Best Travel Breast Pump

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BEST PORTABLE BREAST PUMP FOR TRAVEL

As a mom that exclusively pumped for our son while we traveled, I know a thing or two about the best breast pumps for travel. I had five breast pumps (long story), so I am familiar with different travel breast pumps.

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I was able to not only maintain my supply but increase it. We traveled to Colorado, China, Mexico, and Hawaii while I was breastfeeding, and my supply never dropped.

Here are my recommendations for the best breast pumps for travel, based on my personal experience.

Related Post: 10 Tips for Pumping on the Go

Our Favorite Breast Pumps for Travel:

Best Hospital Grade Breast Pump for Travel: Spectra S1 Rechargeable Electric Breast Pump 

Best Compact Breast Pump for Travel: Spectra 9 Plus

Best Manual Breast Pump for Travel: Bumblebee Manual Breast Pump

Note: For breastfeeding mamas in the U.S. you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for your breast pump and all of the accessories. You can pay out of pocket and submit a reimbursement, or pay directly with your HSA or FSA card. I’ve worked in HR for 10 years, so I am familiar with benefits administration and eligible expenses.

HOSPITAL STRENGTH BREAST PUMPS FOR TRAVEL

I used a maximum breast pump throughout my 16-month breastfeeding journey. This pump allowed me to pump an average of 50 – 60 ounces per day, even while traveling.

Choosing the right breast pump for you can ease your journey and stress especially while traveling. Here is a list of our top hospital-grade breast pumps for travel.

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

BEST MAXIMUM STRENGTH BREAST PUMPS FOR TRAVELING MOMS

Related Post: Best Ice Pack for Breast Milk

Spectra Baby S1 Electric Breast Pump

The Spectra Baby S1 Breast Pump is the best overall breast pump for breastfeeding moms, based on my experience. It has everything you need to pump the max amount of milk in a decent amount of time.

I used a Spectra Baby pump for over 16 months during my breastfeeding journey with our now 2-year-old son. Purchasing this breast pump was the best decision ever for my specific needs. 

Mom’s love about this breast pump is the suction, nightlight, long-lasting battery, and how quiet this breast pump is. You can pump anywhere without being attached to a cord and get the maximum amount of milk.

Although this pump is pricey, it’s well worth the cost. You get everything you need with this breast pump, and it’s perfect for pumping at work, in the car, on an airplane, or any other time.

Honestly, this is the best overall breast pump on this list, whether you are traveling or not. From my experience, there is no better breast pump than the Spectra Baby brand. If you need a more portable breast pump for travel, the Spectra S9 Plus is a great option.

Related Post: Best Breast Pump Bags for Spectra Pumps

Spectra Breast Pump Accessories

Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow

The Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow is the brand-new redesigned version of the Medela Pump in Style, which needed an update. I used the old pump in style and hated it, but the new version has addressed some of the pain points.

Medela is one of the most popular and well-known brands when it comes to breastfeeding. This latest model was designed to make it easier for moms to pump on the go.

The new closed system prevents milk from getting into the tubing, reducing the risk of contamination. Unlike, the other pumps on our list that rely on suction, this breast pump using vibration. Based on their research, the vibration helps express more milk.

Although there have been significant improvements over the latest model, there are still some drawbacks. For moms that like a strong suction, this is not the best travel breast pump for you.

Also, they haven’t fixed the noise issue, which is what bothered me about the other model. This breast pump is loud, compared to the other portable breast pumps on our list.

If you like the Medela brand, this may be the best breast pump to use while traveling.

Medela Sonata Smart Breast Pump

The Medela Sonata Smart Breast Pump was designed to compete with Spectra Baby as a maximum strength breast pump that is portable enough for travel, but strong enough to get more milk in less time.

Many moms rave about the new closed system that allows them to pump, without worrying about their milk getting contaminated.

This breast pump is quieter than the other breast pumps from Medela. Plus, the battery lasts up to an hour and a half, so you can pump while out without recharging.

The breast pump comes with everything you need to travel. When you purchase this kit, you get a travel bag, four 5 oz. bottles, two bottle stands, a cooler for storing your milk, and an ice pack to keep your milk cold.

This kit has everything you need to pump on the go. Whether you are going to work, run errands, or going on vacation, you can pump.

Spectra Baby S2 Plus Breast Pump

The Spectra Baby S2 Plus Breast Pump is the breast pump that I used for nearly a year and a half, while exclusively pumping for our son. I love all of the features, plus it helped me pump nearly 60 oz. per day.

