Breast pumps help moms express milk while keeping the lactation at the right level. The market offers various variations of this device. But which breast pump is better - manual or electric? There is no definite answer to this question. Judging by the reviews of mothers, the best device is the one that suits each particular woman.
To make it easier to choose, we have compiled a rating of the best electric and manual breast pumps, based on the reviews and opinions of mothers who have already tried the devices on themselves and really appreciated their advantages and disadvantages.
The best hand-held pumping aids
The lactation period often gives women a lot of discomfort and anxiety. This feeling is especially familiar to young mothers who have a large amount of excess milk. Excess accumulating in the chest leads to painful sensations, and in some cases, everything can end with the development of mastitis. A breast pump helps to avoid such problems and exclude lactostasis.
For those who want to buy an inexpensive device or plan to use the device infrequently, a mechanical breast pump is fine. It acts much more delicately than electric, works almost silently and is easier to use.
Ardo amaryll start
The rating of the best mechanical breast pumps opens with one of the most successful devices in terms of price-quality ratio. The device provides a fairly gentle expression, does not injure the breast. It does not cause discomfort and inconvenience during operation. The model has a stand and a special funnel. Using the device is very simple, no special skills are required for this.
Interestingly, the device can be used by both right-handers and those who have the left hand as a "working" one. There isn't much difference. You won't have to make any supernatural efforts. This is facilitated by the special structure of the piston mechanism and the ergonomic handle. The Amaryll Start breast pump is completely silent and does not require an electrical connection. You can easily take it with you wherever you need it. The device is very easy to disassemble, it is convenient to wash and sterilize it.
Pros:
- compact size;
- convenience;
- decant quickly and painlessly;
- 3 sizes of funnels;
- suitable for both hands;
- massage nozzle;
- is inexpensive.
Minuses:
- only one bottle.
See also - 10 best bottle warmers
Medela harmony
The review continues with an inexpensive and high-quality model from a Swiss manufacturer. The device has an attractive design and consistently high quality.The main feature of the device is a unique two-phase pumping system. At the request of the user, you can choose one of two modes: fast for stimulating milk production, and slow for gentle pumping.
Many women note the ease of use, softness of the handle, as well as a simple and convenient assembly system of the device.
Benefits:
- selection of a decantation system;
- silent work;
- comfortable ergonomic handle;
- the presence of a replaceable membrane;
- speed adjustment;
- nice design;
- compact sizes;
- affordable cost.
Disadvantages:
- funnel overlay is not anatomical;
- the nipple is not included with the device;
- poorly copes with large volumes of milk.
Chicco Natural Feeling 310101022
The next item in our rating is a breast pump from a fairly popular company Chicco, which has been producing children's products of excellent quality for many years. The device is based on a pump-action mechanism. This allows you to make the pumping procedure convenient and safe.
Among the important advantages can be noted the material of manufacture. The device is made of high-quality plastic that does not contain bisphenol A additives, which is prohibited for use in most developed countries. The device is completely safe for both the baby and the woman herself.
The device is lightweight and durable. Such characteristics make it easy to take a breast pump with you on the go if necessary. The kit includes a bottle equipped with a pacifier and a special stand that gives stability.
Advantages:
- absolutely safe materials;
- convenient folding design;
- attractive appearance;
- ease of use;
- wide equipment;
- Great price
- strength and durability of the device;
- silent work.
Disadvantages:
- with prolonged decantation, hands may get tired.
- there is no additional stimulation of milk production.
"The world of childhood"
An excellent model for those who do not use the device too much. The device perfectly repeats all the positive qualities of more expensive models, however, it costs an order of magnitude less. Well suited for those who want to save money, but do not plan to use the breast pump too often. Users note that he, nevertheless, does not withstand very intense loads.
Pros:
- it is very cheap;
- can be purchased at almost any pharmacy or specialized department of the market;
- the bottle has a standard thread;
- very easy to use;
- quick and easy to clean;
- compact and lightweight;
- nipple included;
- provides delicate decantation.
Minuses:
- poorly copes with intense loads;
- not suitable for sterilization;
- no silicone funnel insert.
