A manual breast pump is a must-have companion to feed your baby with your liquid gold in a hassle-free way. While the baby is latching on to one breast, you can place the manual breast pump on the other breast to catch the "letdown" or the excess breast milk that leaks down. This helps you save extra milk even before your baby needs it.
If you're on the search for your new breast friend, you've come to the right place! In this article, we've prepared a buying guide, fact-checked by Obstetrician-Gynecologist Chona Fabian-Madarang, MD, and our top 10 list that you may use as a reference before purchasing.
Quick List - Top Manual Breast Pumps
Dr. Isla
A Budget-Friendly and Travel-Friendly Breast Pump With a Gentle Suction
Dr. Chona Fabian-Madarang is a private practitioner specializing in women's health. She is always on the lookout for new innovations and inventions.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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There is a variety of breast pumps available on the market, however, one of the most convenient to use is a manual breast pump. This type of pump is also a more budget-friendly option compared to the electric one. A manual breast pump is best for moms who are staying at home and don’t need to pump too often or just need to pump once in a while.
Apart from the convenience, a manual breast pump also serves another purpose. You can use it as a milk catcher when you nurse your baby. Simply place the pump on the other breast to collect excess milk.
Compared to the electric type, a manual breast pump is more portable; you don't need a power outlet or batteries for it to function. Plus, it is discreet and quiet, which is great for expressing milk late at night or when the baby is sleeping. Lastly, it's a lightweight tool that you can easily control, especially the level of suction.
Manual breast pumps are easy to use. They are convenient too because they don't use electricity—you can just set them up anywhere. Manual breast pumps are also more affordable than electric ones.
Are you considering getting a manual breast pump? Make sure you choose one that’s efficient, comfortable, and suited to your needs! Read our expert-backed buying guide below!
Before buying, consider the two types of manual breast pumps first. You can select between a handle pump or a plain suction pump. Your choice will depend on your needs when expressing milk. Nonetheless, these two are both handy and beneficial to your breastfeeding journey.
This type of manual breast pump comes with a handle or lever that allows you to pump while using a little bit of force to express your milk. It has a design that looks the same as electric breast pumps but doesn’t require you to use electricity or batteries, so you can use it anywhere.
It also has accessories, such as a flange, connectors, and valves to help you easily pump your milk. The pump is connected to a milk bottle. But what makes it great is that you can control the level of pumping using your hand and an ergonomic handle.
The ergonomic handle makes the breast pump easy to use.
A plain suction pump has a simple vase-like design with a very soft silicone material that you can simply place on your breast using natural suction. If you have a “letdown,” the body of the silicone pump will catch the milk. You can also pump the milk yourself by squeezing the silicone.
This is a good option when you just want to reduce the fullness of the breast between feedings. It is a very handy tool for breastfeeding, especially in the first few months when the milk supply is still in the adjustment period. This pump is very easy to clean. Lastly, you can bring it anytime and anywhere as it can perfectly fit inside diaper bags.
Since the parts of a manual breast pump, such as the flange and the main milk container, are made of plastic- always check if these are BPA-free. The acronym BPA stands for the word Bisphenol A which is a harmful chemical found in polycarbonate plastic that may be a hormone disruptor and can potentially cause health problems to the baby and the mother.
Make sure to look for breast pumps that are made with eco-friendly materials to guarantee your baby’s safety. For plain suction pumps, they must be made of food-grade silicone. This will help you ensure that the pump you’re going to use to express your precious milk is safe and free from toxic chemicals.
Choosing a breast pump that will cater to your and your baby's needs can be a little challenging. Keep in mind that the main goal here is to find a breast pump that is safe for you and your baby.
Check if the product comes with accessories for a more comfortable and convenient pumping session. Try searching for a manual breast pump with an ergonomic handle and a pump stand to avoid spilling your liquid gold. Some pumps also come with lids and nipples, so you can pump and feed the baby from the same bottle.
For an improved milk supply, check those that come with a massage pad. This stimulates the letdown and relieves the pain from your sore breasts. Lastly, don't forget to consider the capacity of the milk bottle that comes with the pump, as some may be bigger and can hold more milk.
