A breast pump is a device that helps to extract milk from the breasts. It can be either manual or electric. Manual breast pumps are smaller and more portable, making them ideal for mothers who are away from their babies. Electric pumps are larger and not as portable, but they are more effective at extracting milk and can be used for longer periods.
To ensure that each pumping session is both effective and comfortable, it is important to do some research into which manual pump alternative is best for your breast size before making a purchase. Additionally, it is worth considering how often you anticipate using your manual pump when deciding on size – a smaller pump may be more convenient if you plan on carrying it in your work or diaper bag.
Here are the best manual breast pumps for everyday use, based on factors like price, comfort, and suction power.
Our Top Picks
- Best Manual Breast Pump For Everyday Use: Medela Manual Breast Pump
- Best Budget-Friendly Manual Breast Pump: haakaa Manual Breast Pump
- Best Manual Breast Pump For Low Milk Supply: Philips Avent BPA Free Comfort Manual Breast Pump
- Best Manual Breast Pump For Large Nipples: BumbleBee Manual Breast Pump
- Best Manual Breast Pump For Small Nipples: Dr. Brown’s Manual Breast Pump
- Best Manual Breast Pump For Let Down: Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump
- Best Manual Breast Pump For Milk Catching: Elvie Curve Manual Wearable Breast Pump
- Best Manual Breast Pump For Travel: Tommee Tippee Made for Me Single Manual Breast Pump
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Manual Breast Pumps For Everyday Use Picks
Medela Manual Breast Pump – Best Manual Breast Pump For Everyday Use
- This manual pump is good if you are a stay-at-home mom, pump to relieve oversupply, or pump infrequently for other reasons
- It comes with an extra bottle, lid, nipple, stand, and cap
- The two pumping strengths simulate the initial suckling to stimulate letdown and the slower, longer suckling motions of babies
- The suction is pretty strong but it can be minimized if the handle is pushed down only part way
- The apparatus looks daunting at first with little parts here and there, but it’s easy to get the hang of after a single dismantle/reassembly
This hand breast pump from Medela is a great alternative to your double electric breast pump. Its compact, lightweight, and portable design makes it easy to transfer milk discreetly at home or outside.
Plus, it comes with the PersonalFit Flex breast shield, which promises greater comfort and milk flow. Made to lessen breast pressure and improve milk flow, these shields allow you to produce more milk more quickly.
And even though it has excellent suction, some moms find that it feels softer than other manual breast pumps. Using this pump is easy, and it even comes with instructions just in case you need them.
haakaa Manual Breast Pump – Best Budget-Friendly Manual Breast Pump
- Can be used while nursing or pumping on the opposite breast
- Compact- great for travel or use in the car. It takes up very little room in a diaper bag
- Easy to transfer milk into a different container
- Clear design so you can see what’s being collected
- Has a flat bottom but is easy to knock over
With the Haakaa Silicone Breastpump, you can easily express milk with just a simple squeeze and attach it to your breast. This single-piece manual pump is composed of super-soft silicone that is gentle on sensitive skin. Plus, it’s dishwasher and hot water safe, and it can hold up to 4 ounces of milk.
No need for complicated cables or installation – this breast pump operates on natural suction force. Its smooth interior also makes cleaning a breeze; simply boil it in water for a few minutes.
Philips Avent BPA Free Comfort Manual Breast Pump – Best Manual Breast Pump For Low Milk Supply
- It is compact and easy to clean, with no hard-to-reach spots or tiny parts
- It is comfortable on the breast
- The suction is good
- The relevant parts are soft
- The tube collecting the milk is short, so it’s hard to see if the milk is flowing
Get ready for a breast-pumping experience like no other with this uniquely designed manual pump! Its compact size allows for easy transportation, and the simple assembly and cleanup process make it a breeze to use.
The massage cushion provides a warm, velvety texture that imitates your baby’s natural sucking motion, making for a more comfortable and efficient let-down. And don’t worry about struggling to hold it in place – this pump is easy to position and keep in place while you pump.
BumbleBee Manual Breast Pump – Best Manual Breast Pump For Large Nipples
- Does a great job of catching the letdown on the other side while breastfeeding
- Very affordable
- The little stopper is very useful for middle-of-the-night nursing
- Easy to attach and keep attached
- Only holds less than 4 ounces
The BumbleBee breast pump is a game-changer for nursing mothers struggling with engorgement and sore nipples. Its impressive suction power sets it apart from other pumps on the market. Plus, the BumbleBee breast pump includes a silicone stopper that ensures not a single drop of your precious breast milk goes to waste.