Philips AVENT Natural SCF33020
The next device is one of the most popular devices, characterized by reliability and high quality assembly and components. The bowl of the device has an anatomical shape. This allows for decantation in almost any convenient position. To stimulate the production of milk there is a massage “petal” pad.
Judging by the reviews of consumers, the breast pump does not cause any discomfort. The only remark is the fact that mothers do not recommend using boiling water for sterilization. From this temperature, silicone parts become slightly cloudy, although they continue to function properly.
Main advantages:
- anatomical form;
- build quality and components;
- silent work;
- lack of discomfort;
- simplicity of assembly and operation;
- massaging pad on the chest;
- affordable cost.
Deficiencies:
- with prolonged decantation may creak a little.
Canpol Babies 9/200
Another manual breast pump with the ability to massage the glands. When using this device, you can independently adjust the intensity and speed of the process. As in the previous case, the diaphragm is equipped with a special lining in the form of petals.This design is very successful for additional breast massage and stimulation of milk production. An excellent effect is achieved when using a special silicone pad.
The Canpol Babies breast pump is quick to assemble, easy to clean and sterilize. It costs significantly less than electrical counterparts, and weighs much less. The young mother will have no problems if she needs to take the device with her on the road.
Pros:
- anatomical pad;
- the possibility of additional massage;
- gentle pumping;
- silent work;
- ease of assembly;
- ease of use and transportation;
- affordable price.
Minuses:
- double decantation system is not provided;
- not suitable for increased lactation.
Tommee tippee
This breast pump consists of only 3 parts. So you will spend only a few seconds assembling it. The device is distinguished by a very soft funnel made of silicone and suitable for breasts of any size. Expressing with this device does not require much effort and energy.
A feature of the device is the simplicity of its assembly, transportation and sterilization. For the latter procedure, the manufacturer has provided a special container that can be placed in a microwave oven. It can also be used for transportation - the whole set fits perfectly there.
Benefits:
- very convenient container for transportation and sterilization;
- massaging funnel;
- a container for storing milk;
- fast and convenient assembly;
- a special valve that prevents milk outflow and splashing;
- excellent equipment;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- the milk container is rather small.
Rating of electrical devices for decantation
For those who plan to use the device often enough and do not want to pump up powerful biceps at the same time, it is better to choose the electric option. Such a device will independently do almost all the work for you. You just have to correctly assemble the device and adjust its operation.
Medela Swing Single
Opens the TOP-best breast pumps "with a motor" device, which has two modes of operation - the so-called technology of two-phase decantation. The device most closely mimics the natural feeding process of a baby and works in much the same way as a baby's mouth. The device is specially designed for those who suffer from cracks in the nipples, and indeed, has a very sensitive chest. The use of this breast pump, according to mothers' reviews, does not cause discomfort. The process is fast and natural.
The device is very easy to assemble, wash and sterilize. In addition, the device operates almost silently, which is very rare for this type of device. The breast pump has a compact size and a very pleasant appearance. It can work both from the mains and from ordinary batteries.
Pros:
- biphasic pumping system;
- process intensity control;
- ease of use;
- silent work;
- compact sizes;
- can operate on batteries;
- the electrical unit can be attached to clothing;
- there is no bisphenol-A;
- "Smart" nipple included;
- there is a massage funnel;
- can be applied to both breasts at once.
Minuses:
- quite expensive.
Nuk luna
This device is relatively inexpensive. Moreover, it is quite convenient and functional. This is a great option for those who do not want to express themselves manually, but also do not intend to spend large amounts on a breast pump.
The device has two-phase stimulation, it is easy to clean and sterilize. Unfortunately, it has not too much power and may not be suitable for those who have a sufficiently large volume of milk.
Positive points:
- convenient shape and compact size;
- two-phase decantation;
- ease of assembly and use;
- can be powered by mains or batteries;
- It is affordable.
Shortcomings:
- does not cope with large volumes;
- inconvenient power adjustment.
Medela Mini Electric
An inexpensive and compact model from a manufacturer that has already visited our rating.Many women use it not only for expressing directly, but also for quickly feeding the baby without access to the chest. True, the milk container provided is quite small - just 150 ml. But if you wish, you can separately buy a bottle.
The complaints are caused only by the lack of nipples and additional pads on the chest. In all other respects, the device receives only positive reviews. The compact size allows you to take it with you on the road. Smooth adjustments allow you to individually select the desired mode.