Breast pumps often come with accessories that can make pumping more comfortable and more convenient. Make sure that the accessories you will choose are the ones that will cater to your needs to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pump Type | BPA-Free | Accessories | Key Features | Capacity | |||||
1 | Dr. Isla Manual Breast Pump ||MB6 | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly and Travel-Friendly Breast Pump With a Gentle Suction | Handle Pumps | Teats, Silicone Diaphragm, Breast Shield Valve, Bottle | Non-slip Bottle Design, High Temperature Resistance, Anti-leakage, Easy to Clean | 150mL | ||
2 | Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump||Generation 2 | ![]() | A Compact Pump That Easily Fits in Your Baby Bag | Plain Suction Pumps | Suction Base | Compact, Dishwasher-safe | 100mL | ||
3 | Yoboo Manual Breast Pump Light | ![]() | A Hassle-Free Pump With a Three-Dimensional Suckling Shield | Handle Pumps | Handle, Stem, Body Connector, Membrane, PP Milk Bottle, Valve | Anti-backflow Design, Easy to Clean, Compact, Light, Portable | 150mL | ||
4 | Medela Harmony Breast Pump | ![]() | Uses Flex Technology to Adjust to Different Breast Shapes | Handle Pumps | Handle, Flex Breast Shield, Connector, Breastmilk Bottle, Valve, Bottle Stand | Compact, Light, Portable, 2-Phase Expression Technology, Easy to Clean | 150mL | ||
5 | Horigen Supernova Wearable Manual Breast Pump | ![]() | A Lightweight Wearable Pump for Busy Moms | Wearable Suction Pumps | Silicone Pump Body, Suction Base, Silicone Valve | High Temperature Resistance, Smart 3D Fit Breast Curve Design, Lightweight, Stand-up Design | Not Specified | ||
6 | Ellyfun Portable Manual Breast Pump | ![]() | A Travel-Ready Manual Pump for Parents on the Go | Plain Suction Pumps | Pump Body, Suction Valve | Portable | Not Specified | ||
7 | Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump | ![]() | Express Your Milk Comfortably With This Uniquely-Designed Pump | Handle Pumps | Expression Kit With Handle, Natural Bottle Container | Natural Motion Technology, One-Size Soft Adapting Silicone Cushion, Easy to Clean | 118.29mL | ||
8 | Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump | ![]() | Has an Adjustable 2-Phase Technology for Better Milk Flow | Handle Pumps | Handle, Valve, Bottle, Stem | Two-Phase Pumping, Comfortfit Flange, Ergonomic Handle, Naturalwave Nipple | Not Specified | ||
9 | Dr. Brown's Manual Breast Pump | ![]() | Features a Soft-Shape Silicone Shield That Fits Comfortably | Handle Pumps | Manual Breast Pump, Wide-Neck Bottle, Nipple, Wide-Neck Storage Travel Cap, Cleaning Brush | Dishwasher Safe, Two Pumping Modes | 150mL | ||
10 | Dula Silicone Manual Breast Pump | ![]() | Comes With a Lid and Suction Base to Avoid Spills | Plain Suction Pumps | Pump Body, Lid, Suction Base | Dishwasher-Safe, Microwave-Safe, Sterilization With Maximum Tolerance of 120℃ | 110mL |
Pump Type | Handle Pumps |
---|---|
BPA-Free | |
Accessories | Teats, Silicone Diaphragm, Breast Shield Valve, Bottle |
Key Features | Non-slip Bottle Design, High Temperature Resistance, Anti-leakage, Easy to Clean |
Capacity | 150mL |
This silicone breast pump is a game-changer for moms who want to collect letdown or build a milk stash. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, this compact and lightweight pump works through natural suction—no cords, no batteries, just a gentle squeeze. The 100ml capacity is perfect for quick sessions, and the added suction base prevents accidental spills (because, let’s be real, losing milk is heartbreaking)!
If you have a busy lifestyle, this pump is a good choice since it easily fits in any handbag or baby bag. It is easy to clean, too—you can let it sit in boiling water or put it in the dishwasher since it is also dishwasher-safe. Many buyers appreciate its quality and eco-friendly materials, making it safe for the baby and the environment.
Pump Type | Plain Suction Pumps |
---|---|
BPA-Free | |
Accessories | Suction Base |
Key Features | Compact, Dishwasher-safe |
Capacity | 100mL |
Pump Type | Handle Pumps |
---|---|
BPA-Free | |
Accessories | Handle, Stem, Body Connector, Membrane, PP Milk Bottle, Valve |
Key Features | Anti-backflow Design, Easy to Clean, Compact, Light, Portable |
Capacity | 150mL |
Medela has always been known for high-quality breastfeeding products, and this manual breast pump is no exception. It features the brand's Flex Technology, which is designed to adjust to different breast shapes for better comfort and milk flow. Its two-phase expression feature mimics a baby’s natural sucking rhythm, which many moms find very helpful.
If safety is your concern, worry less since each part of this pump is BPA-free. Plus, since this is manual, you won’t have to worry about batteries or finding an outlet—perfect for quick sessions at home or on the go! With all these great features, it is no wonder many customers give it a high rating. They love its great quality and how easy it is to use, clean, and store.