Rest assured that the BumbleBee breast pump is made with food-grade silicone that is completely safe for newborns to come into contact with. This gentle material is kind to moms’ skin and nipples, making it ideal for use during breastfeeding when breasts can be painful and swollen.
Whether you have small or large breasts, the suction cup on the BumbleBee breast pump comfortably covers your entire breast and feels great on your skin. Plus, it’s easy to clean – you can toss it in the dishwasher or milk warmer or simply boil it in water.
Dr. Brown’s Manual Breast Pump – Best Manual Breast Pump For Small Nipples
- Works with all of Dr. Brown’s wide options of bottles
- Super easy to use, especially because you can control it yourself
- It is shaped to fit well and it isn’t uncomfortable to hold or use while pumping
- Easy to clean
- Once taken apart, there are more pieces than expected
Unlike other breast pumps, the 100% silicone SoftShape Shield of this pump can mold to various breast shapes, giving you a more comfortable pumping experience. Plus, with two pumping modes, you can mimic your baby’s feeding pattern for a more natural flow.
The package comes with everything you need to pump, store, and feed, including the Dr. Brown’s Options+ Anti-Colic Wide-Neck Bottle with Level 1 Slow Flow and a breast-like nipple. And cleaning up is a breeze since all components are top-rack dishwasher-safe and BPA-free!
Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump – Best Manual Breast Pump For Let Down
- Suction is as strong or as gentle as you want
- The pump is silent
- Easy to put together
- Effective in terms of output
- more to wash than the old-style manual pumps. However, it easily goes back together
This amazing pump comes with two different flange sizes to fit all moms, a Natural Wave nipple, cap, and collar, and dual-mode pumping. The Letdown mode is specially designed to start the flow of breast milk first, making it easier to collect milk during the expression mode for a more comfortable and efficient pumping experience.
With only seven parts, this pump is incredibly easy to set up and clean. Plus, everything is dishwasher-safe for added convenience. The flexible rims create a tight seal for efficient suction during pumping, while also being gentle on mothers’ skin.
Elvie Curve Manual Wearable Breast Pump – Best Manual Breast Pump For Milk Catching
- Good suction and can collect up to 4 oz of milk
- Easy to use
- Can be placed inside your bra
- BPA-free and well made
- A little bit pricey compared to other pumps
Unlike traditional pumps that require you to be stationary and plugged in, the Elvie Curve fits snugly inside your bra, freeing up your hands to take care of your little one or tackle other tasks while you pump.
To get started, simply give the silicone pouch a gentle squeeze to adjust the suction level. The Elvie Curve is designed to fit your breast shape, and you can easily adjust the suction using the control valve on top. Worried about it falling out during a feeding session? No need! The Elvie Curve is designed to stay in place, so you can focus on what matters most.
Made from food-grade silicone and BPA-free, the Elvie Curve is safe for both you and your baby. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and care.
Tommee Tippee Made for Me Single Manual Breast Pump – Best Manual Breast Pump For Travel
- Easy to clean
- The flange has a soft casing so it does not pinch skin or rub and cause an uncomfortable friction
- Quiet
- Easy to put together
- It is harder to navigate into a pumping bra
Traditional manual pumps can be difficult to use, causing hand fatigue and making the process more stressful than it needs to be.
However, this pump is specifically designed with women’s hands in mind, reducing the effort required to express milk and allowing you to pump for longer periods without discomfort. With the MassageTec cup, you’ll experience gentle, cushioned support that will ease soreness and ensure a comfortable pumping experience.
The compact and discreet design of this breast pump makes it easy to take with you wherever you travel. It’s also whisper-quiet, so you can pump without worrying about disturbing those around you.
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How To Choose The Best Manual Breast Pump?
- Comfort: Choose one that is easy to use and has a comfortable grip. Your hands will become extremely fatigued if the handle is difficult to push. Pumps with a lever you press are often seen to be more difficult to use than syringes. While less sophisticated pumps can express more, bulb syringes can be useful for relieving pain.
- Suction: When you’re looking at different pumps, one of the things you’ll want to pay attention to is suction strength. A good pump will be powerful enough to match an infant’s firm latch. Stronger suction means quicker pumping, which can save you time.
