Other than a breast pump – which is obviously the most important thing that you need for pumping! – there are lots of breast pump accessories and products that can make your life much, much easier. Here are eleven essential breastfeeding products for pumping.
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Before your baby is born, you might be wondering, “what do I need for pumping?” Here’s a quick checklist of products that can make breast pumping much easier.
What Breast Pump Accessories Do You Really Need?
1. A Hands-free Bra or Hands-free Breast Pump
Using either a hands-free pumping bra or wireless breast pump (like the Willow or Elvie) can be life-changing!
Before I started using my hands-free bra, I was spending every pumping session holding my breast shields in place.
Then a friend gave me one as a hand-me-down. It was amazing – I felt like I had so much time back, because I could multitask.
My favorite is the Pump Strap hands-free bra – I like that it’s one size fits most and works well with breast shields that are attached to the connector (like Spectra breast shields).
Another great option is the Sublime hands-free pumping bra by Kindred Bravely! It’s just your nursing bra – no additional equipment required. It’s super comfortable and has two layers – a pumping bra layer and then a covering over that.
(Bonus – use code EPUMP15 at checkout for 15% off!)
You can see the different types in the below stories:
More on hands-free pumping bras here.
2. Wash Basin
The CDC recommends washing infant feeding items in a separate wash basin. This is necessary due to the possibility of bacteria in sink.
A collapsible wash basin like the one below can be a good option if you’re using it at work.
More on why you need a wash basin here.
3. Extra Sets of Pump Parts
I had at least four sets of pump parts. It’s so nice to have extra ones that you can just throw into your pump bag when you’re heading out an in a rush, and it’s easier to wash them all at once, batch-style, versus doing it constantly.
Also, I like being able to allow the parts to air dry after I wash them (for some reason, wet pump parts don’t seem to work as well).
Replacement parts are available for most pumps (here are some for the Medela Pump in Style; here are the Spectra parts).
(Note: You should replace breast pump parts regularly, because they stop working as well over time. You may be able to get some replacement parts through your health insurance.)
4. Lactation Massager
A lactation massager is a device that vibrates and helps with two things – working out clogged ducts, and getting milk to letdown faster.
I recommend the lactation massagers by LaVie. (More on them here.)
(*Note: LaVie makes two lactation massagers – a smaller one with just vibration and a warming massager that has heat AND vibration. They are both super helpful – use the code EPUMP on their website for 10% off!)
5. Battery Pack for Your Pump
If you have a pump without a rechargeable battery (like the Medela Pump in Style or the Spectra S2), you’ll want to get a battery pack for your pump. This will allow you to pump wherever you need to, and not be chained to an outlet.
Make sure you get the right voltage for your pump. Most Spectra pumps are 12V (the TalentCell is the most popular option), and most Medela pumps are 9V).
More on the different types of battery packs here.
6. Breast Milk Cooler
If you’re going back to work, a breast milk cooler is essential!
If you’re not going back to work, then it’s still good to have so that you can bring bottles with you when you leave the house, or store after pumping on the go.
I used the basic Medela cooler (shown above) and it worked great.
Another option that works really well for pumping on the go – the Ceres Chill is a breast milk cooler that you can pump directly into! (Check it out here and use EPUMP for 15% off.)
7. Nursing (Pumping!) Cover
Even if you aren’t nursing, a nursing cover can come in really handy. In your case, it is a pumping cover! This allows you to pump in public and not be a slave to being home or pumping in a public restroom.
I have pumped in a car, on a plane, in an airport gate, in a hospital waiting room, while playing poker (with a bunch of guys), etc., all while using a nursing cover. Other people can’t see anything (unless they are looking down on you), but you are able to see your pumping gear and make adjustments as needed.
I used a Bebe Au Lait cover. However, if you don’t want to spend the money for one, you can also get away with a big t-shirt or towel. It just depends on your comfort level and how often you need to pump out of the house.
