra comfort while pumping. The handle included on the Harmony pump is a soft-grip handle designed to fit the shape of your hand while pumping to help limit soreness with the repetitive motion.
I used this pump every day and am so glad I switched from an electric pump. I prefer this manual option since it isn’t loud, is more convenient to use if I start leaking since I can just grab and pump without setting up anything digital, and is super simple to use so there’s no learning curve. Most importantly, it is instant to stop and get up if I need to get to my kids quick, whereas you’d be fumbling with an off button on an electric model.
ria k.
The bottle holds 5oz, allowing you to pump both breasts in one session without filling up the bottle entirely. The outer rim of the breast shield is designed for ultimate comfort with an extra-soft silicone grip. A bottle stand prevents milk spills for no wasted effort. As a manual pump, you won’t have any suction strength options to choose from, and you will notice a sore arm after pumping due to the manual squeezing, though the design of the pump does limit this as much as possible.
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex Specifications
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- Pump Type: Single
- Electric or Manual: Manual
- Pump Volume: 5 oz
- Power Source: N/A
- Suction Strength Options: N/A
- Warranty: 1 year
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex Ash Vacuum Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Great for travelling
- Comfort grip handle for less tired hands after pumping
- Comes with a bottle stand so milk won’t spill
- Soft rim breast shield is comfortable with a natural shape
Cons
- No suction strength options
- Requires energy and time to hand-pump
- Handle is a bit long for people with small hands
Our Final Opinion about the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
This Medela Harmony breast pump is probably the best manual pump out there. It is designed to be more comfortable than average, is one of the most affordable high-quality options, and it allows moms to pump at their own speed for maximum comfort. Overall, a win from every angle.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Breast Pump
Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump Review
The High Performance Pick
Medela
If you’re looking for a high-quality, efficient, hands-free system for pumping, the Medela Freestyle Flex breast pump is one of the best options on the market. With all the equipment you could need and lasting quality, you won’t regret splurging on this Medela option.
Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump Video Review
What We Think of The Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
The Medela Freestyle Flex breast pump is a spectacularly pricey option compared to others on our list, but it offers the most bang for your buck when you look at the features, convenience, and comfort offered by this pump. Given the price, we recommend this pump only to women who are exclusively pumping to feed their children since it is most likely not worth the price for casual use.
This is a double pump, so moms can express milk from both breasts at once to cut pumping time down by half. This is convenient for use at home, at work, or out and about since you can pump in half the time. Both bottles have bottle stands to prevent them from tipping over, and a rechargeable battery ensures you can pump anywhere at any time.
I love this pump! I don’t have a lot of time during the day to pump, so pumping both breasts at a once has been a game changer for me. It has a very cool display with 9 levels of suction. I find suction 7 most comfortable for me, and I love the tracking that connects to the app. This thing is really portable with battery power and the quiet operation is a treat!
trudy w.
The digital handheld monitor is very user friendly with multiple features that exceed our expectations for the performance of a breast pump. First of all, you have a total of 9 suction levels to choose from. Second, there are multiple digital features such as a count-up timer, delay start/pause functions, and battery charge indicators to keep you in the know. This pump can also connect to an app so you can track important health information related to your pumping. We have nothing bad to say about this Medela Freestyle Flex breast pump.
Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump Specifications
- Weight: 5.1 lbs
- Pump Type: Double
- Electric or Manual: Electric
- Pump Volume: 10oz total – 5oz each
- Power Source: Rechargeable battery
- Suction Strength Options: 9
- Warranty: 1 year
Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 9 suction power levels offer all the choice you could ask for
- Rechargeable battery offers excellent battery life
- Double pump for higher efficiency
- Multiple digital features for outstanding usability
Cons
Cons
- Very expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 2.0 out of 5.0 stars
Despite the high price, this Medela double electric breast pump is one of the most value-packed options on the market. It has seamless pumping action that is adjustable and therefore comfortable for every woman, but it offers a world of helpful features and comfortable design choices that make it one of the best choices available in Canada.
Our Budget Pick for a Breast Pump
NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump Review
The Budget Pick
NatureBond
If you’re tight on money and can’t, or don’t want to, spend a significant chunk on a high-end breast pump with features you can live without, the NatureBond silicone manual breast pump is the right choice with its budget-friendly design and price tag.
NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump Video Review
What We Think of the NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump
The NatureBond silicone manual breast pump is one of the most affordable and portable options on the market, but it still includes a couple of extra features to make it more user-friendly. The first of these is a neck lanyard that you can wear to keep the bottle upright and prevent it from pulling too much on the breast, ensuring the bottle won’t pop off while pumping as it gets fuller and heavier.
