If you’re shopping for the right breast pump for your budget and lifestyle and are overwhelmed by all the options, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned mom who needs a replacement pump, there are plenty of double electric breast pumps on the market that you can choose from. Before you buy, knowing what features to look will help you make the best choice for your lifestyle, budget, and needs.
What Features to Look for When Shopping for Double Electric Breast Pumps
A Portable Pump
If you plan on pumping outside the home, whether at work or anywhere else on-the-go, portability will be an important feature to look for. Portable breast pumps either come with a rechargeable battery or are battery-operated.
These double electric breast pumps are easy to transport and don’t require a power cord to operate. If you’re looking for a breast pump that you can take on the go, a portable one will make life easier and more convenient.
Versatile Flange Range
A breast pump flange, also known as a breast shield, is the piece that you situate over your breasts to create a vacuum seal to ensure efficient and effective pumping. Most double electric breast pumps come with various-sized flanges to accommodate different women. Measuring your nipples prior to purchasing a pump can help you determine your size so that you can choose your breast pump accordingly.
Flange sizes range from 10 mm to 40 mm, and the average size included with most breast pumps is 24 mm. Many manufacturers offer additional accessories and flanges for those who need an alternative option not provided with the pump.
A Carrying Case
Carrying cases make transporting your breast pump more discreet and convenient. However, whether a breast pump comes with a carrying case shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. If you find a pump that you love that doesn’t have a carrying case, you can easily transport it in a diaper bag or purchase a tote bag specifically designated for your pump.
Some pumps have units that are built into the carrying case for easy transport, like the Medela Pump In Style Advanced models. Others come with a bag designated for transporting the pump.
A Cooler
Select breast pumps come with coolers specifically designated for storing breastmilk. Coolers are valuable for women who need to store breastmilk during the day after pumping at work or anywhere else outside the home. They’re ideal for working mothers who want a discreet solution for storing breastmilk and don’t want to rely on the break room refrigerator. They also provide a convenient way to store breastmilk when pumping on road trips.
These coolers typically come with custom ice packs, and are small, compact, and can store several bottles of breastmilk at a time. If you find a breast pump that doesn’t come with a cooler, you can buy one separately that will work best for your needs.
A Letdown Feature
Many breast pumps have a letdown phase setting, which is a feature that helps promote optimal milk supply while pumping. Most pumps that have this feature allow for a two-minute interval that can be bypassed as needed. The setting helps mimic natural breastfeeding to ensure optimal comfort and adequate milk production.
A Hospital-Grade Rating
For some women, having a pump with a hospital-grade filter is necessary for multiple reasons. Hospital-grade breast pumps have closed systems that ensure milk and any other fluids will never enter the motor. They’re resilient, have a quiet motor, are built to last, and can accommodate frequent use and multiple users. They also have an array of settings to accommodate each woman’s pumping needs and preferences.
These pumps have a high pumping strength and are ideal for women with NICU or premature babies, women with low milk supply, women whose babies are sick or have difficulty latching, and those with any medical condition that prevents them from breastfeeding.
Total Pump Strength
Another feature to look for when choosing a breast pump is the suction strength. Pumps are rated according to their vacuum strength, which is how strongly the pump holds on to breasts while pumping.
However, high strength doesn’t always equate to more milk supply. Increasing the vacuum strength too high can cause discomfort and pain while pumping. Pumps typically range from 200 to 300 mmHg of suction, and the ideal suction strength will all depend on your needs and preferences.
A Quiet Motor
Some breast pumps, like the Elvie Pump, have a quiet motor that ensures optimal discretion when pumping. If you plan to pump in public places or at night while others are sleeping, having a quiet motor is a feature you’ll want to look for. It offers a more discreet experience without sacrificing performance.
Smart Features
Some breast pumps are equipped with smart features that enable users to track pumping sessions through the manufacturer’s app. For example, the Ardo Alyssa Hands-Free connects to the MyArdo app, where you can track your pumping sessions and your baby’s growth. You’ll also have access to personalized content and can utilize resources on the app.
Having a smart pump isn’t a necessity, but for some women, it will prove beneficial. The Elvie is another popular breast pump that’s controlled by an app. The app has an automated milk tracking system and offers smart pumping rhythms to ensure optimal milk extraction. If you think you’ll benefit from smart features and would like to track your pumping sessions, finding a smart pump will be a good option.
Extra Accessories
Aside from carrying cases and coolers, you may want to find a pump with extra accessories like bottle nipples and extra parts for convenience purposes. As you search for the right breast pump, read through the list of what’s included in the box so that you know exactly what you’re getting and can purchase additional items if needed.
A Manufacturer’s Warranty
Electric breast pumps aren’t inexpensive, which is why purchasing a breast pump with a warranty is the easiest way to protect your investment. Most breast manufacturers provide a one to two-year warranty that covers defective parts or pump malfunctions.
These warranties typically won’t cover accidental damage or issues that result from normal wear and tear. Keep in mind that purchasing your pump well before you need it will shorten your warranty, so once you find the right pump, remember that your warranty begins as soon as you purchase it.
If you’re shopping for a breast pump that’s right for your lifestyle, budget, and needs, we can help. We carry the most popular pumps and accessories and have the resources you need to help you make the right decision.
Visit us at breastpumps.com to explore our available breast pumps, accessories, and resources.