8. Breast Pads
Breast pads can help with leaking. In the first month or two after having a baby, many people have issues with random letdowns. Without breast pads to protect you, these letdowns give you the attractive look of two wet circles around your breasts.
(Once, shortly after I returned to work, my milk let down when I was out to lunch with my boss without breast pads. This was less than ideal.)
I have tried a couple different kinds of breast pads (more reviews here), and my favorite is the Davin & Adley nursing bra liner because it stays in place better while you sleep.
Another option is a milk catcher like the Elvie Catch – it works like a breast pad in catching leaks, but you can save the milk for your baby.
9. Extra Bottles (Lots of Extra Bottles!)
If you are exclusively pumping, you need a lot of bottles. If you can swing it, I would recommend buying twice as many as your baby drinks in a day. This gives you one set to use and one set to pump into, and you can do one big batch of bottles a day instead of constantly washing.
One key way to save time is to try to get your baby to drink out of the same bottles that you pump into. I got lucky and all of my little ones took Medela bottles.
However, if yours won’t, try to find one that they will take AND you can pump into. For example, I had success with screwing Dr. Brown bottles into Medela pump parts.
(If your baby will only take a type of bottle that will not screw into the pump, then you’re out of luck – but it might be worth it to try again every now and then. Babies change really fast, and you never know!)
10. Breast Milk Freezer Bags
If you have any extra milk, you’ll want to freeze it in breast milk freezer bags.
I used the Lasinoh bags, but I also really like the silicone reusable breast milk bags by Junobie. These bags are great because they don’t leak!
You can see reviews and pros/cons of lots of different breast milk storage bags here.
11. Honorable Mention: Other Little Things That Can Make a Big Difference
- A Haakaa (or a milk catcher pump) is super helpful in a lot of situations – when you leak in the shower, when you have a clogged duct, and more!
- A dedicated breast pump bag can be really helpful. (It doesn’t have to be a fancy breast pump bag – though those are nice – just any bag that you only use for your pumping gear will work.)
- When you have to be out of the house for more than one pumping session, Medela Quick-Clean Wipes are perfect – you don’t have to find a place to wash and dry your pump parts. Just wipe them off and put them back in a ziploc bag until the next time.
- The bokee is a little holder that you can put your bottles in. It will hold the bottles tightly enough that you can take the pump parts off and screw on the nipple one-handed. (So helpful when you can’t put your baby down.) It’s also great for putting your bottles in to avoid spills.
- Coconut oil can help with pumping pain and dry skin. More on this here.
- Some women find Pumpin Pals to be much more comfortable than normal breast shields. (More on these here.)
- I used Mabel’s Labels to label my baby’s bottles for daycare. They are super cute!
- If you have a bigger breast pump, a more portable one can be super useful for pumping on the go or moving around the house.
Did I miss any of your essential breast pump accessories? Let me know below!
Comments & Chitchat
Mikaela Reilly says
I highly recommend adding re-useable wet/dry bags to the supply list. I really like the ones made by Bumpkins, available on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Bumkins-Waterproof-Swimsuits-Toiletries-Electronics/dp/B07WZCP6FN?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1)
They are excellent for packing clean pumping parts in the front compartment and storing used parts in the waterproof compartment. AND they have a life beyond pumping breastmilk! Wonderful for storing dirty/wet clothes, used bottles, teething toys when you’re out and about with kiddos. AND for storing damp/dirty clothes when you are traveling (like bathing suits).
Alicia says
Making everything more “mobile” is the biggest thing for me.
A hands-free pumping bra is indeed critical.
Depending on the type of pump you have, find a way to attach a shoulder strap. I have a spectra, and just repurposed an extra long strap that came with a tote bag by looping it through the pump handle. It makes it so much easier to carry and move around if you can wear it like a purse!
Also, if you are EPing, invest in a pump with a battery. I think that is critical.
With a good bra, strap, and battery, I can do a lot while pumping. Dishes, change diapers, get ready for work, eat… Etc. Makes a big difference.