The second of these extra features is a 100% leakproof lid stopper that fits snug inside the shield of the breast pump so you could theoretically do jumping jacks with the bottle and have no spillage. The breast shield itself is also quite effective at catcher any leaks so you don’t miss a single drop of milk. The shield is completely smooth for a snug seal, but it isn’t as comfortable as higher-end shields.
There are multiple positives about the NatureBond manual breast pump, including low noise, no pain, and ease of taking it on the go. I also like that I can pump one breast while breastfeeding with the other to save time. However, I find that it is a bit tedious to wait for the milk to express with the limited suction, so I usually hand massage the breast as well. It is slow, but handy for taking with me in case of emergency.
jamie s.
This is a very easy pump to use since it is so simple, and moms can easily adjust the suction strength by adjusting where they squeeze the bottle as they attach the pump to their breast. The 4oz capacity is smaller than many other pumps, so you may fill it to the brim after pumping both breasts. However, the smaller size is a plus for portability since the pump easily fits in a purse or diaper bag for pumping anywhere conveniently. One downside is that you can’t do both breasts without emptying the bottle since you must squeeze it to attach it to the breast, which can’t be done if it is already half full of milk.
NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump Specifications
- Weight: 0.4 lbs
- Pump Type: Single
- Electric or Manual: Manual
- Pump Volume: 4 oz
- Power Source: N/A
- Suction Strength Options: Adjustable via hand placement
NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- User can adjust suction strength via hand placement on bottle
- Flexible breast shield flips backward to achieve strong breast suction
- Smooth shield design eliminates pinch feeling
- Very lightweight and portable
Cons
- Smaller capacity than many others
- Not efficient without proper let down (while breastfeeding, hand massage, etc.)
- Can’t pump both breasts without first emptying the bottle to switch it
Our Final Opinion About the NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Though a good choice for emergency pumping when things get uncomfortable, we don’t recommend this breast pump for full-time use unless you’re in a tight spot financially. While it is incredibly user-friendly, the design of the pump means it isn’t very functional for most moms.
Alternative Products to Consider
Bellababy Electric Breast Pump Review
The Sensitive Pick
Bellababy
Even without teeth, babies can do a number on mom’s breasts. If you’re sore and raw, pumping can be painful, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable. If you require a little more care while pumping, the Bellababy electric breast pump offers the gentle touch you need.
Bellababy Electric Breast Pump Video Review
What We Think of the Bellababy Electric Breast Pump
The Bellababy electric breast pump is one of the most value-packed options on the market. For a great price, you can enjoy the efficiency of a double pump to cut pumping time in half. It is one of the most affordable double electric pumps out there, and it is more effective than many of them. The kit includes 10 milk storage bags that can connect directly to the pump for simpler storage thanks to two bag adapters that connect to the pump and replace the bottle.
There are 4 pumping modes including massage and stimulation, continuous sucking, frequency conversion sucking, and normal sucking, as well as 9 levels of suction to offer moms the ultimate choice for their pumping experience. This electric pump is controlled by a large touch screen display that shows a pumping timer, battery capacity, working mode, and suction level for excellent usability. Changing settings is simple and the display is slim and portable.
This is a great affordable, compact breast pump. I’ve been using it for about 5 months now since I hated my manual pump and the convenience is hard to understand until you’ve tried both. It was a bit tricky getting used to all the settings but I’ve found a suction level that is comfortable and efficient, and pumping finally doesn’t feel like a chore.
suzanne r.
The breast shields on the pump are ridged to encourage more efficient milk expression by stimulating let down of your milk. Though the bottles are smaller at 4oz of capacity, you’ll have more than enough volume since you have two bottles going at once. The bottle stands prevent the bottles from tipping over. As an added bonus, the display can act as a USB charging outlet for a little extra convenience.
Bellababy Electric Breast Pump Specifications
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- Pump Type: Double
- Electric or Manual: Electric
- Pump Volume: 4 oz or directly to storage bags
- Power Source: Battery
- Suction Strength Options: 9
- Warranty: 1 year
Bellababy Electric Breast Pump Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 4 different working modes
- 9 levels of suction for every sensitivity level
- Can be used as a portable power bank for cellphone charging
- Intuitive touch display monitor included
Cons
- More expensive than manual options
Our Final Opinion About the Bellababy Electric Breast Pump
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
There is truly nothing bad to say about the Bellababy electric breast pump. It is well-priced, incredibly user-friendly, efficient, and entirely pain free for a great pumping experience. If you want freedom of movement, adjustable suction, and convenience, this breast pump is a no brainer.
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump Review
The Travel Pick
Haakaa
Whenever you go anywhere with your child, be it around the block or around the world, you must bring a ton of stuff with you. If you want to pack as light as possible but still need to pump along the way, choose the Haakaa manual breast pump for maximum portability.