You can control the suctional strength and the speed with this breast pump. That’s what many pumping moms love. Plus, it is quiet as a mouse. Honestly, it’s so quiet I usually fell asleep pumping.

The nightlight makes it easier for you to see the time remaining, or how long you’ve been pumping. An auto-timer will turn the pump off after 30 minutes, but you can always pump longer.

I want to take a moment and acknowledge their customer service. My breast pump stopped working after a few weeks, but I received a replacement from the company after an email.

They were so helpful and understanding, especially since my little guy was born at 35 weeks, and our pediatrician wanted him to eat as much milk as possible.

I received the replacement breast pump within two days, which was phenomenal on their part. For that reason alone, they are my favorite brand for pumping moms.

Philips AVENT Breast Pump

Philips AVENT Breast Pump is the newest portable breast pump from Philips. This travel-size breast pump was released to compete with the Spectra S9 and Medela Freestyle.

The features of this compact breast pump are unique. One of the features that this breast pump has, that no other travel breast pump on our list has is adaptive silicone cushions.

We all know, no two breasts are the same, so these cushions are designed to git and adapt to any size breast. They can sit up breasts up to 30mm, which will fit most women. If you need a larger size, I recommend contacting the company.

Along with adaptability, there are over 16 expression levels, so you can customize the perfect setting for you. As if that wasn’t enough, this breast pump will remember your setting, so no need to set them each time you pump.

When you purchase this breast pump, you also get some cool accessories. Many moms love the pump belt, making it easier to go hands-free while you pump. When you finish pumping, you can store it in the travel bag, which is already included.

BEST COMPACT ELECTRIC TRAVEL BREAST PUMPS

Selecting the best electric travel breast pump is a very personal decision. As a mom, I know all too well how stressful breastfeeding can be especially while traveling.

One of the most important factors during your breastfeeding journey is finding the perfect pump for you. We did all the hard work and research for you. Here are our picks for the best electric breast pump for travel.

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related Post: Best Cooler for Traveling with Breast Milk

Bellababy Double Electric Breast Pump

The Bellababy Breast Pump is one of the most popular travel breasts pumps on Amazon. It claims to be pain-free which as a breastfeeding mom is important (being a mom is a thankless but rewarding job).

The closed system offers maximum protection against bacteria. The high-definition screen and easy touch panel make it easy to operate.

There are 4 modes with 9 levels of suction for expression.  The rechargeable battery lasts 2 hours which will allow 4 to 5 pumping sessions.

This pump includes 2 milk storage bag adapters that can be used to pump directly into sterilized breast milk bags. The adapters are amazing and can be used with almost any brand of breastmilk storage bags and save you time while traveling.

There are 10 bags included with the breast pump, but I recommend purchasing this brand. In my experience, they have been the most reliable and affordable.

Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Electric Breast Pump

You can’t talk about breastfeeding without mentioning Lansinoh. The Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Electric Breast Pump is one of the most well-known and best breast pumps on the market. The award-winning brand was built over 30 years ago by moms for moms.

This breast pump connects to an app via Bluetooth to track breastfeeding sessions, track baby’s activities, and provide moms with resources & tips.

You can control your comfort with 3 different pumping styles and 8 suction levels that are designed to allow you control to maximize milk production.

One of the best features is the ability to pump directly into their sterilized breastmilk storage bags. This allows you to get every hard-earned drop of milk in the bag and avoid the risk of spills. I cannot be the only mom to cry over spilled milk. It is called liquid gold for a reason. 

If you are on the go this model can be used with batteries so you do not have to be connected to the wall. This is perfect for travelers pumping on the go. You will not only receive the breast pump, but this set includes a tote carrying bag, cooler, and ice pack.

This is not only one of the best travel breast pumps but can be used daily due to the lightweight design and powerful suction. 

Lansinoh Accessories

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump

The Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump is the most portable and discreet travel breast pump on our list. It’s small enough to fit into your pocket, without sacrificing power.

Many moms rave about how amazing this breast pump is for traveling. The sleek design is easy to take anywhere, plus the battery lasts for nearly two hours. That’s enough time for 4-5 pumping sessions.

What makes this compact breast pump even more convenient is the c-type adapter, so you can charge it with your phone charger. No more searching for an outlet, just plug it into any USB-supported power source.

The closed system ensures that no milk gets inside of the tubes or backs up inside your pieces, so no need to worry about contamination. This pump comes with an entire kit, which includes a cooler, tote travel bag, and ice pack.

