Best Breast Pumps Reviews 2024 – Buyer’s Guide

Are you a nursing or lactating mom with a newborn baby who’s looking for the best breast pumps reviews for 2024 to help make your breastfeeding life easier and convenient? If you’re, then this informative guide should make things easy and straightforward for you.

There are a number of products that have been created to help solve the problems that most nursing moms encounter on a daily basis. Baby carriers, for example, are not just suited for wearing babies but they also provide a very convenient and hands-free position for breastfeeding and nursing a baby.

However, there are some mothers who have difficulty in getting sufficient letdown or milk flow during the breastfeeding process and it’s in such situations that breast pumps really come in handy. So whether you’re a working mom who doesn’t get enough time to breastfeed your baby, or you’re a stay-at-home mom who likes to breastfeed multiple times a day but struggling to obtain sufficient letdown or milk flow, then it would be wise to get yourself a good breast pump.

We know there are moms who are new to the whole concept of breastfeeding using breast pumps and are asking themselves why and how these pumps will be beneficial to their nursing life. There are others who already know the convenience and benefits of breast pumps but have a hard time finding the one that’s suitable for their breastfeeding situation.

If that’s the case then our list of the best breast pump reviews that feature the most up-to-date breast pumps and a detailed buying guide should answer all the queries you might have.

Best Breast Pumps Reviews 2024

1.Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump

As a best seller in the electric breast pumps category, this double electric breast pump from Philips has a lot going for it that makes it a top pick for mothers who have difficulty in breastfeeding. Its unique design allows mothers to breastfeed in an upright position, unlike other breast pumps which operate correctly only when one leans forward. The design allows you to relax while letting milk flow naturally from breast to bottle and this as a result has a positive effect on your milk flow and the quantity of milk you produce.

What we really like about Philip’s double electric breast pump is how easy it is to assemble and the three customizable operating modes it offers to mothers. When you switch the breast pump on, it automatically starts in stimulation mode gently to enable letdown after which you can either choose from the low, medium, or high expression pump settings just the way you like it.

You shouldn’t worry about the health and safety of this device either, since it’s built with BPA-free plastics that are dishwasher safe and easy to clean through sterilization. A massage cushion helps to stimulate the process of milk flow while making pumping more comfortable.

But you should note that this breast pump also has its downsides. Mothers complain that it’s noisy when compared to other breast pumps and that the pumps stopped working after a few months of use. But with those few cons aside, we think the ease of assembly and high levels of comfort make the Philips Avent double electric breast pump a worthy contender, especially for the price.

2.Spectra Baby USA S1 Double/Single Breast Pump

Spectra baby is a very popular and well-known brand when it comes to breast pumps. This particular model, the S1, is the most advanced hospital-grade pump that also comes with a rechargeable battery. Like all breast pumps from spectra, the S1 is closed to provide high hygienic standards for both you and your baby while still boosting on the performance of the pump’s motor.

For moms who have difficulty in getting letdown from their breasts, this breast pump will make the task easy and efficient for them. First, it has a powerful, adjustable and very comfortable suction with strength of up to 350mmHg. The second and most important feature according to the feedback we’ve received from mothers is the flexible touch button together with the digital controls for the pump which allow mothers to set the pumping program to the most effective speed and rhythm for their bodies. This feature also enables the pump to mimic or stimulate your body’s milk letdown and also how your baby nurses when the milk is flowing.

Most moms are happy with the S1 double/single breast pump and they describe it as comfortable, quiet, quick, and also super efficient. Others recommend it for those mothers who experience frequent relactation. But are there any downsides with this breast pump from spectra baby? We think the materials used in its construction have a cheap feel to them and some moms complain that it isn’t durable enough, with some models only lasting for a maximum of 2-3 months.

However, with those few glitches aside, we think the spectra baby S1 is a great breast pump that makes life easy for moms and it even performs better than the popular Medela symphony.

3. Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump

This advanced breast pump from Medela is designed with simplicity in mind. It takes very little time to set it up and also to take it apart. For any mom who’s looking for a breast pump that offers both convenience and performance in one package, then the Medela pump in style advanced pump can’t be overlooked.

