The 12 best breast pumps 2023: tried and tested by mums

When you are setting out on your feeding journey, finding the best breast pump is crucial. Even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed, more than likely, there will come a time when you will need to use a pump. We have all heard the phrase, 'Breast is best', but it isn't always that simple. If you are a working mum, a mum of multiples or want the option of a helping hand, you may need to use one of these best breast pumps.

There are lots of reasons why a mum might choose to express breastmilk and, thankfully, plenty of different types of pumps. Perhaps you're returning to work and want to be able to use a hands-free breast pump, then our top pick, The Lola&Lykee Smart Electric Breast Pump, maybe the one for you. Or, if you want to go on that girl's night out, finding the best electric breast pump will allow you to enjoy your evening and not become uncomfortable. It really depends on how often you pump breast milk or see yourself needing to express milk.

A breast pump is an electric or manual device that extracts milk from a lactating mother. The extracted milk can be stored in the fridge or freezer to be fed to your child via a bottle at a later time (all breast milk can be refrigerated for a maximum of two days. Please make sure you follow the NHS advice on storing your breast milk). There are several different options available – single, double, manual and electric. Some breast pumps are hands-free, and others can be made hands-free by using a wearable breast pump bra.

Even if you're not planning to give feeding duty to anyone else, a breast pump is still worth having. It's worth knowing how to use a breast pump and finding the best position for breast pumping for you. Did you know expressing even small quantities of milk can bring pain relief if your breasts are engorged or swollen? Lots of mums also use manual breast pumps to express between feeds to boost their milk supply.

Finding the best breast pump for you can be difficult; unlike most baby products, you cannot go and try one out for hygiene reasons. So, our mum testers have tried all of the pumps in this article. We have also included the best pumps, as voted by real-life mums.

What are the different types of breast pump?

Manual breast pumps - Manual breast pumps are great for mums who are primarily breastfeeding. When using a manual pump, you place the breast cup over your breast and squeeze the handle to extract the milk, which collects in a storage container or bottle. Most mums who use a manual breast pump feel they have more control. Manual breast pumps tend to cheaper and be easier to use.

Electric pumps - Electric breast pumps are one of the most popular as you can adjust both speed and suction. Electric pumps come in both single and double pumps, allowing you to express milk from one or two breasts at the same time. You find them in plugs or batteries. Generally quicker and more efficient at expressing milk than manual pumps. We recommend an electric breast pump to mums of multiples or for mums who want to maintain their milk supply whilst at work.

Hands-free breast pumps - As the name suggests, hands-free breast pumps allow you to collect milk whilst you do other things. Hands-free pumps are a fantastic option for mums who have older children and mums who are constantly on the go.

You can hire breastfeeding pumps from hospitals and maternity units, too. These are electric pumps that are super-efficient at expressing a high volume of milk in a short period of time.

What is the difference between an open and closed system pump?

There's one main difference between open and closed system pumps and that is that one has a barrier and the other doesn't.

Closed system pump - Closed system breast pumps have a barrier which stops milk from leaking into the mechanism and prevents any cross-contamination from bacteria or viruses.

Open system pump - Open system pumps do not have a barrier, but it's important to not that the risk of contamination is very small. There's no right or wrong pump to use and it's still important to sterilise whichever breast pump you're using regularly.

How we tested and chose these breast pumps

Our Mother&Baby awards are renowned in the industry for being one of the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products, and every year, we arrange for thousands of independent mum reviewers to test the latest products on the market.

We've tested over 60 of the best models available in the UK, with around 10 reviewers per product to ensure that we get a range of views on the product.

Our independent mums review products based on their usability, design, quality, and value for money. Reviewers give us qualitative feedback on their experience with the product, which our team of journalists review to decide our recommended products.

From all this work, the best breast pumps are chosen and listed below, along with the review comments that we thought would be most useful to those looking themselves for the best breast pump.

Our editorial team is also constantly updating our best of articles and looking for new breast pumps to test so that we can help you find the best – be that a cheaper product that we want to test for value for money or the latest breast pump innovation.

Things to keep in mind when choosing a breast pump

Like our mum testers, you will have your own individual needs when choosing a breast pump. However, there are some things you may want to consider when making your choice:

Portability: Where are you planning on taking your pump? If you are taking your pump to the office, you may want to opt for a lighter and quieter model.

