If you’re the type of mom who always gets her hands busy, then you need the best wearable breast pump to give you the freedom you need as a nursing mother.
Unlike other breast pumps, Wearable breast pumps do not keep you idle while pumping; it gives you the freedom you need to move around and get things done.
A few weeks after giving birth to my second baby, I need to get a new breast pump that will provide me with freedom and won’t make me look silly (you know, that type when people see you with a pump attached to your breast)
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I did lots of research about the best hands-free breast pump, but all I was getting was the regular pump with a pumping bra.
As a mom, I know you don’t like moving around the yard with visible pumps attached to your breast because that is exactly how I feel.
My further research brought me close to some of the best wearable breast pumps we have on the market now, and that’s what I’m about to unveil to you.
Now I can pump while going to the store to get groceries without eyes staring at me; I know that’s what you also want because I have been in your shoes.
Why you need a wireless or wearable breast pump
Hey, don’t get confused; a wireless breast pump is the same as a wearable breast pump. Wireless breast pumps are pumps that do not have connecting tubes and are made smart to express milk without hand support.
All other pumps come with tubes connecting the pump to their bottles. Well, you may need a breast pump for a variety of reasons and lifestyles.
If you’re planning on resuming work after birth and want to continue breastfeeding, then you need a breast pump to stack up breast milk for your baby’s needs.
You can also make use of a wearable breast pump if you are staying at home, mom. There may be a need for you to increase your milk supply, so in this case, aside from constant breastfeeding, you can also pump frequently to prepare your body for better milk production.
Brief reasons why you need a wearable breast pump
- You’re planning to spend some time away from your baby, such as resuming work or going on a trip without your baby.
- You will be dropping your baby at daycare, and you want to continue feeding her with the right quantity of breast milk.
- If you’re looking to maintain your milk supply because of an illness, your baby can’t nurse, or you’re using a medication that’s not safe for breastfeeding.
- You’re dealing with engorgement.
Will the Wearable Breast Pump Work for me
The wireless breast pump will work for most moms with average or normal size breasts. But you may find it challenging to use if you’re the busty type; that’s if you have a big breast, the smart pump might not work well for you. This is because it will be difficult to hold the pump in place if your breast is huge.
So if you’re having a large or big breast, you can go for the standard breast pump as the wearable breast pump might not fit well. You can check our review of the best breast pump for larger breasts or breastfeeding.
Best Handsfree Breast Pump Review
1. Elvie wearable breast pump review
If you’re getting this pump, don’t forget to get it breast shield as this will help the pump fits well and enhance your pumping experience.
If you’re looking to pump everywhere and anywhere, you are, this is the pump for you. This pump is made to give you the freedom to handle your daily task, either business or other daily routines, while you pump.
Design: The pump fits nicely inside a standard nursing bra, so you’re free to pump hands-free anywhere. This fantastic smart pump will be another amazing catch in your pumping experience as it allows you to control the pump from an app. With that, you can continue with your daily or business activities without worries.
Generally, this pump is easy to use, as it comes with instructions for a better user experience. Furthermore, the Elvie breast pump comes with transparent flanges making it easy to properly position your nipple into the breast pump. This is to prevent pain and soreness around the nipple, which gives you a better pumping experience.
Performance: The Elvie wearable breast can switch mode from stimulation to expression mode and stop pumping when the pump bottles are filled. Though the pump might not be completely silent, it makes less sound than other consumers’ breast pumps.
The Elvie breast pump app allows you to control the pump remotely, monitor the amount of milk pumped in real-time, and track your pumping history. This pump comes with different flanges, consisting of 24 and 28mm for better convenience.
Cleaning: This pump comes with five components that come in contact with the milk and be cleaned. The parts are dishwasher safe, which makes the cleaning process easy. If you don’t have a dishwasher in your home, you can use a brush to clean these parts.
Storage: The Elvie breast pump gives you the opportunity of pumping directly into a reusable milk bag. After each pumping section, you can pour the milk into a storage or feeding bottle. It is necessary to note that Elvie’s breast pump does not have disposable bags. Also, each Elvie storage bottle can hold up to 150ml of breast milk, equivalent to 5oz for each pump.