Advantages:
- intensity adjustment;
- sizes "mini";
- lack of bisphenol - A;
- works from batteries or from a network;
- does not cause discomfort;
- does not provoke the appearance of cracks in the nipples;
- convenient bottle with stand;
- easy to assemble and wash;
- reasonable cost.
Disadvantages:
- no nipples or pads on the chest;
- a bit noisy.
Canpol Babies EasyStart 12/201
This model rightfully occupies a worthy place in our review. The device "perfectly" copes with its duties, while not delivering a woman any discomfort. Straining is quick and easy, does not irritate anything and does not rub the nipples.
The breast pump works both from the mains and from conventional batteries, which greatly increases its mobility. There is a smooth adjustment of milk intake power, which makes the process even more high-quality and efficient.
Pros:
- simplicity of operation;
- the ability to work on batteries;
- compact sizes;
- ease in leaving;
- smooth adjustment of work;
- lack of injuries;
- wide equipment.
Minuses:
- It is quite expensive.
Ardo Calypso Double Plus
The operation of this breast pump is as close as possible to the natural feeding process. To imitate the normal sucking of the baby, a two-phase system of work and a flow intensity regulator are provided here.
A feature of the model is the fact that the motor in it is located directly on the device. This makes the device as compact and mobile as possible. The breast pump can operate both from the mains and on conventional alkaloid batteries, which are easy to replace.
Benefits:
- expressing two breasts;
- two-phase decantation system;
- mobility;
- compact sizes;
- silent operation of the device;
- pad on the chest has a massage effect;
- affordable cost.
Deficiencies:
- the speed controller is not very convenient.
Ramili Baby Se300
This breast pump is a new development of a well-known manufacturer. It provides a delicate and effective expression of milk and is considered one of the most successful models on the market for such equipment.
To achieve an excellent effect, a small compressor with the ability to fine-tune the pressure is used. Each woman can independently adjust the required parameters to ensure the maximum permissible speed of the device. No unpleasant sensations arise.
The device can operate from the network, as well as from a powerful battery provided in the design.
Pros:
- two-phase decantation;
- powered by battery or mains;
- massage funnel;
- delicate work;
- made from safe medical material;
- It works for a long time without recharging;
- In the kit there is a bottle and a nipple.
Minuses:
- Expresses long enough.
Philips AVENT Natural SCF332 / 01
The last item in our review, but by no means the last in the ranking, is the Philips breast pump. Despite the rather high cost of the device, it enjoys well-deserved popularity among young mothers. The device works very delicately, this completely eliminates irritation of the chest and cracks in the nipples. And in the delicate mode, the device starts automatically, by default. In the future, as necessary, you can use another mode, since there are three of them.
The nozzle included in the kit, although small in size, has a massage effect. Women appreciated this advantage.The device is very easy to operate, just one click to start work. Disassembling and washing the device is also quite easy. All these qualities make Philips Avent Scf 332/01 one of the best devices in its category.
Positive traits:
- wide equipment;
- comfortable overlay made of nice material;
- adjustable pumping rate;
- long warranty;
- compact sizes;
- ease of assembly;
- ease of use;
- long wire at the power supply;
- there are additional funnels for the chest.
Deficiencies:
- not too large container for milk;
- not very quiet;
- it's expensive.
conclusions
Unfortunately, the breast pump is such an individual device that it is unambiguous to say whether it is suitable for a particular woman only after a personal “test drive”. Nevertheless, we hope that the rating will help you determine the model more "at the start." For infrequent use, there is no need to purchase a complex and expensive unit, and for those who have a lot of milk and express themselves, it is often much more convenient to use an electric device.
As you can see, from our review, a quality breast pump does not necessarily punch a huge hole in your budget. After all, quite worthy models can be found among inexpensive devices.
I chose the breast pump for frequent use, so I decided to take an electric ardo calypso double plus. He is with two funnels, simultaneously decanted from two breasts. Three funnels of different diameters and a cool massage pad are included (it perfectly massages the chest, breaks the lumps). I myself regulate the speed and power of decantation, adapting to my sensations. And he also has a guarantee for 400 hours of work, I think this breast pump is enough for another baby.