Look for products that will help you get things done more efficiently, such as sanitizing bags. Moreover, products that are comfortable to use and portable can make pumping on-the-go that much easier. We carefully considered design, value, efficiency, portability, comfort, and size when reviewing products. Here are the best products for breastfeeding parents who pump. Unlike some other electric pumps, you can customize the Spectra pump to your needs by adjusting the suction level and cycle speeds. It extracts milk quietly and quickly and has everything a breastfeeding parent could want in an electric pump, including a night light and timer. Most health insurance providers cover breast pumps, so check in with yours before purchasing one. Price at time of publication: $159 Available in two sizes, X-Small-Large and Large-Plus, the Simple Wishes pumping bra can be adjusted in the back by up to 10 inches, allowing you to customize the size as your postpartum body changes. The versatile, convertible design allows you to wear it as a strapless band, tank, racer-back, or halter style. Made of a soft, comfortable blend of cotton and spandex, this bra provides full coverage. Price at time of publication: $30 While most agree that you can’t use this as a pump to remove a full feeding of milk for your baby, it can catch about 2 to 3 ounces which can go in the freezer to save for later. Besides being handy, it is easy to clean, sterilize, and transport. Many parents agree this is a must. Price at time of publication: $13 You have to use your hand to do the actual pumping, which might be tiresome for some, but you have control over how much and how fast you pump. Some actually prefer that control over an electric pump. While a manual pump isn’t necessary, it is nice to have. Price at time of publication: $21 Made of easy-to-clean, durable nylon, this bag also comes with convenient extras, such as a mesh pocket in the inner flap opening and a buckle clip handle that allows you to attach the cooler to another bag or a stroller. A real plus is it is extra tall, so you can fit larger size breast milk containers if necessary. Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $35 Made of polyester material, it’s easy to clean and looks like a regular tote bag, so you can discreetly carry your pump. While Dr. Brown’s tote doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of much more expensive bags, it’s extremely functional, durable, roomy, and affordable. Price at time of publication: $40 All it takes is one of these efficient, hygienic wipes to clean your breast shields, valves, and membranes. You can also use them to clean changing tables in public bathrooms, high chairs at restaurants, tables, countertops, and toys. Stash Medela wipes in your pump bag for those times when you don’t have access to soap and water. Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $23

Discretion

Even if you have a designated pumping room at your workplace, it can be stressful to wonder whether someone might accidentally walk in or knock while you are trying to relax and promote milk flow. Plus, being in a designated lactation room can take you away from work meetings or important family and social events that you don’t want to miss. Or you may find yourself someplace where you don’t have a private space to pump. If you would prefer not to draw attention to the fact that you are pumping, look for accessories like wearable bra pumps that allow you to continue being with whoever you need to be with, even while expressing your milk. You might also appreciate pump and cooler bags that don’t scream “Breastfeeding!” but rather look like a stylish lunch bag or tote.

Portability

Gone are the days of hauling around a big, heavy machine in order to pump. Though you might keep a pump with all the bells and whistles at home or at work, portable pumping accessories can help you reach your breastfeeding goals more conveniently. Look for simple handheld pumps or wearable accessories that help you collect excess breast milk. Products that help keep milk chilled if you can’t reach the freezer immediately are also essential.

Efficiency

The whole process of pumping, feeding your baby, storing milk, and disinfecting pump parts is a lot of work. Look for products that will help you get things done more efficiently, such as sanitizing bags that can be tossed into the microwave or disinfecting wipes for those times that you are not able to go through the full cleaning process. Your lifestyle will dictate what you need. For example, if you plan to pump mostly in the comfort of your home, you won’t need as many extras as you might if you’re frequently on the go or working outside of your home. “If you are going to be pumping very regularly (i.e., exclusively, or when you return to work or school), having an extra pump and pump parts can make life a lot easier,” says lactation consultant and LLL leader Amanda DeWeese, MPH, CPH, IBCLC. If you work outside the home, keeping one pump at home and one at work can “help reduce the chances of accidentally leaving something at the other location.” And that reduces stress, a huge plus for busy, tired parents. If you commute or travel frequently, DeWeese recommends a car power adapter for your electric pump since it can make pumping accessible even in the car. Also, consider investing in extra ice packs, bottles, lids, milk bags, and a cooler to make sure you always have the supplies you need to collect, transport, and store your precious milk.

Budget

While many health insurance plans will cover the cost of one pump, they usually don’t cover the cost of multiples or all the extra parts and accessories that are often necessary for pumping. So it’s important to keep your budget in mind when selecting different products. Having a good electric pump is essential, but accessories that fit and keep the process as comfortable as possible are important too. DeWeese says there are ways to make this process a little more budget-friendly. “Keep in mind that when choosing flanges, you can mix and match most brands,” she says, “[but] sometimes you’ll need an adapter.” It may be worth spending less on extra bottles or storage and splurging on accessories that will make pumping more effective and sustainable for you, whether that’s a hands-free bra or a time-saver like microwaveable sanitizing bags. “Steam bags can make sterilizing parts super quick and easy,” says DeWeese, “since all you need is access to a microwave.” “Many parents find that having a comfy bra makes pumping more enjoyable,” says DeWeese. If this is something that helps the process go more smoothly for you, then it’s worth purchasing. On the flip side, if you don’t need your hands free while pumping, then a specialty pumping bra may not be worth the investment.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Christine Luff is a freelance writer who covers fitness, health, parenting, and other topics. She’s also mom to a 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. Additional reporting by Ashley Ziegler. Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to three nieces and two nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.