It features a two-phase expression technology with one-touch letdown button that allows moms to produce more milk in the least amount of time possible especially when pumping at maximum comfort vacuum in the expression phase. A stylish microfiber bag with built-in pumps enables you to pack everything you need for those on-the-go pumps. For comfortable and efficient pumping, a double pumping kit that features personalfit breast shields of 24mm comes included with the pack. Also, note that you can buy additional breast shields of different sizes separately.

Also included are 4 breast milk bottles with lids, contoured ice pack and a removable cooler bag. All the above features offer the medela pump in style the portable convenience that’s needed for discreet pumping anywhere, anytime. Plus the materials used to construct it are free from BPA plastics and this provides safety for both you and your baby.

However, there are some downsides with the Medela pump in style advanced. First, moms complain that molds grow on the pumps due to milk getting into the tubes and we think that’s the main reason why most moms opt for Ameda breast pumps. Moms also complain that the Medela pumps are less durable than the Ameda pumps.

But even with those few downsides, we still think the medela pump in style is a good breast pump especially with the portable convenience it offers to moms who are always on the go.

4.Medela Swing Breast Pump

Honestly speaking, we could fill about three-quarters of this entire list with breast pumps from Medela. That doesn’t mean that Medela is the only reputable brand out there with regards to breast pumps, but simply because medela offers more models when compared to other brands.

The Swing is a single electric breast pump that shares the same features found in the Medela Pump In Style advanced reviewed above but it also has some features that are only unique to it. First and foremost, the Medela swing breast pump is a wonderfully compacted and lightweight pump that offers moms the convenience of easily taking it anywhere they go. Moms can easily slip it into their bags or purses and be ready to go in no time at all. Secondly, it has a very convenient belt clip and neck or shoulder strap that makes pumping easier from tabletops or when you’re on the go.

It also comes with a convenient AC adapter for mobile charging and easy-to-use vacuum controls that let moms choose their most comfortable pump settings together with 24mm personalfit breast shields that offer efficient and comfortable pumping.

For the downsides, we found it to be a bit noisy, and also the tubing causes breast milk to back its way into the motor which as a result can lead to contamination ( imagine milk trapped in there for weeks). It is also not designed for multiple usages in a day since it’s a single electric.

But even with the above cons, we believe the swing breast pump is a user-friendly pump that comes with a simple design and a reasonable price tag, especially for the features it offers.

5.Medela Pump In Style Advanced with On The Go Tote

This breast pump has some of the highest reception rates in Amazon but unlike the medela swing which is only suitable for one or two uses a day; this one is actually designed for moms who like to pump several times a day and it’s a double electric pump. It comes with built-in bottle holders which are very effective in preventing spills especially when a mom is mobile. A tubing storage pocket helps moms to stay organized between multiple pumping sessions.

Safety for both moms and their babies is also given top priority thanks to BPA free plastic materials used in its construction. But you should take note that these materials are not dishwasher safe and also as a safety precaution, the owner must ensure that the pump together with its accessories are not used by anybody else apart from the original owner to whom it’s intended.

The most important features in this breast pump include the 2-phase expression technology with one-touch letdown button, single knob vacuum adjustments that offer comfortable pumping settings, microfiber bag with built-in pump, removable cooler bag that has contoured ice packs for holding and keeping up to 4 breast milk bottles cool.

Most moms think the pump in style is better and superior than the other brands such as Ameda but this doesn’t mean the pump in style has no faults. A few moms have issues with the reduction in suction strength after 2-3 months of usage and also some complain that the pump has quality control issues.

With this in mind, we think the Ameda Purely Yours can be a better alternative to the pump in style especially in terms of performance and durability.

6.Ameda Purely Yours Ultra Breast Pump

The Ameda purely yours is a strong contender and big rival to the medela pump in style reviewed above even though they both share most of the features that moms look out for when choosing a breast pump. So in what area does the Ameda purely yours outshine the medela in style?

Well according to comments and reviews written out by moms, the Ameda solves one big problem that’s commonly found in the medela breast pumps, and this has to do with the issues of mold growth and contamination that’s usually common with the medela pumps. Ameda purely yours features a proven airlock protection that protects breast milk from mold, bacteria and viruses while pumping and this alone can be a strong decision factor for most moms.

The Ameda also comes with fully independent controls speed and suction which help to maximize milk flow and comfort during pumping sessions. A dual hygienikit milk collection system that’s very handy for storing milk for future use is also included in the pack.