Pump Type | Handle Pumps |
---|---|
BPA-Free | |
Accessories | Handle, Flex Breast Shield, Connector, Breastmilk Bottle, Valve, Bottle Stand |
Key Features | Compact, Light, Portable, 2-Phase Expression Technology, Easy to Clean |
Capacity | 150mL |
Pump Type | Wearable Suction Pumps |
---|---|
BPA-Free | |
Accessories | Silicone Pump Body, Suction Base, Silicone Valve |
Key Features | High Temperature Resistance, Smart 3D Fit Breast Curve Design, Lightweight, Stand-up Design |
Capacity | Not Specified |
Pump Type | Plain Suction Pumps |
---|---|
BPA-Free | |
Accessories | Pump Body, Suction Valve |
Key Features | Portable |
Capacity | Not Specified |
Tired of leaning forward to pump? Try the Philips Avent manual breast pump! Its Natural Motion Technology lets you easily adjust the rhythm and suction for comfortable milk collection. The unique design allows milk to flow directly into the bottle, so you can sit upright while pumping—a more comfortable position for many moms.
Compact and lightweight, it's perfect for travel and easy storage. The soft massage cushion stimulates milk flow, helping you collect more. It even comes with a Natural bottle and nipple for seamless pumping and feeding—a true convenience for busy mothers!
Pump Type | Handle Pumps |
---|---|
BPA-Free | |
Accessories | Expression Kit With Handle, Natural Bottle Container |
Key Features | Natural Motion Technology, One-Size Soft Adapting Silicone Cushion, Easy to Clean |
Capacity | 118.29mL |
The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump offers a simple and convenient solution for breastfeeding moms needing a reliable hand pump. Its ergonomic design, featuring an easy-to-use switch at the top powered by adjustable 2-phase Technology, ensures comfort and ease of use. Moms can effortlessly switch between "Let-Down" mode to initiate milk flow and "Expression" mode to maximize it. The soft, flexible flange and adjustable suction provide a gentle yet effective pumping experience.
Further enhancing comfort and efficiency, the ComfortFit breast cushion is included. Combined with the ergonomic handle, which minimizes hand fatigue, pumping becomes even easier. A custom bottle stand is also provided to prevent spills. And for added peace of mind, all parts are BPA- and BPS-free, ensuring safety for both mom and baby. Cleanup is a breeze as well, making this pump incredibly low-maintenance.
Pump Type | Handle Pumps |
---|---|
BPA-Free | |
Accessories | Handle, Valve, Bottle, Stem |
Key Features | Two-Phase Pumping, Comfortfit Flange, Ergonomic Handle, Naturalwave Nipple |
Capacity | Not Specified |
Pump Type | Handle Pumps |
---|---|
BPA-Free | |
Accessories | Manual Breast Pump, Wide-Neck Bottle, Nipple, Wide-Neck Storage Travel Cap, Cleaning Brush |
Key Features | Dishwasher Safe, Two Pumping Modes |
Capacity | 150mL |
If you've had too many accidental spills of liquid gold and are looking for a reliable tool to prevent this, this product is for you. This Dula Silicone Manual Breastpump comes with a convenient lid to avoid accidental spills and ensure hygiene and portability. It also has a suction base that keeps the pump steady, making it easier to use with one hand.
Concerned about safety? This pump is made of 100% food-grade materials that are also BPA-, PBC-, and Phthalate-free. Plus, all parts of this pump are dishwasher- and microwave-safe, which expressing mamas praise since it makes cleaning them a breeze.
Pump Type | Plain Suction Pumps |
---|---|
BPA-Free | |
Accessories | Pump Body, Lid, Suction Base |
Key Features | Dishwasher-Safe, Microwave-Safe, Sterilization With Maximum Tolerance of 120℃ |
Capacity | 110mL |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by OB-GYN Dr, Chona Fabian-Madarang.
Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly before using the pump. Wash your hands or, if you can, take a bath. If you have no time, you can just thoroughly clean the breast. Find a comfortable place where you can pump privately.
Place the breast pump or shield. Make sure it thoroughly covers the nipple, then begin pumping. Alternate with the other breast. Once you feel that you have already emptied your breast, carefully remove the breast pump or shield and store the collected breastmilk properly. Wash the breast pump parts thoroughly after every use.
If you're looking for more products to use to make your breastfeeding and pumping sessions more at ease, we got you! We got the best products for you, including nursing bras, breastmilk storage bags, and lactation cookies that may help you get into the right routine and achieve a plentiful milk supply
Author: Cristel Joy Aron
Re-editor: J Ausa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Dr. Isla|Manual Breast Pump ||MB6
No. 2: Haakaa|Silicone Breast Pump||Generation 2
No. 3: Yoboo|Manual Breast Pump Light
No. 4: Medela|Harmony Breast Pump
No. 5: Horigen|Supernova Wearable Manual Breast Pump
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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