There are many health benefits to both the mother and the baby that make breast milk a natural choose for mothers. That being said, you cannot always directly breast feed and for different reasons will find the need to use a breast pump.

There are many types and brands of breast pumps out there and but they all have one purpose in mind – to help you provide breast milk to your child.

Today, we are going to go over the following top models of breast pumps:

 *All product links in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, scroll down for our in-depth reviews below.

Some of the Benefits of Feeding Infants Breast Milk

For at least the first six months of an infant’s life, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends that parents give their infants exclusively breast milk. There are many reasons for doing so, here are a few of the most prominent:

1. Breast milk helps fight infects and illnesses because it has natural antibodies.
2. There have been some studies that breast milk helps babies intelligently.
3. Breast feeding can help lower the risk of SIDS during the first year of life.
4. Breast milk can be easier to digest. Therefore, most breast fed babies have fewer problems with gas and constipation.
5. In later years, breast milk has shown other benefits as well such as helping reduce the risk of developing lymphoma, high cholesterol, Hodgkin’s disease, both types of diabetes, asthma and the risk of being overweight.

Women who have expressed (or pumped) their milk have also shown benefits as well. Some of these benefits include a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and both breast and ovarian cancer.

Direct Breast Feeding and Breast Pumping

According to the AAP, breast milk is better than formula. Whether you choose to breast feed, use a breast pump or a combination of the two, it is always best to know what the advantages and disadvantages are of anything, so let’s take a look at them.

Advantages of Breast Pumping:

• Once the milk is pumped, anyone can feed the baby. This allows other family members – and the other parent – as well as friends, to get bonding time with the baby. This also helps with the middle of the night feedings – you can take turns!
• It is easy to measure how much the baby is taking in with a bottle.
• If you return to work or have other things to do, you can pump on your own schedule and where and when you want to.
• Feeding a bottle of breast milk to a baby takes much less time than directly breast feeding a baby.

Disadvantages of Breast Pumping:

• When you pump milk, you must clean the bottles and the machine parts.
• If you choose to pump away from home or you will be away for a while, you must take the pump with you.

Advantages of Breast Feeding:

• When you breast feed, you have a one-on-one connection with your baby.
• There are no containers or pumps to clean up when you are directly breast feeding.
• When you are ready to go somewhere, you just get up and go with nothing to pack when you are directly breast feeding.

Disadvantages of Breast Feeding:

• Nobody else can feed the baby when you are breast feeding, your partner may feel left out and you may feel exhausted.
• There is no way of measuring how much your baby is taking in when you are directly breast feeding.
• When a baby directly breast feeds, it takes more time to feed than if the baby was taking milk from a bottle that was pumped.
• If you are in the public, it is harder to feed your baby directly from your breast when it is time to feed.
• If you have to work or go on appointments or such, breast feeding makes it difficult or near impossible to do these things.

Types of Breast Pumps

Just like anything else in life, breast pumps come in a variety of styles and comes with many options. To be sure that you get the one that fits in best to suit your needs and lifestyle, make sure that you go over all of the available types first.

• MANUAL BREAST PUMP – A manual breast pump is small and generally the most lightweight of all of the models of breast pumps available. With a manual breast pump, the milk is suctioned out by you squeezing a lever, bulb or by a syringe-like cylinder. There are many different types of manual breast pumps on the market, both piston-style and cylinder, and they generally let you control the pressure yourself to help minimize any discomfort that you may be experiencing. Some models require one hand to hold and one to pump while others can be operated with just one hand – making it easier to multi-task. While some manual breast pumps have bulb handles, others have ergonomic handles to help relieve tired hands from repetitive pumping and strain. Manual pumps are great for traveling and those that use a pump only on occasion but can be tiresome on a day to day basis. They don’t require electricity or batteries, are easy to tote and are generally less expensive than other models. However, they are slower than other models. You can check out the best manual breast pumps here.

• HANDS-FREE PUMP – If you are a multi-tasker, then a hands-free pump may be exactly what you are looking for. Most hands-free pumps attach to a special nursing bra or have special pads; each one may be different. These pumps are great because you can use your hands to work on the computer, read a book or even hold your baby while you are pumping milk. The main concerns with this pump is that setup can be complicated and you need to make sure that you are using the right size breast shields to avoid breast pain and soreness.