Noise level: Electric breast pumps tend to be pretty noisy, which can be impractical if you're expressing while your baby is asleep nearby, when you're at work or if you just want to hear what's on the telly. Whereas manual pumps are much quieter, and some make no noise at all.

Comfortable fit: The breast cup fits over your breast inside the pump funnel. It must fit well for optimal milk drainage as well as comfort. Some pumps come with more than one cup, so you can try different sizes to find the perfect fit.

Ease of use: You can control all the variables – such as the suction level and the speed at which the pump extracts milk from your breast – via the control panel.

Easy to clean: Choose a pump that's quick and easy to assemble once you've taken it apart for cleaning and sterilising. Hunt-the-tiny-missing-part-of-the-breast-pump is not a game you want to play, especially if you'll be using it frequently.

Size: Expressing is easier and more efficient if you feel relaxed, so choose a pump that's appealing to look at and comfortable to hold. Anything too clinical or cumbersome is likely to be a hindrance.

Power source: Where are you planning to express? If you like the thought of not being confined to one spot when you're expressing, choose a pump that can run on batteries. If you're the type of person who always forgets to charge your phone, a mains-operated pump might suit you better.

Storage: Are you pumping your milk and planning to freeze or store it for later use? If so, choose a pump with storage containers or factor in the cost of buying these. If you intend to feed your baby within days, go for a pump that lets you express milk directly into a clean, sterilised bottle until you're ready to use it.

The best breast pumps 2023

Editor's choice:
•Best breast pump overall: Lola&Lykee Smart Electric Breast Pump - Buy now on Lola&Lykke 
•Best hands-free breast pump: Elvie Stride - Buy now on Amazon
•Best manual breast pump: Lansinoh Silicone Manual Breast Pump - Buy now from Amazon
•Best breast pump for support: Medela Swing Flex - Buy now from Amazon

Breast Pumps – What you need to know

Choosing the right breast pump for you

FAQs:

Do you need a breast pump?

This is a personal choice, but if you plan to breastfeed, you will inevitably need a pump at some point. If you're only planning on expressing occasionally, a manual pump is often a much cheaper investment. They are also far more discreet than an electric breast pump, so if you're expressing in a cubicle at work, this is probably the preferred option. That said, manual breast pumps are much more labour-intensive. If you want to express milk quickly and efficiently, an electric breast pump might be worth investing in.

Do you need a single or double pump?

A double pump allows you to express milk from both breasts at the same time. This is indispensable if you need to express lots of milk very frequently, feeding twins or a premature baby, or you're juggling breastfeeding and working full-time. However, most mums find that a single electric breast pump is all they need.

How do you clean a breast pump?

A breast pump must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilised after every use. Sterilising your breast pump can be an easy job or a serious chore, depending on how many parts there are to clean.

As you are dealing with your baby food, you need to make this process as clean as possible.

You need to make sure that the material that is in contact with your milk is safe for food contact (BPA-free and 100 per cent Food Grade Silicone).

Also, you need to be able to sterilise most parts of the breast pump.

Avoid sharing your breast pump with anyone, as they have been designed for single users.

Does breast pumping have any side effects?

There are lots of benefits to pumping, most of which we have previously covered throughout this article. However, there are also a few side effects which some mums experience. One of the most common side effects is causing pain in your breasts or nipples. If you are using the wrong setting, you are in danger of damaging your breasts. Always ensure you are starting at the lowest setting and slowly working your way up.

Is it OK to just pump and not breastfeed?

Of course! Breast milk offers so many benefits to your infant, but exclusively breastfeeding isn't always a viable option for everyone. Whether it's due to a baby who cannot latch, returning to the workplace or feeling like you just no longer want to breastfeed. Exclusively pumping is a fantastic way for your baby to get the benefits of breastmilk without breastfeeding.

How long should you pump for?

Try to get comfortable and express for as long as comfortable, and your milk is flowing. For each woman, this time could be different which is the same for the best time to pump. Try not to focus on the ticking clock - We know it is easier said than done when you are feeling a little bit like a daisy cow. For most women, they will spend, on average, 20 minutes pumping. Some mums like to express whilst feeding, whilst others opt for expressing between feeds.

It's not important to have a breast pump. If you're not finding it comfortable or you're having any issues, you can talk to your midwife, health visitor, GP or other healthcare worker who will advise you on the other options and routes you and your baby could use.

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