Some exclusive pumpers have run into issues with longevity, so I wouldn’t recommend using this ass your full-time breast pump, but it’s perfect for traveling.

Spectra 9 Plus

I used the Spectra 9 Plus for nearly a year, and I loved it. The Spectra S9 is the pump that I used when we traveled, on the airplane, and when we would spend days out.

You can control the suction strength, so if you want a more gentle suction, you can change the settings as you go. This pump can also be used as a single or double breast pump. Your little one can nurse on one side, while you pump on the other.

The battery lasts roughly 1.5-2 hours, depending on how long you pump. I was able to pump 3.5-4 times before needing to charge the battery.

There are a few cons, much like with every travel breast pump on our list. The suction speed cannot be adjusted, only the suction strength. Another con for some may be the noise; although it isn’t too loud, it is noticeable.

My opinion is a little biased because I used this breast pump while traveling, so if you need a compact breast pump to travel with, this is the one. It is lightweight, powerful, easy to pack, and durable. Plus, you can use all the same parts as your Spectra S1 or S2 breast pumps.

Unimom Double Breast Pump

The Unimom Double Breast Pump offers big power in a small package. This model was designed for busy and traveling moms with the strength of a hospital-grade pump.

In comparison to other hospital-grade breast pumps, this is the most portable weighing only 7 ounces. You can easily fit this breast pump in your carry-on or diaper bag.

You have maximum control with 7 massage levels and 9 suction levels for expression. This allows you to get the most milk in the least amount of time.

The back-flow protection system ensures no breastmilk, moisture, or micro vapors make their way into the tubing or motor. This gives you maximum protection against contamination keeping your baby safe.

This breast pump is rechargeable with a convenient USB cord and can last up to 2.5 hours allowing 5 to 6 pumping sessions. If you would like to turn your electric pump into a manual pump there is an additional kit for purchase.

We recommend using this pump if you can afford the price because it is one of the best on the market with the power you need to maintain or increase your milk production.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Frozen Breast Milk

BEST MANUAL TRAVEL BREAST PUMPS

You may think that all manual breast pumps are the same but there are key differences. The main difference being the comfort level and design.

The best manual breast pumps offer the best comfort with an easy design to allow you to pump without an uncomfortable posture. We did all the research for you and here are the best manual breast pumps for traveling.

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bumblebee Manual Breast Pump

The Bumblebee Manual Breast Pump is one of the most popular manual pumps on Amazon and has our stamp of approval.

This is one of our favorite pumps because the design not only offers comfort but allows you to transfer with a reduced risk of spillage. We know how important every drop of breast milk is for our baby’s development.

This manual breast pump is made of food-grade silicone and is BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free making it one of the safest and environmentally friendly on the market. This is ideal for breastfeeding moms to collect their milk while their little one nurses on one side.

You will be surprised how much milk is “wasted” using nursing pads. I used this while breastfeeding and was able to collect 3 to 4 ounces while my little one was nursing.

This pump also comes with dust covers and stoppers to protect your breastmilk from contamination. This is essential for your little one and makes it ideal for travel.

You no longer have to worry about cleanliness with the cover protecting the pump between uses. The best part is it even comes with a bag to carry.

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is different from our previous recommendations because it utilizes a handle. Medela is one of the top brands for providing breastfeeding mothers with everything needed throughout their breastfeeding journey.

There is a manually controlled vacuum that allows you to adjust the suction for comfort and production. Having the ability to control the suction power is crucial for moms, depending on their level of discomfort.

Once milk begins to flow, you can switch the handle to the longer side to slow the cycle and increase milk production. The additional control allows you to express the most in the shortest amount of time. 

The one drawback of this manual breast pump can be the multiple pieces. There is a valve and two membranes that need to be replaced periodically. A major issue I had was getting tired of squeezing the handle after a while.

Medela Cleaning Accessories

Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump with Stopper

The Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump is an award-winning brand that is recommended by lactation consultants, doulas, and nursing moms all over the world.

You can leave the cords and batteries behind and simply squeeze to express milk with this manual pump. The all-new design allows you to transfer with less risk. The pump even sticks to flat surfaces to eliminate the chances of knocking over.

You can sit back and relax and simply squeeze to begin your letdown. In my experience letdown is quicker with a manual pump as opposed to an electric pump. It is also made of FDA-approved food-grade materials and free of BPA, PVC, lead, and phthalate.

