Best Wearable Breast Pumps
The Best Wearable Breast Pumps For Multitasking Parents
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Breast pumping can be challenging, especially when you have so many other things to do, from caring for a baby (or multiple children) to getting things done at work, so you can get home to your brood. But in recent years, wearable breast pumps have hit the market, allowing parents to multitask if they want to. Flash forward to 2023, and the market is flooded with wearable breast pumps. Prices vary, but they can get expensive. You want to make sure you're finding the best option: a pump will express human milk that nourishes your tiny human. If you're not sure where to start, we've perused the internet to find the best options at multiple price points.
A few things to keep in mind before we get into the best wearable breast pumps: for starters, bodies can respond differently to different pumps, and suction may vary compared to the traditional machines that need to be plugged into the wall. You'll also want to get your flange sizes checked by an international board-certified lactation consultant. (Flanges are the funnel part of a pump that makes contact with the breast). The pumps may come with a size 24 mm, but many lactating people need larger or smaller ones for the best output. And if you need to to use a wearable pump because your employer is making pumping at work difficult, be sure to read up on your rights.
Now, let's get into the the best wearable breast pumps on the market. These hands-free options can make juggling your baby and your to-do list a little easier. From Willow to MomCozy, Elvie Stride, and everything in between, here are seven of the best wearable breast pumps.
Elvie Breast Pump
The Elvie Breast Pump ($465)
This pump is dishwasher-safe, quiet (but not silent), and can be controlled via an app that also tracks data, like ounces expressed. While, there is a learning curve when it comes to usage, it's a worthy tool for parents who like to move around.
What reviewers love: The pump is relatively discreet and fits nicely inside a bra. Users say it's also simple to clean and makes it easier to say on top of pumping sessions when on-the-go, at work, or multitasking.
What to keep in mind: Learning how to use it can be tough and somewhat frustrating. One reviewer said it took them "5 sessions of pumping, reading the guides provided on the app, and adjusting/readjusting to get the suction latched on just right to where I was actually producing a lot." So patience is required. And again, everybody has a different experience with pumps. If you're having extreme difficulty using this pump, or any pump, it may not be the right one for you.
Willow 3.0 Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump
Willow 3.0 Double Electric Breast Pump ($550)
The Willow 3.0 Double Electric Breast Pump has the same high price tag as a double-electric Elvie and offers similar results. The pump can also be controlled with an app and paired to your Apple watch. The Willow even offers two milk collection options: reusable containers or self-sealing milk bags.
What reviewers love: Willow has several generation of breast pumps. This one, in particular, is reportedly designed to have a more comfortable feel because of its slower, softer pumping rhythm. And one mother noticed the third-generation Willow went from stimulation to expression modes faster than earlier Willow generations.
What to keep in mind: Some users have said the Willow expresses an output similar to their wall pump (again, results will vary from person to person). Other users have said the pump parts aren't super easy to maintain and require multiple replacements.
Momcozy S12 Pro Hands-Free Breast Pump
Momcozy S12 Pro Hands-Free Breast Pump ($140)
If you're looking for a more affordable pump option, consider this one from Momcozy, which is under $150. This hands-free breast pump offers three different modes that mimic baby's feeding and nine levels designed to provide more flexibility.
What reviewers love: Users appreciate the affordability of the Momcozy S12 Pro, along with how easy it is to store and carry around.
What to keep in mind: Some reviewers say it took some experimenting with different settings (often true of any pump), but once they found one that worked for them, it was life altering. Others have also warned about leaking, adding that the pump has to be on just right to avoid leakage, and it isn't incredibly discreet, especially for moms with larger breasts.
BabyBuddha Battery Powered Breast Pump
BabyBuddha Battery Powered Breast Pump ($190)
This wearable breast pump has 15 levels of control, so that you can hyper customize it to the most comfortable and efficient setting for your body.
What reviewers love: The strong suction, easy-to-clean parts, and ability to move around are favorite perks of the BabyBuddha breast pump. It's also an affordable option coming in under $200.
What to keep in mind: Some reviewers have said the pumps can feel heavy, and the kit does not come with different flanges options. The suction has also been called too strong for some reviewers.
Elvie Stride Plus Hands-Free, Hospital-Grade Electric Breast Pump
Elvie Stride Plus Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump ($320)
This Elvie pump boasts hospital-grade suction. It has tubes, making it less discreet than the other Elvie breast pump mentioned earlier. But it's still wearable and frees you from the wall. Plus, a double version of the Stride plus is more than $200 cheaper than its Elvie Pump cousin.
What reviewers love: The machine is relatively quiet and doesn't distract when in public or on the go. Users still love how easy it is to wear while doing stuff around the house or at work.
What to keep in mind: Some users wish the cup capacity was higher, and others complained that the app can be a tad glitchy. Some also complained that pouring the contents out of the pump and into bottles can get a tad messy.
Medela Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump
Medela Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump ($350)
Many hospitals will roll out the Medela Symphony if you need to express milk during your stay. But the brand has a portable option that's a bit more convenient for when you get home. The Medela Family app also allows you to plan and track your feeding schedule along with the device.
What reviewers love: Parents say the cups are efficient thanks to a suction that mimics baby's suck pattern and the device is super convenient for multitasking moms with a rechargeable pocket-size pump.
What to keep in mind: Users say it can be easy to spill milk when you're removing the cups and taking it apart to empty. Some parents complain about needing larger suction cups. And others say it's discreet to use, considering that the tubes stick outside of your bra when pumping.
Spectra 9Plus Portable & Rechargeable Single or Double Electric Breast Pump
Spectra 9Plus Portable & Rechargeable Single or Double Electric Breast Pump ($181)
Spectra is another standard bearer in the wall pump market. But the brand has developed a more freeing, wearable version. You can use it as a single or double pump that allows you to move around for work or play. You can also stick the single pump on the opposite breast from the one baby is using to nurse and build a stash or manage oversupply.
What reviewers love: Having this pump is a great on-the-go tool for many. Users say it's effective, doesn't take up much space, and holds a long charge.
What to keep in mind: It can be easy to get caught up in the tubing. Some users say the device would benefit from a clip in order to prevent accidents.