• SMALL ELECTRIC OR BATTERY OPERATED PUMPS – These lightweight breast pumps are compact, normally use household batteries or plug in and may even fit in your purse. Due to the low power exchange, these pumps can sometimes be sluggish but you can regulate the vacuum on some models for comfort. This model is great for at the office as it is portable and most of them are quiet. They are generally inexpensive and you can pump anywhere you want with a battery pack. If you pump more frequently, you may find that these pumps take more time than you would like.

• PERSONAL AUTOMATIC BREAST PUMPS – While a personal breast pump is generally lighter than a hospital grade model, this model normally has a powerful motor and will produce some serous section action. The automatic breast pump is larger than previous models but normally less than 8 pounds. An automatic breast pump mimics a baby’s sucking pattern which normally produces faster milk flow. Some breast pumps even have a constant vacuum with self-adjusting suction settings, however the intermittent mimics a baby so it is probably easier on you. Many automatic models come with extras such as bags, adapters for outlets or a battery pack. They may even come with coolers, collection containers, and more. This makes it extra convenient if you are returning to work and will need to express milk during the day. If you only pump occasionally, then this may not be the model for you as this is a lot to lug around and has lots of parts.

• HOSPITAL GRADE BREAST PUMPS – The term “hospital grade†is less a medical term and more of a marketing term. In fact, the FDA has stated that they do not recognize the term “hospital grade†in terms of breast pumps. Basically, a hospital grade breast pump is a high end breast pump that is electric and double pumps. Most of these pumps have a long motor life, have a closed system and are equipped to express milk at least 8 times per day.

Features of a Breast Pump

Some of the breast pumps out there have some extra features that make having a breast pump extra “handyâ€. Make sure you know which features matter to you when you are looking for a breast pump. Here is a list of some features to be aware of:

• Insulated Storage Compartments – When you are on the go, you want to be able to store milk for later. All you need to do is keep an ice pack in the storage compartment and you are ready for what the day may bring.
• Memory Indicator and LCD Display – Some pumps have a programmable memory and even an LCD panel to help you record the pattern of your pumping; no need to reset it every time you use it.
• Lightweight Pumps – When you are toting a pump back and forth day in and day out, any weight can add up. If you must travel a lot with your pump, you may want to take the weight of the pump into account beforehand.
• Batteries and Adapters – If you are unable to get to an electrical outlet, you may want a pump that has batteries or one that can be plugged into to your car’s outlet.
• Double Pumping – The more often you pump, the more tedious it will become and the quicker you will want to get the job done. A double pumping breast pump will help you complete the job by expressing both breasts at once so you can complete a session as soon as possible. Not only is this faster, but double pumps are better for milk production. Levels of prolactin are increased when double pumped.
• Carrying Case – We can all use an extra hand sometimes. And a carrying case is just that. Most of the personal automatic breast pumps that come in a carrying case look professional and unrecognizable as a breast pump.
• Suction Settings – While the best breast pumps mimic a baby’s natural nursing rhythm, not all do. Look for models that do. There should be two settings. One setting is a rapid sucking to produce rapid milk production and the other is a slower sucking to produce more milk production. When added together, the time should be cut down as more milk will be produced in a shorter amount of time. Some other models allow you to regulate the suction, speed and pumping rhythm while some have preset controls.
• Warranty – When you are relying on a breast pump for your daily needs, you want a breast pump with at least a one year warranty as this is a sign of durability and quality.

If you need a breast pump bag, check out these best breast pump bags here.

10 Best Breast Pumps 

BTshine Double Electric Breast Pump by BTshine

When looking for a lightweight small electric breast pump, the BTshine Double Breast Pump is an ultra-affordable model that you might want to consider. With 2 modes and the option to choose your own comfort settings, this small electric breast pump is a viable option. Let’s take a closer look at it.

The BTshine Electric Double Breast Pump is a great overall inexpensive breast pump option. It has 8 gears and 2 modes for great sucking action and it massages as well.

The fact that this pump is less than 1 pound and has a lifetime warranty and 1 year return policy make it even more attractive.  Where it falls short is that it is a lightweight electric breast pump which means that it does not have the powerful suction power to get the job done in a timely manner and suction may lag.

