In the recent world, there is a breast pump for every situation and every person. Breast pumps range from ones that allow you to pump every day while on the go to some that boost your milk supply in or some for taking you off the edge in the middle of the night. Choosing the best hands-free breast pump for you can depend on personal preference and lifestyle, but some brands are undoubtedly the top choices for most moms.
Not all moms need a breast pump, but the ones that need it can be difficult to make with plenty of choices in the market. We’ve rounded up the best hands-free pumps on the market to boost your feeding process, from versions that are wireless, manual, comfortable to the most discreet ones you can use. We have included a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed purchase decision.
Best Hands-Free Breast Pump
1. Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump- Best Lightweight Pump
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Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump is a bottle collection system with flanges similar to traditional pumps; hence it does not allow you to pump underneath your clothes. It is a combination of the Medela Hands-Free Pumping Bra, which is sold separately, and a silicone lined breast shield, making this the best breast pump if you are looking for comfort. The pumping bra is quite comfortable, and you fit it through the flanges, then click a button on the tiny battery-operated pump similar to a small TV remote.
The Medela Freestyle is portable and lightweight, weighing less than 10 ounces and compact enough to fit your pocket, palm, or bag. It also has a rechargeable battery that allows cord-free pumping for convenience, also comes with a USB port and a two-phase expression that mimics breast sucking rhythm. The Medela hands-free pump also packs additional accessories such as two 21mm breast shields, two 24mm breast shields, two bottle stands, four 150ml bottles, a power adapter with a USB cable, and a carry bag that has a cooler.
2. Willow Generation 3 Breast Pump- Best Pump for Discretion
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The Willow breast pump is one of the best wireless breast pumps that are also hands-free and have large plastic cups that fit into your nursing bra, latch and pump as you go about your activities. Willow electric breast pump includes features like an app that enables control of the pump, tracks pump sessions and breast milk flow. The wearable breast pump is the perfect example for hands-free pumping without any attachments or cords with even the motor in the pump cups, and you should slip the cups in your bra and go about your day hands-free pumping.
Willow double electric is the best breast pump to use for pumping in any position because it's spill-proof, plus it does not make noise, so you can be discreet using it. Milk storage can be done on the same bag you pump in, but you might need to switch your bags in between pumping sessions because they hold only 4 ounces.
3. Elvie Breast Pump- Best Wireless Breast Pump
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Elvie pump is one of the few entirely hands-free pumping systems: wireless, portable, and wearable breast pumps on the market. The Elvie Breast pump comes as either a single or double set, and it is shaped like a large plastic bra cup that fits well into your normal nursing bra. This system pump is completely wireless and uses rechargeable batteries as the power source that can be recharged with a few uses using a micro USB cord. With only five parts, the breast pump is easy to clean and assemble in between your pumping sessions.
The Elvie pump comes with three suction cups of different sizes and can fit most moms, with each milk collection cup holding 5 ounces. They are hassle-free and lightweight devices with a weight of 7.9 ounces suitable for working moms since you can pump without dealing with any cords or having to change your outfit. The hands-free pump switches automatically from stimulation mode to expression mode and stops the pumping session once the bottle is filled. To top it up, the portable breast pump comes with a free app that monitors your milk volume in real-time and records a pumping history of each breast, and you can control each pump remotely.
4. Freemie Liberty Wearable Breast Pump System- Best Breast Pump for Versatility
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Freemie Liberty Wearable is a powerful hands-free double portable breast pump with a 280mm Hg suction power and a weight of 0.55 pounds yet a quiet function. It is considered the most versatile hands-free pumping system because the tubes and collection cups can be used with the Freemie battery-operated pump or any insurance-covered breast pump if you don't mind being plugged into a wall socket. The collection cups include a Liberty pump but can be bought separately if you are looking to convert your current pump to a hands-free option but keep in mind that not all pumps are compatible with the breast milk collection cups.