App: The Elvie breast pump comes with an app to complement the pump’s control button for better convenience. You can control the pump’s activities by tracking and taking necessary action for more comfort from the app. Also, the Elvie app is compatible with most smartphones making it more user-friendly.
Pros
- Portable
- low noise compared to the willow pump
- Decent battery life (I can pump at least four 20 minutes sessions)
- Easy to assemble and wash ( some parts are compatible with the dishwasher)
- Comes with four bottles instead of two (other pumps did two)
- Amazing customer service
- Comes with a USB cord for convenient charging
Cons
- Sensors aren’t great and often predict inaccurate amounts. While the bottle holds 5 ounces, it stops between 3.5 to 4 for the change out. Not a huge deal, but it annoying. (Depends on posture, I’ve noticed.)
- Bottles are not durable enough. They started having cracks after a couple of months.
Check Price & Ratings on Amazon
2. Willow Breast Pump Reviews
The willow breast pump is one of the best inventions that has ever happened to the breast pump space, as it eases some of the worst pumping experiences.
With the spill-proof, now you can pump wherever, whenever, and in any position or style as the pump gives you the freedom you need without spilling your liquid gold.
Design: This breast pump is battery-powered, fits well into nursing bras, and is also handsfree, which is what every mom is looking forward to getting. With the continuous advancements in technology, new moms now have the opportunity to enjoy the generation 3 willow pump.
The pump is designed to have more suction power, is flexible and convenient, but lacks in many areas. The pump features an app used for monitoring and controlling the pump for better convenience. With the willow mobile app, you can track the milk pump’s volume, pulse your pumping section, and view pumping history.
What can be more comfortable with is that you don’t have to keep checking through your bras to know how far you have pumped. The willow pump comes with a set of flanges that consists of 24 and 27mm in size.
Performance: The willow breast pump is easy to set up and use. Before pumping, this breast pump stimulates your breast for an easy letdown and comes with seven powerful suction levels you can control to your taste. The generation 3 willow breast pump is not really silent but can be used in public.
Furthermore, the willow app has been upgraded with several lags in the app being fixed to enhance its performance and pump. This pump also comes with a transparent flange that allows you to easily position your nipple into the pump for a better pumping experience. Proper nipple positioning helps prevent breast nipple pain or soreness when the pump is not correctly positioned.
Cleaning; What can I say about a pump that’s dishwasher safe with few parts to clean? That’s little stress for exclusive pumping moms. Also, cleaning parts in a willow pump will depend on if you choose to pump in a collection container or milk bag.
When you choose to pump into the milk bag, you will only have the flex tube and flange to clean. However, if you choose to pump into the collection container, there will be additional parts to clean.
Generally, the willow pump comes with a few easy-to-clean parts, making assembly a breeze for many moms. The pump package comes with a brush to make the cleaning process less of a task.
Storage: The willow breast pump comes with a more flexible option for pumping and storing. You can either decide to pump for immediate breastfeeding or pump to store directly. The pump comes with a spill-proof bag that enhances milk’s stack-up for later use for easy pumping to keep. There is a reusable container that comes with this pump, but it is sold separately. Furthermore, the willow spill-proof storage bag can only hold to four ounces (4oz) or 120ml for each pump.
App: In addition to the control buttons on the Willow breast pump, it comes with an app that allows easy control of the pump. With the app, you don’t have to check through your cloth to know how far you have pumped. You can control, manage, and track your pumping activities, making them convenient to use in public. The willow generation 3 app is available for iOS (iPhone 6s or newer, OS 12. x or later) and Android OS Pie 9. x or later.
Pros
- Dishwasher save
- Comes with custom brushes for easy cleaning
- Portable and easy to use
- Only a few part parts to clean, the breast shield and the milk bag
Cons
- Can’t charge and pump at the same time
- No Flexible charging option (Does not come with USB cords )
- Few flanges size, from 24 – 27
Check Price & Ratings on Amazon
3. Freemie Liberty mobile wearable breast pump
This is another wearable breast pump that allows you to pump discreetly but comes with tubes connecting the pump to its cups. However, you make it discreet by running the tubes underneath your cloth while you pump.
This pump comes with some convenience features as it can automatically shut down when your pump bottle is full or according to the timer you set.
