Best breast pumps in 2022 – CNET [CNET]

A breast pump is a must for parents who are breastfeeding, a crucial tool that keeps your low milk supply flowing when you can’t breastfeed directly. Breast pumping increases milk production and helps build up a stash of breast milk for when you’re not home. Breast pumps also prevent clogged ducts and allow you to feed a baby who just won’t latch to your chest. 

There are many, breast pumps to choose from, ranging from hand-held manual models to hospital-grade breast pump you can rent. Up until a few years ago, there was very little innovation in breast pumps, but newer models are wireless and rechargeable and some even fit under your clothes. These include electric pump, double electric breast pump, manual breast pump, manual breast pump, portable breast pump, wearable breast pump, and single breast pumps that have a good suction level and suction strength that will improve the mother’s milk flow. It is advised to consult with your lactation consultant to choose high-quality breast pump that is a hospital-grade pump for exclusive pumping and based on your health condition and needs.

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans must cover breast pumps. However, if you’re on an older plan, you might not have coverage. Whether you’re paying out of pocket or not, you’ll still need to pick out a model that works for your needs.

Which leads us to figuring out which pumps are worth your money and time. I surveyed the parents at CNET for their recommendations, which also happen to be some of the most popular models sold at Target, Buy Buy Baby and Babylist. Check out the picks below. 

How to shop for a breast pump

With so many models on the market like the Lansinoh smartpump, Tommee Tippee, and Haakaa breast pump, your first step in shopping for a breast pump is to figure out what kind of model you’ll need. First, consider your lifestyle — do you plan to stay home a lot after the baby is born, or do you plan to travel and go out a lot? Will you be returning to the workplace while you’re still pumping? Second, if your insurance doesn’t cover a breast pump, you’ll want to figure out your budget.

Cheaper models will do the job, but are more likely to have louder motors and require you to be plugged into a wall while you pump. If you spend around $150 or more, you can find a model that’s quieter and uses a rechargeable battery so you can move around during a pumping session. Finally, high-end models, like the Willow and Elvie, have the quietest motors and are designed to be as discreet as possible so you can pump while you work or hang out with friends and family.

Manual or electric

Breast pumps fall into two categories: manual and electric. Manual pumps are handy for traveling or to use in a pinch when you’re away from home, but you’re not going to want to use one as your primary pump. It’s just going to require too much work each time when you’re already juggling taking care of a baby.

Electric pumps are available as either plug-in or rechargeable units, using a vacuum to mimic a baby’s suckling to collect breast milk. Plug-in options are generally cheaper, but require you to be tethered to an outlet while you pump. Rechargeable units grant you much more freedom, so if cost isn’t a factor, you’re better off with this kind of breast pump.

Tubes or no tubes?

Rechargeable breast pumps are available in roughly two different designs — with or without tubes. Traditional machines have tubes that plug into the machine to create suction to express breast milk. Milk flows into bottles that are connected to flanges that fit over the breast to create a seal for the suction. You can purchase a special pumping bra to hold the bottles with flanges in place to free up your hands.

This style has been used for decades, but it requires you to remove your top and bra to pump. Newer in-bra pumps, such as the Willow and Elvie, don’t use tubes at all — instead the milk flows directly into a bag or bottle in the unit. That allows them to fit inside your bra and pump without others knowing. However, these models are costlier than a traditional electric breast pump.

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