The hands-free double electric breast pump comes with the world's first programmable adjustable timer that moms can use to set 5-minute intervals that last up to 40 minutes and the pump automatically shuts off after 40 minutes. Additionally, it comes with over 100 pump settings that you can choose from and with three programmed memory buttons for one-touch access to your preferred settings. Lastly, it features a turbo mode which is a long draw cycle and is used by setting your speed to zero and using the low-speed settings to achieve the maximum suction levels.
5. Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump- Best Manual Pump
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Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump has been made from 100% food-grade silicone and very low maintenance when pumping milk for your baby. It is a manual pump that comes in one piece that you attach to a breast, and it collects milk for your baby using its suction with no power or hands required. The Haakaa pumping kit is also ideal for any mom looking to start their milk flow and relives their breast fullness between feedings as it creates suction with no pumping, and you need to squeeze a little bit, and the process takes place.
Some moms use it to pump on one breast as the baby is nursing on the other side to help the baby gain a few ounces for their freezer stash. It is suitable for traveling because it is very lightweight with a weight of 2.53 pounds and therefore easy to pack and carry around. However, because of how the best manual pump is shaped, it can easily tip-off, and it would be best if you bought a separate storage lid.
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Hands-Free Breast Pumps
When choosing the best hands-free pump for you, you should consider the features below:
1. Types of Breast Pumps
a). Electric Breast Pump:
Electric breast pumps are small motorized pumps that create suction and extract breast milk from the breast, with some need to be plugged in an electric outlet, while some are battery-powered. A double electric pump will empty two breasts at a go, while a single electric pump will extract milk from one breast at a go. A double breast pump is suitable if you are looking to pump with a lot of frequency because it allows a mom to pump both breasts simultaneously and, as a result, speed up your pumping session. However, a double pump costs more than a single electric pump to choose the single breast pump if you are on a budget.
b). Manual Breast Pump:
A manual breast pump makes a single pump that requires you to squeeze a handle or lever to create the necessary suction and therefore is not completely hands-free.
2. Warranty
Breast pumps are medical, and therefore, they are non-returnable. Still, all breast pumps are usually warranted by the manufacturer, with the warranties differing from one brand to another. Also, keep in mind that the pump motor warranty may be different from the pump parts warranty, so carefully check.
3. Discretion
A hands-free pump allows you to work while pumping, so you need to check how much noise it produces, especially when you are in public. Pick a pump that uses a quiet motor if you intend to use it in public to avoid bringing attention to yourself.
4. Ease of Use
A hands-free pump is mainly for saving time, so generally, you should go for a pump that needs minimal setup to save your time.
5. Customization
Before making your final choice, ensure you check the suction settings and adjustable settings, which will ensure you get a good milk output at a suction level that is comfortable to you. A breast pump that has speed and suction strength settings enables you to customize your hands-free pumping session. The better the suction and cycle a breast pump delivers, the more your hands-free pump can mimic your baby's feeding style.
6. Power Source
This is an important consideration, especially if you would like to have pumping sessions on the go. You need to know how much charge will last on a single charge and whether the batteries being used are standard or rechargeable. Additionally, check if your pump includes a DC power adapter that can be used in a vehicle while on the move.
7. Price Point
When looking for the best breast pumps, you need to keep your needs in mind but still get a pump that fully serves your needs. Try to find a balance between your budget and the pump type to satisfy your needs and give you service.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which hands-free breast pump is better between an open system and a closed system?
A closed system pump is a type that separates the parts that pump out the milk from the parts that collect the milk, and this barrier helps to prevent dust, mold, or spoiled milk from contaminating other things. On the other hand, an open system pump does not have a barrier and can cause milk to get crannies and nooks in the system encouraging bacteria growth. Still, you can purchase clean parts and tubes for the open system pump and sterilize them individually.
Suppose you are renting or getting a second-hand hospital-grade breast pump, it's advisable to pick the closed system because even with full sterilization, you won't sterilize the open system motor, which can harbor bacteria that could get into your baby's breast milk making the closed system a better option.
2. How long does a breast pump last?
Most breast pumps include a one-year warranty, but that does not mean that the year is the limit, and they won't last longer than that. According to many moms forums, most moms claim that their electric pumps lasted about seven months to a few years. However, how long the pumps last fully depend on how much you use them and how well you care for them.
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