Most moms like how portable and lightweight the Ameda is and this offers them the convenience of being able to carry it with them wherever they go. And since it is built from BPA free plastics, it is safe for both moms and babies alike and the pump can be easily cleaned through sterilization.

But as is usual with any pump, the Ameda purely yours also has its own issues. We find it to be a bit noisy but not like most other brands, and secondly there have been some reported issues of the pump not working after some few months together with a reduction in suction strength. If you’ve noticed, these are issues that cut across all brands and so we advice moms to do their due diligence before choosing a particular model.

7.Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump

The Lansinoh double electric breast pump also comes with the very convenient closed patented system and hygienic design that prevents milk from backing up into the tubing and pump motor eventually. This makes the pump very easy to clean since there’s no need to clean the tubing.

It comes pre-assembled with very few parts that make it easy and simple to use, set up, and take apart. For moms with difficulty in getting letdowns, the Lansinoh breast pump features 3 customizable pumping styles together with eight adjustable suction levels that enable moms to achieve the desired results hassle-free. The vacuum strength and cycle speed can also be set and controlled by moms to enable them to achieve maximum milk flow and high levels of comfort when breastfeeding.

Some moms like the LCD screen with a timer that helps them to track the amount of time they spend breastfeeding the baby and also the fact they can use batteries if they don’t want to plug it in. The compact design and size make it very convenient for moms who are always on the go and its quiet motor makes it a better choice over and above the other noisy breast pumps.

BPA-free plastics used to construct it provides safety for moms and their babies. Also included in the pack are 2 comfort-fit flanges of 25mm, 2 disposable nursing pads, 2 breastmilk storage bags, an AC adapter, a tote bag, and a very helpful manual to help moms get started quickly and easily.

8.Philips Avent Single Electric Breast Pump

Another Philips Avent on our list but this one is a single electric breast pump that comes with the same features found in the Philips double electric pump reviewed above. There are a lot of things that moms like about this particular model and some think the features it offers make it a very reasonable purchase.

The whole design revolves around making the Avent breast pump very easy to clean and assemble. This is because of the number of separate parts that come with it and the closed system that ensures milk doesn’t get into the tubing or the pump motor. Moms also like the compacted and lightweight design that allows for easy storage and transportation.

However, its design also has some minor flaws. For example, there are some reported cases of milk spilling when the pump tips over or when a mom is pumping, the milk would swish to the top and spill through the neck where the bottle is screwed on. The pump also loses its suction after a short time of use.

But even with its few minor flaws, a majority of moms still recommend the Avent comfort breast pump over other models. Most of them give a five-star rating and say the breast shield is very comfortable during pumping sessions. Also loved by moms is how easy it is to operate it since it features a convenient electric pump that operates at the press of a button and has three pump settings for choosing the perfect pumping speed suitable for moms.

All the above features combine to make the Philips Avent single electric pump one of the more reliable and comfortable breast pumps you can ever buy.

9. Spectra Baby USA S1 Hospital Grade Breast Pump

Most moms think the spectra baby S1 breast pump is much better than the famous pump in style advanced from Medela and we definitely agree with them. To begin with, the spectra baby S1 is very quiet while in operation and this means you can comfortably listen to music or watch television without any disturbance.

The night light is also one of the features that make this breast pump so convenient for night use since it enables moms to see in the dark without having to switch the lights on. A timer enables moms to keep track of the breastfeeding session durations.

We really like the letdown mode of this pump and we think this feature is one of its major selling points. First time users, especially those moms coming from Medela Pump in style, say that the spectra S1 feels way better, comfortable, and extracts more milk when compared to the medela in style. Also, unlike the Medela, the issue of milk getting into the tubing and pump motor is not a problem you can ever experience if you go with the Spectra S1.

The suction strength for this pump is really powerful and that’s probably why most moms are able to breastfeed without any letdown issues. If you wish to use it when unplugged, its built-in battery enables it to achieve up to one hour of usage when fully charged. Other features that come with the package include a designer tote bag for easy storage and portability, cooler with a freezer pack, and 2 extra collection bottles.

We therefore think the Spectra S1 is one of the best electric breast pumps out there in the market since it offers great performance and there are almost no flaws reported by moms who have bought and use it on day to day basis.