This latest model comes with a flower stopper to protect your breastmilk from contamination. The new design offers the latest in comfortability for your breasts.

Keep in mind to clean this pump it will need to be boiled in water for 2 – 3 minutes. This may not be ideal for travelers with limited access to water. 

NatureBond Manual Breast Pump

NatureBond Manual Breast Pump is the second most popular manual breast pump for traveling moms. The new and improved design makes it easier for moms to pump, store, and pour their liquid gold.

There is a travel pouch included, along with a safety strap, to make it easier to transport your manual pump. Many moms like using this pump to collect milk on their other breast, while their baby feeds on the other one.

Whether you exclusively pump or breastfeed your little one, every mom needs a manual pump. They help relieve the pressure when you are unable to pump, or away from your baby.

One of the drawbacks of this pump is that you need to stimulate letdown, to express the milk. You can stimulate your letdown by placing a warm rag on your breast and massaging it. It may take more time, but this is one of the most popular manual pumps for traveling.

The manufacture recommends replacing this manual breast pump every 2 – 3 months.

Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump

The Philips Avent Comfort Breast Pump is like the Medela Pump in the design with the lever. The major difference is the inability to control suction strength. It can be somewhat painful during the letdown phase.

There is a soft massage cushion that allows you maximum comfort while stimulating milk flow. It is designed to allow you to sit up straight.

This breast pump is compatible with other Philips Avent products such as bottles and breastmilk storage bags. Since this is one of the perfect breast pumps for travel, you can attach any bottle size that you need. Some reviewers love being able to attach the 9 oz bottle for older babies.

The plastic bottle and pieces are easy to clean on the go allowing you to use sanitizing wipes. Although soap is the preferred method, there aren’t a lot of pieces to clean, so you can pump on the go without worrying about the clean-up.

If you are a breastfeeding mama on the go, I recommend this breast pump for travel if you are using Philip Avent bottles. No need to buy additional pieces, everything is compatible with the bottles you already use.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TRAVEL BREAST PUMP

When choosing the best travel breast pump, it is important to know what is important to you.

• Do you want a small portable breast pump or hospital grade?
• Will you need a single or double pump?
• How many pieces are there?
• Do you need to purchase additional accessories?
• What is the acceptable price range?
• How easy is it to clean?

Size

When traveling size is an important factor. If you have a travel breast pump it should have the power, you need in a smaller size.

Hospital-grade breast pumps tend to be large, bulky, and take up a lot of space. The average weight of a travel breast pump is less than 3 lbs. (1.3 kg) 

Rechargeable vs. Battery Operated vs Adapter

The most flexible travel breast pumps are rechargeable. If you think about it, what isn’t rechargeable in 2020? We rely heavily on our electronics the hardest part is remembering to charge everything.

Will you have access to an outlet? Do you want to purchase batteries? Will you have the ability to find the batteries you need while traveling? Will you be on a move a lot?

There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing the best travel best pump. This is a personal decision and depends on different factors.

Electric vs. Manual

I always recommend using an electric breast pump because I am too busy (or lazy) to use a manual pump. I am usually multitasking when pumping so a manual pump is unrealistic, but this doesn’t apply to everyone.

Manual pumps are great to relieve engorgement and are reliable when you do not have access to charge your electric breast pump. I always travel with both just in case. They do not take a lot of space and I like to take the approach better safe than sorry.

Double Pump or Single Pump

If you are an exclusive pumper, a double pump is best. Using a double breast pump saves time and allows you to maintain a consistent schedule.

If you are still breastfeeding your little one, a single pump may be the best option for you. You can drain one breast while you feed your little one on the other.

Single breast pumps are perfect for breastfeeding moms on the go. It’s how I avoided mastitis because our little one refused to nurse on my left side.

Easy to Clean

Traveling can be stressful, and if you are a breastfeeding mom, you need to avoid stress at all costs. Your travel breast pump must be easy to clean.

Having a breast pump that is easy to clean is important because travel can be unpredictable, and you may not be able to access water.

One of the essentials to include with your breast pump are sanitizing wipes. I used them when we traveled to Denver, Beijing, Los Cabos, and Oahu. Trust me; they are a lifesaver when you do not have access to a sink or water.

Pro Tip: I do not recommend using the water from the sinks in the airport. I usually go to Starbucks and request a cup of hot water to sanitize my pieces after wiping them down with sanitizing wipes.

Do you have a portable breast pump that you love? Tell us about it in the comments.

Disclosure: Itz a Family Thing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.