If you use this model every once in a while or while you go out, then it is not a big deal. But if you are using this breast pump every two to three hours every day, it will begin to take a toll on you.  This is a great pump for occasional use only.

Medela Style Advanced Breast Pump by Medela

When looking for a breast pump, you may have certain features that you are looking for. If you are looking for portability and the freedom to pump where you want, when you want with the knowledge that the breast pump will produce the flow that you need, then look no further than the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with On the Go Tote. This convenient breast pump has all the features that you expect and some that you don’t. Let’s take a closer look at it.

Overall, the Medela Pump in Style is a very good breast pump. With the 2-phase expression, it really helps mimic your baby’s natural nursing habits by starting with quick tugs that stimulate your let down reflex to start your milk flow. Then the pump starts a slower, stronger suction to produce most of your milk.

The pump gives you the option to decide how long this phase is for maximum milk production. The breast pump is also great that it has two power sources, a convenient carrying case, extra bottles and a cooler with an ice pack.

What you need to be concerned about the most is the noise and condensation issues versus the cost and weight of the machine.

Spectra Baby S2 Breast Pump by Spectra Baby USA

When a quiet, mid-priced, mid-weight breast pump is what you are looking for, Spectra Baby may have what you are looking for. The Spectra Baby S2 Breast Pump is quieter than a lot of other models that we are looking at, is moderately priced and has a few other nice features to help you enjoy your breast pumping experience as much as possible. Let’s look at some of those features.

Overall, the Spectra Baby S2 is a decent pump with its hospital grade pump, quiet running, and choice of flanges. It is also nice that it has a night light and timer.

But the cons are about equal with the pros for me. I don’t like that you can’t double pump even though this is called a “double†breast pump just because it includes everything you need to pump both breasts, it is a little costly for a single breast pump (but not too costly since it is hospital grade) and it is not portable friendly.

You also have to take in to account that there is no back up to a wall socket and the bottle issues.

Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump by Philips AVENT

When price, being discreet and portability are a must, then a manual pump may be more what you are looking for. Philips Avent offers the Manual Comfort Breast Pump which is a lightweight, affordable model with other features such as a unique design that allows you to sit up rather than lean over to get the milk to flow and an ergonomic handle.

While the Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump will get the job done, it is not recommended for daily use. If you were occasionally traveling or going out once in a while, this may be great, but otherwise, a more reliable manual or a good electric pump would be better.

This breast pump squeaks, is hard to clean properly, and does not offer different flange sizes.  But the main problem is that due to poor suction, the production of milk may not be what you need for you or your baby.

Haoqin Electric Comfort Breastfeeding Pump by Haoqin

Sometimes you are looking for the suction of an electric breast pump with the price tag slightly higher than a manual pump. You will find that with the Haoqin Electric Comfort Breastfeeding Pump.

This lightweight pump is electric, compact, lightweight and friendly to your wallet. Let’s see what else this breast pump has going for it.

While the Haoqin Electric Comfort Breast Pump seems adequate, it is just that – adequate. If you are looking for a long term daily use breast pump, this may not be the one for you as it does not adequately have suction which means you will not be pumping enough milk.

If you just need an occasional breast pump, this might do the trick as it is lightweight, portable, and inexpensive.

KidsTime Electric Hands-Free Double Breast Pump by KidsTime

When you have children, you could always use another set of hands. Whether you would like to free your hands up to read a book, check your phone, answer an email or do your nails – it doesn’t matter.

The point is, that it would be nice to free up your hands while you do something that will take up a little bit of time such as breast pumping. If that is how you feel, then you may want to consider the KidsTime Electric Hands-Free Double Breast Pump.

With 18 modes of sucking motion, you will be done pumping in no time. Let’s see what else the KidsTime has to offer.

Once again, this is an inexpensive model and you will not get the same quality that you see in personal and hospital-grade electric models.

The most disappointing thing is that when you are promised 18 different modes – that is what you expect. Not just 18 different ways to suck your soul out.

Other than that, this is a good machine that will be good for occasional use. This pump is not recommended for travel or work as it does not have a dual power source of batteries or car charging.

Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Electric Breast Pump by Lansinoh

Looking for a mid-priced electric double electric breast pump that seems to have it all? Well, that is the claim of the Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Electric Breast Pump.

With 3 pumping styles and 8 suction levels, you are sure to find a level that works best for you. When you add on the fact that this breast pump is ultra-portable, light weight and easy to clean and you have a winning combination.

Let’s take a closer look at the Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Electric Breast Pump.

Overall, this is a pretty good product at a reasonable price. It has 3 pumping styles and 8 suctions levels so you can choose your own level of comfort.

This breast pump is just made for on the go with the tote bag, ac adaptor and battery pack as well as every accessory that you can think of.

The only down sides are that other bottles don’t fit without an adaptor, the flanges don’t fit everyone and the pump may not drain the breast fully. If you can live with these things, then you may have found your breast pump.

Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump by Haakaa

Are you looking to do some tandem breast pumping or milk collecting? Tandem breast pumping is one of a couple of things.

One, is where the baby is nursing on one breast and once the letdown starts, you can put a silicone manual pump to the other breast to collect or pump on the other breast.

The other is if you have a single electric pump and you want to collect more milk and get the job done faster, you can do the same thing. The advantage of silicone manual breast pumps such as the one from Haakaa is that they are inexpensive, have a one-piece design for easy clean up, light weight, and compact.

Let’s take a closer look at the Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump.

In short, the Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump is great for collecting milk while using another source for expressing milk such as natural breast feeding or breast pumping using a single breast pump.

The one part design with no extra parts makes it portable, light and easy to clean up. But as far as pumping goes, you would be better off on using a manual breast pump for occasional use or an electric breast pump for daily use.

This breast pump is merely a collection vessel in my opinion but it will help you collect all of the milk that goes to waste from the breast that is not being collected from while you pump on the other breast. While it is a great idea, it is not for main pumping.

Nokire Manual Breast Pump by Nokire

Sometimes you just need a helping hand that does not cost a fortune and is easy and portable. One of those things is supposed to come in the form of a manual breast pump when you are a nursing mother.

Nokire has a manual breast pump that claims to be all of that and then some. Let’s take a closer look at this manual breast pump.

The Nokire Manual Breast Pump is an inexpensive, lightweight portable breast pump that may be good for occasional use.

The fact that it is dishwasher safe on the top rack and only weighs a little more than 10 ounces make this a good back up choice.

That being said, if you cannot push the handle down because it causes pain in your nipple and leaves your breasts engorged with milk, then you may want to look elsewhere for a breast pump because this defeats the purpose of a breast pump in the first place.

BabySteps Double Electric Breast Pump by BabySteps

There seems to be a lot of breast pumps out on the market so you can go one of two ways – you have a lot to choose from to pick the right one or you can be thoroughly overwhelmed and not know what to do. When you break down the specs of each pump, it seems to make it a little easier.

The BabySteps Double Electric Breast Pump is trying to make things easier for you as well. This pump is moderately priced, very light weight and has some great features that make it just as nice as some of the more expensive models.

I had to really dig deep to find something that I didn’t like about this breast pump. The major sticking points are that you cannot change out the flange size – but the breast shields help a lot, it does not have a carrying bag – which we all have extras hanging around, and it is not dual powered for travel and going out.

On the positive, it is moderately affordable, comes with lots of extras, has variable modes and is safe and portable.  There is not much more you can look for in a breast pump.

The Winner

After much consideration, the winner – in my book anyway – is the BabySteps Double Electric Breast Pump.

This double breast pump is electric so it allows you to pump more milk than a manual breast pump would and it is durable enough to use on a daily basis, several times per day.

In addition, it is a double breast pump so you can get the job done twice as fast. But the BabySteps’ feature where you can choose between left, right, or both breasts is really a nice touch.

You always want a breast pump to be portable and affordable and the BabySteps is both. At only 2.2 ounces and less than most of the other double electric breast pumps, the BabySteps is a true winner in this category as well.

The breast pump also aids in producing more milk as quickly as possible with its 2-phase system and 9 levels of adjustable suction. When it comes to choosing a breast pump, production is a major part of the equation. Another part of the equation is comfort and BabySteps addressed that with the breast shields.

I hope this article helps you find the breast pump that best suits you.