10. BelleMa Effective Pro Double Electric Breast Pump

If you’re a working or stay-at-home mom with the desire to pump successfully in the shortest amount of time possible, then the BelleMa Effective Pro Double Electric Pump is designed and made just for you. It features soft silicone cushions that provide a gentle massage and very comfortable pumping sessions during breastfeeding. More importantly, a memory feature enables it to remember the whole customized pumping procedure so you can have a very easy and quick pumping operation time according to your like or satisfaction.

The very handy anti-backflow closed system that prevents milk from getting into the tubing or motor which as a result can lead to contamination is also included. Safety for both mums and babies is given top priority with the use of BPA-free plastic materials while its smaller and lightweight design makes it easy to store and transport from place to place.

One feature that makes the BelleMa Effective Pro better than Medela in style is the LED display that shows moms the pumping levels together with a timer for tracking the breastfeeding durations. Please note that this timer is set to a maximum of 30 minutes and this ensures the pump operates for short durations to enhance its durability.

Moms can either choose to use the left or right pumps independently since the vacuum controls for each side can be regulated independently and this as a result is very essential for comfortable expressions. Other important features include 2 storage bottles, 2 bottle bases, 2 nipple sets, and a user manual for easy and stress-free first time operations.

For new moms who are looking for the best double electric breast pump that is cost economical, we’d advise them to seriously consider the BelleMa Effective Pro breast pump since it is highly rated on Amazon and has very few flaws when compared to some of the more expensive models.

Breast Pump Buyer’s Guide

The importance of consistent breastfeeding of your newborn baby is something that’s very important to the health and well-being of the baby. In fact, many leading professional organizations recommend breastfeeding a baby for the first six months without supplementing with juice, formula, or water. The reason for this is very simple; breast milk comes with so many benefits for your newborn baby. First, it helps to boost the immune system of your baby by providing disease-fighting antibodies, promoting the vision and mental development together with a healthy digestive system. It also reduces the risks of certain diseases in later life such as asthma, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even obesity.

With this in mind, the importance of frequent breastfeeding can’t be overlooked especially soon after giving birth. We know some moms have difficulty with producing enough breast milk so as to provide efficient milk for their newborns and some may have enough milk but have difficulty obtaining a letdown every now and then. It’s in such situations that breast pumps really come in handy. Breast pumps do come with lots of benefits and one of them is that they enable moms to achieve effective letdowns when breastfeeding the baby if they have problems with letdowns. Secondly, for moms who are always on the road or working on a daily basis, they can store breast milk in bottles for later use or even refrigerate it safely for 24 hours so they can feed the baby when they return home from work.

So the importance of breast pumps in today’s cooperative world can’t be overlooked also. We know most moms out there can testify to how helpful these devices have become in their maternal life and as a result, the demand for breast pumps keeps growing on an annual basis as more moms continue to give birth to more babies. So for any moms out there who are thinking of purchasing a breast pump to make their life easy, they need to know the various types of breast pumps that are available on the market. Discussed below are the most popular types of breast pumps that moms can buy.

Types of Breast Pumps

Manual pumps – these are best suited for moms who don’t pump more often and are ideal in situations where milk supply is well established. They are hand-operated and operate by pumping one breast at a time via a flange and manual level that creates suction. When compared to the electric pumps, these are less expensive, lightweight, and small enough to be easily carried in purses for easy portability. A well-built manual breast pump should be capable of expressing decent amounts of milk during pumping sessions.

Electric pumps – these consist of a motor and operate via socket outlets or battery power. They come either as single electric pumps or double electric pumps. Single electrics pump one breast at a time and are therefore not convenient for quick breastfeeding sessions. Double electrics on the other hand pump both breasts concurrently and this helps save a lot of time while still producing more milk flow from the breasts. For moms who breastfeed excessively or have a low letdown and need more stimulation, then electric pumps are the perfect choice for their situation.

Hospital-Grade breast pumps – are made to be used in hospitals and especially for those nursing moms who prefer to rent instead of buying breast pumps. They can either be multi-user or single-user and can be rented from medical-supply stores, drugstores, hospitals, and even specialty retail stores. These are the best option for those nursing moms who are still undecided as to whether they need to buy a breast pump but still need to increase their milk supply by using a hospital-grade pump.