- Size: When choosing a breast pump, it’s important to consider portability. You’ll likely want a pump that is easy to carry with you so that you can have it on hand in case you need it. Look for a pump that is made of strong, durable materials, and that is lightweight and easy to transport. A manual pump is a good option for portability, as it can be used anywhere, whether you’re at home, at work, or traveling.
- Ease Of Use: It’s important to study user evaluations to determine how effective breast pumps are, as they are only useful if they can effectively extract milk from your breast. Some pumps may require some minor training to operate, while others could be clear-cut and simple to use right out of the box. Levered pumps might be more labor-intensive, so we advise using a silicone pump if you like to do less effort into a manual pump.
- Purpose: Are you hoping to capture extra milk and prevent it from ruining your favorite clothing? Or are you hoping to pump one side while your baby is nursing? You should think about different models of pumps depending on the necessity your pump is meant to meet.
Types of Manual Breast Pumps
- Handle Pumps: Traditional breast pumps work by creating suction around the nipple, which draws out milk from the breast. This is done by pressing a handle or lever to generate suction, which is then released when the desired amount of milk has been collected.
- Suction Pumps: These pumps rely on vacuum suction to allow some milk to be drained, rather than requiring constant hand-pumping. This means that while the infant is feeding from one breast, the mother can frequently use the pump on the other breast to obtain milk.
- Milk Catchers: Unlike other pumps that require active pumping, the milk catcher is designed to passively collect milk that would otherwise be lost in your bra or nursing pad. To use a milk catcher, you simply wear it inside your bra between feedings or pump sessions. The catcher will collect any milk that drops or seeps from the breast, preventing it from being wasted.
How To Use A Manual Breast Pump?
- Before you start, make sure that the breast pump is clean and sterilized.
- Put the funnel-shaped breast shield over your nipple and areola (1).
- Once the breast shield is in place, use your other hand to operate the breast pump handle. pumping action will cause the milk to flow from your breast and into the pump’s collecting chamber.
- When you have finished pumping, remove the breast shield and empty the collected milk into a clean container.
- Repeat the process on the other breast.
Does A Manual Breast Pump Work Better?
When it comes to pumping milk, many mothers find that a manual breast pump works better than an electric one. Manual pumps are typically more affordable, and they allow you to control the suction and speed, which can be helpful when you’re trying to get the most milk possible.
How Do You Sterilize A Manual Breast Pump?
To sterilize a manual breast pump, start by disassembling all of the parts (2). Next, rinse the parts with cool water and mild soap. Once the parts are rinsed, place them in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. Finally, allow the parts to air dry before reassembling the pump.
You might find that using a baby bottle sterilizer helps to keep your pump clean and free of harmful bacteria. This can be especially important if you are pumping frequently or if you are pumping for multiple babies. However, you don’t necessarily need to use a sterilizer every time you clean your pump; you can also clean it with soap and water (3).
How Many Times I Can Use Manual Breast Pump In A Day?
The short answer is that you can use your manual breast pump as much as you need to in order to maintain your milk supply. The long answer is a bit more complicated.
If you are using your manual breast pump to relieve engorgement or to increase your milk supply, then you will want to pump as often as necessary to achieve those goals. If you are using your manual breast pump to maintain your milk supply while you are away from your baby, then you will want to pump as often as you would normally feed your baby.
Most lactation consultants recommend that you pump at least 8 times in 24 hours, but you may need to pump more often than that if you are trying to increase your milk supply.
Can You Exclusively Pump With A Manual Pump?
It is possible to exclusively pump with a manual pump, but it can be difficult to do so. Manual pumps require a lot of effort and can be tiring to use for long periods of time. If you are considering exclusively pumping, you may want to consider using an electric pump instead.
Does Manual Breast Pump Have Side Effects?
Generally speaking, side effects from using a manual breast pump are relatively rare and tend to be mild. The most common side effect is temporary discomfort or pain while using the pump, though some women also report feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
Should I Keep Pumping If No Milk Is Coming Out?
Usually, if you keep pumping, milk will eventually start to flow. If you have been pumping for more than a couple of minutes and no milk is coming out, you might want to try stimulating your breasts more. Try massaging them or using a breast pump with massaging pads. You can also try changing the position of the pump.