Design: The Freemie liberty breast pump is a portable and lightweight breast pump. The pump is battery-powered, which helps to enhance the flexibility of using this pump. Also, the pump features a unique design to ensure it is wearable and hands-free for better convenience.
Its collection cups are light, adding little to no weight while you have them on. In addition, the pump cups fit well with most nursing bras, used in holding the cups in the proper position for expression without discomfort.
Furthermore, this pump features a closed system design like the Freemie freedom breast pump, but this is mobile, and that’s what you want as a mother. Moving around and getting things done while you pump or prepare your baby’s next meal.
The pump comes with a customizable tube length to fit your style; place the pump at your workstation, wear it with the detachable belt clip, or carry it in a bag.
Performance: The Freemie liberty breast pump comes with a programmable sleep timer that allows you to set a shutoff time between 5 and 40 minutes to save battery life.
The Freemie pump features a long-lasting rechargeable battery that complements the pump’s performance to enhance its convenience. With that, you can enjoy up to eight pumping sessions while on the go; Furthermore, the pump features 3 programmable memory buttons for a better user experience. Find and save your favorite speed and suction settings for stimulation, let down power-pumping, or relax pumping mode for easy one-touch access.
This pump features a hospital-grade power suction to ensure it is effective and convenient. After pumping, remove the cups and transfer your milk into a storage bottle. Furthermore, the pump comes with a USB cord for a convenient charging option, with that you can charge with your computer, power bank, or in the car.
Storage: Each Freemie breast pump cup is large enough to hold up to 8 ounces of milk and deep enough for the included standard 25mm and 28mm breast funnels. After each pumping section, you can decant the milk into a feeding bottle for direct breastfeeding or a compact bottle for storage.
Cleaning: This breast pump comes with very few parts, which make it easy to clean. The pump cup is made to ensure milk does not stay hidden around the cup, which could cause contamination. The pump valves are prone to break, so be careful while cleaning or making use of them. Though this pump features a closed system, there are times you may get milk into the tubes, which may be hard to clean; in this case, it is advisable to get another one when this occurs.
Pros
- It can be charged anywhere you find yourself, at home, at work, car, and so on.
- USB compatibility enables you to charge without getting a separate cord
- Covered by some insurance policy
- Portability and lightweight; you are free to move around while you pump
- Mobile and unique design
- Amazing customer service, in case of technical problems
- Adjusting the settings for maximum expression is reasonably easy.
Cons
- Useless for moms that need breast massage before pumping
- Suction power is not strong and can quickly stop working.
- You can’t tell how far you have pumped without checking into your cloth
Check Price & Ratings on Amazon
4. Freemie Freedom Double Electric Hands-Free and Concealable Breast Pump
Though the name doesn’t sound familiar like Medela or Philip’s advent, spectra make this pump, and they are known for making one of the best breast pumps on the market.
The Freemie freedom pump allows you to pump with your clothes on. But unlike the Elvie or willow breast pump, the Freemie freedom breast pump is not portable, but the fact that it allows you to pump discreetly is worth mentioning.
Design: The Freemie Freedom is a double electric breast pump set that allows you to pump with your clothes on. The Freedom pump comes with the patented Freemie handsfree and concealable collection cups, which fit right inside the regular or nursing bra. These cups are discreet when underneath your clothing, so you can pump when you need to, where you need to.
The Freemie Freedom pump’s connection kit includes connections for single or double pumping. With that, you can quickly get through your pumping routine by double pumping or single pump and nurse your little one at the same time – a great time saver. The pump is 120VAC and requires an electrical outlet, not portable.
Performance: The Freemie freedom pump comes with a greater suction power to ensure an effective pumping experience within a short time. Though this pump does not come with a battery pack, this can be bought separately to make this pump portable. Additionally, the single pump tubing can be used as a replacement tubing for the double pump set up as an emergency tubing.
Furthermore, This pump is relatively silent compared to any other pump on this list, making it more suitable for the public. One great feature about this pump is that you can use its cups with other brands like Medela symphony breast pump, spectra, or medela for a better pumping experience.
The pump comes with 32mm funnels that are interchangeable with the cups and are available separately for better convenience.