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump Video Review
What We Think of The Haakaa Manual Breast Pump
The Haakaa manual breast pump is another very affordable option that is best suited to casual use when out and about. We don’t recommend this manual pump as your main pump, especially if you’re exclusively pumping as it isn’t as efficient or convenient, but it is designed beautifully for pumping to relieve pressure or as a travel buddy when working, out shopping, or when you’re away from home for any other reason.
The lightweight, portable design results in a slightly smaller 4oz capacity, but since you’ll need to empty out the bottle between breasts, the smaller volume won’t be an issue. The pump flange, or shield, is designed more oval than circular to fit a variety of breast shapes and sizes with a perfect seal. Attaching this pump is quite simple and it operates silently for discretion and keeping your baby asleep when breastfeeding and pumping simultaneously.
This Haakaa pump really makes my life easier. I have an electric pump, but this is great to take with me or for middle of the night feeds when I’m too lazy to pump with the electric pump but need to release some pressure. It is very simple to use, the suction is great so it stays in place without being held, and it is comfortable and painless to pump with.
tamara r.
This manual pump is lacking a few convenient features like a bottle stand and neck lanyard, so milk waste is a real possibility if you’re not extremely careful to avoid accidentally knocking over the pump. It does not have a stopped either, so you won’t be able to leave milk in the pump after pumping, so you’ll always need a secondary bottle or container to empty into. This pump is not the most efficient alternative, but it is quiet, gentle, and perfect for travelling.
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump Specifications
- Weight: 0.2 lbs
- Pump Type: Single
- Electric or Manual: Manual
- Pump Volume: 4 oz
- Power Source: N/A
- Suction Strength Options: N/A
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Incredibly easy to clean
- Very portable
- No learning curve required
- Very affordable
Cons
- Smaller capacity than many others
- Can easily tip over without a stand for support
- No active suction or stimulation to encourage let down
Our Final Opinion About the Haakaa Manual Breast Pump
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Haakaa breast pump is a great choice for travelling minimally or for emergency feedings to relieve some pressure. This manual pump isn’t as effective as electric options, and has an incredibly simplistic design, but its affordability and simplicity are part of its charm as an on-the-go pump.
Philips Avent Comfort Manual Breast Pump Review
The 2-in-1 Pick
Philips
As a parent, you have enough to worry about without having to wash 83 parts and bottles per day. If you’re looking for a more convenient way to pump, store, then feed your baby with one bottle instead of multiple, choose the Philips Avent comfort manual breast pump.
Philips Avent Comfort Manual Breast Pump Video Review
What We Think of The Philips Avent Comfort Manual Breast Pump
The Philips Avent comfort manual breast pump is one of the most effective manual pumps out there, and it even competes with many electric pumps in terms of convenience. This is a single pump, so you’ll only be able to pump one breast at a time, but it is designed to achieve higher efficiency to the best of its ability with a soft massage cushion inside the breast shield to encourage let down.
The angle of the pump allows you to pump in a relaxed position, and the lightweight design ensures that it won’t be a burden to travel with. The beauty of this manual breast pump lies in its ultimate convenience and versatility: a bottle nipple can replace the pump on top of the bottle so you can pump and feed from one bottle instead of two.
There are many things to like about this manual pump. It is lightweight and travel friendly, quiet to use, and great for using in an emergency to relieve pain and breast engorgement. There are a few cons as well, like my arm burns from the repetitive squeezing and the fact that while the shield is comfortable, it seems to not have the best seal since the silicone lifts up at the edges from the plastic underneath.
lauren v.
The design of the shield makes a perfect seal a little more challenging to achieve, but it is possible. The only real downside to using this Philips Avent breast pump is the unfortunate arm and hand workout you’ll experience every time you pump – we recommend using both arms equally to avoid becoming lopsided in your muscle distribution. Despite this, the Philips Avent manual breast pump is one of the most convenient manual options on the market with its 2-in-1 design.
Philips Avent Comfort Manual Breast Pump Specifications
- Weight: 0.7 lbs
- Pump Type: Single
- Electric or Manual: Manual
- Pump Volume: 4 oz
- Power Source: N/A
- Suction Strength Options: N/A
Philips Avent Comfort Manual Breast Pump Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Includes a bottle nipple for feeding from the pump container
- Very portable
- Massaging cushion helps with milk expression
- Comfort pump handle
Cons
Cons
- Smaller bottle capacity
- Repetitive squeezing can cause arm soreness
- Vacuum seal isn’t perfect
Our Final Opinion About the Philips Avent Comfort Manual Breast Pump
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
For a great price, moms can pump in comfort without creating more work than necessary thanks to the 2-in-1 design of the Philips Avent breast pump. Though you can’t be hands-off while pumping and it isn’t the absolute best option on the market, most women will be happy with this affordable, comfortable, versatile choice.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Breast Pump
What are the Benefits of Pumping?