Nicole Smith says
I’m a mother of 3 that has had trouble breastfeeding every time. My favorite hack for pumping is to have a stash of “hands free” homemade pumping bras. I just take sports bras that have removable padding, remove the padding, cut holes just slightly smaller than the shields and pop in the shields. You can put the pads back in if you want to go about your day and not nip out, or just the nipple sticking out with the support of a sports bra can be kinda sexy with certain fabrics. 🙂
Soomi says
Hi Amanda
My baby just turned 5 months and
I am trying to do an exclusive pumping from now and on. All info in your site has given me so helpful info I’ve been looking for. (Thank you). I have been thinking to invest in a breast pump which gives more freedom (currently I have Spectra S2). FREEMIE pump has been something I’ve been considering about. Do you have any opinion about FREEMIE or other recommendations?
Amanda Glenn says
Hi Soomi! I haven’t used the Freemie, but I’ve heard good things! Some people seem to struggle a bit with suction and use Freemie Cups with either the Baby Buddha* or Bellababy pumps, so you might want to consider that if you struggle to empty. If you need gentler suction, I would go with the Freemie. Hope that helps!
* I have a 20% off discount code for the Baby Budddha – EPM20 (I receive a small commission if you use it at no additional cost to you)
Debbie says
I’m exclusively pumping and bottlefeeding. My baby is 10 months old and my husband and I are SO over handwashing bottles and pump parts. We waste so much time and water handwashing. I know about bottle sterilizers. But is there a magic machine I can throw everything into that will wash and sterilize and dry for me? It doesn’t make sense to use my dishwasher because I would have to run it four times a day and that would not conserve water. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Amanda Glenn says
Hi Debbie! I’m so sorry, other than the dishwasher I don’t know of one other than the dishwasher. Someone should definitely invent that!!!
Luci says
Most of the bottles have adapters you can attach if you want to pump directly into your feeding bottles.
Linh T. Pham says
Hi Amanda,
Thank you, as usual, for all the very informative entries.
I still am expecting my first baby so all the pumping steps are still in my mind and have not been put to practice yet :p
I have a question about best pump extra parts. We we are to get double to number of bottles that a baby needs, wouldnt we also have to get as many pumping parts? We can wash all the used bottle at the end of the day, but wouldnt we have to wash the pumping parts right away if we only have like a set or 2?
Thank you!
Amanda Glenn says
Hi there! If you’re planning on pumping more than 1-2 times a day, I would get 2-3 sets. 🙂 That way you don’t have to wash the parts right away. Hope that helps!
Tresa says
LaVie vibrating warming massagers are a must for me. I pop them into my bra and start them after my pump is attached and then start pumping. These help me greatly since I have removed my MOTN pump so in the morning I feel like it’s more comfortable to attach a pump.
Amanda Glenn says
So glad you like them – thanks for the review!
Kate says
Hi!! Thanks so much for the useful blog and all the comments too. With a first child on the way, I am interested to know as much as possible about my options. Has anyone tried the Elvie hands free or another hands free pump? It seems like the parts would be easier to clean, and it would be a lot smaller so you could pump more easily while feeding the baby. Apparently from reading reviews online you can’t move around too much while wearing it, but the convenience factor still seems high.
Amanda Glenn says
I think the Elvie would be a great second pump if you can afford it! Amazing freedom-wise. I wrote a post comparing it with the Willow if it’s helpful!
https://exclusivepumping.com/best-hands-free-breast-pump/
Larissa says
Any recommendations for the best coolers for carrying milk from one place to another?
Amanda Glenn says
Hi Larissa! I’ve always used this one and really like it!
https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Transport-Bottles-Contoured-Carrier/dp/B00H5OI9XO/
Nicole says
These are great suggestions! It seems like there’s always a new something we “should” have! You did a good job of cutting through the junk to the necessities. What’re your thoughts on the Kiinde system? I haven’t tried them myself, but I really like that the milk is pumped, stored, and fed all in the same pouch. It seems like less effort, less cleanup, and less chance of milk contamination.