Storage: Each Freemie collection cup can hold up to 8 ounces of breast milk; that’s a total of 16 ounces (16oz) from the two cups at a go, which saves you a lot of time. After pumping, you can easily empty the Freemie cups into a bottle for storage. The cups are designed with a hole at the edge of the cups to ensure easy milk transfer and to prevent milk spillage.
Cleaning: The Freemie freedom breast pump parts are made perfectly, which makes them easy to clean. Only a few parts contact the breast milk, which makes the cleaning process a breeze. Though the pump is a closed system pump, you may get milk into this pump’s tubes if care is not taken. Milk inside the pipes is not easy to clean, and for this reason, it more advisable to change the tubes when this happens to avoid contamination.
Pros
- Very easy to clean
- Super quiet, can be used anywhere, even at work.
- Collection cups fit well for various sizes of the breast from A to F
- A close system pump to ensure your milk does not get contaminated.
- Excellent customer service – what more does an end-user want
- Ready to use after purchase, but don’t forget to sterilize before use.
- It kits can be used with other brands’ motors for a better pumping experience.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a car adapter
- Ac adapter is non-removable
- Not portable, You can’t move around while pumping.
- Not battery operated, need a power outlet to function
Check Price & Ratings on Amazon
Wearable Breast Pump FAQs
What is the best wearable breast pump? Which is better, willow, or Elvie?
The best wearable breast pump still goes to willow, as they never stop improving in giving us what we want. Now we have the willow generation 3.0, which is more advance and more robust than the former grade.
The willow and the Elvie breast pump cost the same price. But you can get the Elvie single breast pump for half the double breast pump price, thus saving you some bucks for other nursing equipment.
Elvie vs. willow
Currently, the Elvie and willow breast pump are the only pump in the market that looks similar and are embedded with similar features. For this reason, will be looking at the similarities and differences of this breast pump.
Similarities
- Both pumps are handsfree – They allow you to pump discreetly
- Both make use of apps for easy control of the pump
- Make use of rechargeable batteries, which enhance the pumps portability
- Both feature transparent flange for easy positioning of the nipple
- both come with a USB for flexible charging options.
Difference
- The Willow breast pump comes with three cleanable parts, while the Elvie pump comes with five cleanable parts.
- The willow comes with a designated pump for each breast labeled on the pump, while you can use any breast pump for Elvie.
- Also, the willow pump weighs 355 grams, while the Elvie is 225 grams.
- The willow pump comes with a spill-proof bag that allows you to pump in any position while you can only pump while sitting, walking, or standing with the Elvie pump.
- Willow’s breast pump is noisy compared to Elvie’s (making Elvie more discreet when pumping)
- With the Elvie, you can charge both pumps simultaneously while you can only charge one pump at a time with the willow.
- It will take two hours to fully charge the willow, while it will take the Elvie 2 hours and 15 minutes to charge fully.
- You will get 4 to 5 pumping sessions when fully charged with the willow, while you will 3 to 4 pumping with the Elvie when fully charged.
Can you lay down with Elvie pump?
The Elvie pump spills when in the wrong position, so it’s not advisable to use it aside from sitting, standing, walking, or working in an upright position.
To pump wherever and whenever I recommend the willow breast pump, you can use that in whatever position you find yourself. I use it while doing my yoga exercise, and it has been of great help to me.
Is the willow pump hospital grade?
The manufacturer did not specify it to be a hospital-grade pump, but I will take it to be one. Since it has all the features of a hospital-grade pump, which includes the
Close system: this is to avoid milk spillage in most hospital-grade pumps, but willow doesn’t have a tube, and it is manufactured to prevent milk spillage in any position you’re in.
Suction level: suction levels in a hospital-grade pump mimic your baby’s suckles, the same as some levels on the willow pump.
Conclusion
Now you need to worry less about choosing your next wireless, tubeless or wearable breast pump as we have got you covered with everything you need.
The willow breast pump is available on Amazon now, and you can also get it on the willow website.
Your go-to wearable breast pump on this list still goes to Elvie breast pump; however, you may want to reconsider it as it does not give you the advantage of pumping in any position.
The Elvie comes with a single or double pump option, and it should be suitable for any mom who is willing to give it a trial. All pumps on the list are worth every penny they cost and are ideal for whatever choice you made.