There are numerous benefits to pumping either occasionally or exclusively for your baby. Using a pump offers the flexibility to express milk on your own schedule, without a crying baby determining your schedule for you. Pumping your milk also means that you can track how much you’re producing as well as how much your baby is consuming in a day, which can be important markers for your health and theirs.
By pumping, you’ll also create a stockpile of milk that can be used when your babysitter takes over for an evening or if you want to consume something that you normally couldn’t while breastfeeding. Extra milk also means that your partner can help with overnight feedings since the baby doesn’t need your breast.
Plus, using a breast pump can eliminate or avoid pain either by reducing the pressure in the breast or to prevent raw nipples from breastfeeding. Pumping your breast milk can be necessary for a baby who can’t latch or is premature, a baby with a cleft palate, if you need to return to work and aren’t ready to switch to formula, or if breastfeeding is painful.
Does Pumping Hurt Your Milk Supply?
Pumping does not hurt your milk supply, it’s actually the opposite. Moms who struggle to produce enough milk are often advised to use a pump after breastfeeding to stimulate more milk production.
Pumping also allows you to express milk more frequently even if you’re away from your child for travel or work, and expressing regularly can help maintain and improve milk supply.
An overfilled breast signals that your body needs to produce less milk, so the ability to express milk before or when you’re full will actually maintain higher levels of milk production since your breast doesn’t stay full for too long.
How to Store and Prepare Pumped Breast Milk?
Knowing how to store your breast milk is crucial for your baby’s wellbeing. After being pumped, you can store the milk on a counter for up to 4 hours as long as the room isn’t warmer than 77 degrees. When stored in the fridge, pumped milk stays good for up to 4 days. When stored in the freezer, pumped milk can last up to 12 months, though it is advised to use within 6 months if possible.
Thawed breast milk after being stored in the freezer can last 1-2 hours on the counter or up to 24 hours in the fridge. You should never refreeze thawed milk, so only thaw what you can use within one day. You also shouldn’t store unfinished breast milk after a feeding for more than 2 hours.
To prepare thawed or fresh breast milk, you can warm it to room temperature or serve it cold, whatever your baby and you prefer. If you choose to serve it slightly warm, you can place it in a warm water for a few minutes, but make sure to check the temperature on your wrist before feeding.
How to Properly Choose Your Breast Pump
- Price.
There is a pretty significant gap between the most affordable and the most expensive breast pumps, so setting your budget is one of the first things you should do when you begin your search. The main difference in price is between manual and electric pumps, but there are also differences within the two categories that may result in fewer features on the low end of the scale and higher quality options at the higher end of the scale.
- Single or Double Pump.
Deciding whether you need a single or double pump is mostly a personal decision as it depends on your preference for how you pump. If you prefer to pump while you breastfeed, a single pump is probably your best option since you’ll only have one breast free at a time.
A single pump is also ideal if you have a baby who prefers one breast over the other, and you need to pump to relieve pressure. A double pump is the more efficient choice if you are travelling or working and need to pump both breasts at once.
- Bottle Volume.
All pump bottles will offer adequate volume for each pump session, either 4 or 5 ounces on average. Some pumps also allow you to pump breast milk directly into storage bags so you can save a step when preserving your breast milk for later. We recommend choosing the highest capacity available if purchasing a single pump since it allows you to pump both breasts without needing to empty the bottle in between.
- Electric vs. Manual.
The main choice you’ll have to make when shopping for a breast pump is whether you want an electric pump or a manual pump. There are pros and cons to both options, so this is an entirely personal decision. Manual pumps come in two styles, with one requiring hand pumping while the other allows suction to slowly and gently coax out milk on its own.
Manual pumps are often slower and require manual labour that can make your arm sore and tired, but they’re ideal for portability and ease of cleaning.
Electric pumps are efficient and offer a range of suction levels so that every mom can be pain-free while pumping. They are the much more expensive option though, and make some noise that has the potential to wake a sleeping baby.
- Portability.
Since you may need to pump at a moment’s notice no matter where you are or what you’re doing, portability is a pretty big consideration. Manual pumps are the more portable choice since they require fewer pieces to operate. That being said, electric pumps can be conveniently portable with battery operation and slim controllers that can still fit into a purse or diaper bag.
- Suction Strength Options.
When using an electric breast pump, you’re usually offered between three and nine suction strength options to choose from. Though the highest settings are the most efficient, some women will prefer lower suction power since it is gentler, especially for sore nipples. Though you may not expect adjustable suction on manual pumps, it is possible. Those that use suction rather than a hand pump can be adjusted by your hand position when squeezing the pump to attach it to the breast – higher up equals gentler suction and lower down equals stronger suction.
- Warranty.
A warranty is great for peace of mind that your breast pump will last for as long as you need it to, or that you’ll receive a replacement if something breaks due to no fault of your own. Most warranties are about a year long, but the coverage period will vary between models and brands.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of breast pumps allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