Amanda Glenn says
Great question – I think that if your baby will take the Kiinde Squeeze AND you can afford the bags (because with exclusive pumping they really add up), it’s a great option!
Mary says
Pumpin pals! I switched to them about a week or two into EPing and I don’t know how I endured it before. So worth it, and they have a great money back guarantee (I always like having that stopgap measure for peace of mind, but definitely did not have to use it! Best thing ever!) and almost always have 10-20% off coupons online if you look for them.
Donni says
One of the best things a friend set me up with was the Kiinde/Twist bottle/bag system. You pump into Twist bags (that will attach to a medela pump in style with an attachment) then when you are ready to feed you pop the bag into a Kiinde bottle (it’s more of a cover for the bag) then pop a nipple on top and your good to go. Super convenient, less to clean both pumping and feeding wise, easy to transport and less mess (no having to pour milk into a bottle from a bag if freezing bags). The only downside would be that the bags are not reusable so it may not always be the cheapest option. I get the bags on Amazon, 160 for $45 and it comes prime.
Amanda Glenn says
Awesome – thanks for the tip!
Chelsey says
I love these, too! The bags and caps are recyclable, which makes me feel a tad bit better about using them. As for the cost, these are so convenient, I feel like the cost is well worth it if you can swing it. I’m pretty clumsy and tend to spill the Lansinoh bags while transferring to a bottle and it breaks my heart every time. This whole system is amazing-bags, bottles, and the warmer.
Nina says
Yes, love the Kiinde system! Expensive but so convenient!
Shelby says
The First Years Quiet Expressions double electric pump is a must have for EP. The biggest challenge for me was finding an outlet everywhere I go. This pump requires batteries so you can pump on the go. Seriously made my EP less stressful.
Elizabeth Young says
Ladies, you all should check out the Rumina hands free pumping bra! It is awesome!!! Its a sports like bra but also converts into a hands free pumping bra. The best part about this bra is that you can wear it all day. You dont have to disrobe to put on the bra like you would with the Medela bra.
Erin says
I love Sarah Well’s bags for pumping parts. The Pumparoos are particularly great for discreetly carrying parts around the office. Also, I bought a Spectra pump to replace a crappy insurance provided Medela and am SO HAPPY I did. It’s almost as good as the hospital grade Medela at work.
c says
Evenflo glass bottles (4oz or 8oz) will fit Medela pumps! I just ordered 6 off Amazon for $12! I also ordered Dr.Browns TruVent nipples to go on them, from what I can tell I think those nipples have a shape that mimics a little better. I’ve been using glass Avent bottles with the Lansinoh mOmma nipple… I still try to nurse when LO wants to, and this is the absolute best nipple I’ve seen for switching back and forth. I pretty much exclusively pump, my 5 wk old randomly decides to nurse about twice a week. We attempt almost every feeding but she usually refuses. The lansinoh nipple seems to be good for switching back and forth.
Emily @ BPE says
Thanks for the tip about using a big t-shirt or even a towel as a pumping cover! I have pumped for over a year (although I’m not an EPer) and I never thought of that!
Renee says
The Gerber First Essentials bottles fit one the Medela pump in style breast pump.
They sell 5oz and 9oz bottles, I bought them at Target for about $4.00 for a pack of 3.
You can directly pump into them and the baby can drink straight form the bottle that you just pumped into. I have multiple bottles and I rotate them in the fridge, just make sure your baby will drink out of any nipple before buying the Gerber bottles.
Catherine says
Great info! Thank you. Evenflo original silicon nipples were suggested to me by a pediatrician and breastfeeding resources group for a bottle that would creat less gas for baby. They also fit the medela and are great! They are super cheap and babies r us and toys are us carries them. They hold up great and clean easily. Lifesaver and so much less work- pump and feed all with the same bottle.