Features to look out for in a breast pump

The features found in a particular breast pump are going to determine how and where you’re going to be using this device. It is thus wise to carefully pick a breast pump that has the features which will meet your breastfeeding needs and situations. Below are some of the most important features any mom must look for when buying a breast pump.

Closed systems – moms should choose a closed breast pump that provides a physical barrier between the milk collection kit and the pump motor so as to prevent issues of milk contamination by viruses and bacteria.

Double-pumping – for moms who pump daily or more often, they should opt for double pumps over single pumps. This is because double pumps enable moms to express both breasts at once thereby reducing the pumping session to a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes. Double pumps are also better for milk production since they increase the levels of prolactin (a hormone responsible for the production of milk).

Suction settings – excellent breast pumps should mimic a baby’s natural nursing rhythm by being able to automatically pump in two different modes; rapid, to begin fast milk flow by stimulating the baby’s rapid sucking, and slower, to produce the most breast milk by stimulating the baby’s deeper sucking. By combining the two pumping modes, a more-authentic, comfortable and quicker breastfeeding experience is achieved.

Adapter/ batteries – breast pumps that can operate on charged batteries are very convenient for those moms who are always on the road since they enable them to breastfeed the baby even when traveling with the whole family.

BPA Free materials – in order to ensure both you and your baby are safe using the breast pumps, make sure the plastics used to construct the pump are BPA-free so as not to pose any health and safety risks to both you and the baby.

LCD Display and memory indicator – some pumps come with LCD screens that show moms the pumping levels while breastfeeding plus a programmable memory that remembers the preferred pumping procedure so moms don’t have to reset the pump each and every time they plan on using it.

Carrying cases – these offer moms the convenience of easy portability if they are the types who are always on the go. With the carrying case, moms can pack and store all the required essentials for effective and efficient breastfeeding on the road.

Pump weight – a heavy pump will make portability difficult and tiresome especially if you carry it in a purse while walking back and forth from work. Moms who travel a lot should opt for lightweight breast pumps if they want to carry and transport them hassle-free without getting tired.

Cool storage departments – these are typically storage spaces in the carrying case that enable you to store and freeze your breast milk while on the road. These are helpful especially during hot weather seasons.

Warranty – breast pumps with warrants of more than one year are a strong indication of durability and quality. Since most moms use the pump on a daily basis, they need to ensure the pump comes with a generous warranty that’ll fix and take care of breakdowns and faults resulting from frequent usage of the pump.

Tips for Using Breast Pumps Safely

Used pumps

It is strongly advised not to buy or borrow a used breast pump as this is very risky health-wise. But if you don’t have the money to buy a brand new pump, then make sure to thoroughly wash the parts and more importantly, replace the tubing that came with the initial purchase. Used pumps can pose serious health risks to the baby because potential contaminants can pass through the tubing and get lodged into the pump motor (the part that connects to the tubing) allowing viruses and bacteria to thrive there. That’s why manufacturers advise moms to treat breast pumps the same way they treat personal-use items like toothbrushes or razor blades meaning they are not intended to be shared by anyone other than the original user.

Cleaning breast pumps

We’ve heard that breast milk is very effective in killing bacteria for roughly 12 hours after leaving the breast and that you don’t necessarily need to wash a breast pump between the sessions of use. However, any wise mom who’s anxious about the safety and health of their baby would give cleanliness a priority and wash the pump thoroughly at least once every day. Even if human milk is good at fighting bacteria when fresh, we don’t know its effects when it’s dry or when exposed to high amounts of pathogens. So it’s wise to wash the pump on a daily basis just to ensure the safety and good health of both mom and her baby.

Conclusion

For all new moms who’ve just given birth to their first baby, breastfeeding for the first six months is something that’s mandatory for the health and physical development of their babies. Most working moms who don’t have the opportunity to spend enough time with the baby at home thus opt for a quick and easy solution to their breastfeeding needs by purchasing a breast pump that makes the whole job of breastfeeding easy and stress-free. But with all the brands, models, and even types of breast pumps that are on the market for purchase, most moms become a bit confused about the one that’s perfect for their breastfeeding needs or situation.

Our detailed and informative guide on the best breast pumps reviews should help most moms to narrow their list of selections down to the best and most reputed breast pumps for their nursing needs. The products reviewed under the best breast pumps reviews guide are the most up-to-date and so moms should be confident they’re buying a pump that will work and satisfy most of their nursing and budget needs.