By Tehreem Fatima  Updated May 15, 2024

Are you looking for the best compact breast pump? I understand how overwhelming it can be to sift through various options, trying to find one that is compact and portable.

That’s why I have compiled a list of the 5 best compact breast pumps for 2024 to help you make a more informed decision.

These small breast pumps offer convenience and portability without compromising on performance. They are all highly rated and recommended by moms who have used them.

So, let’s dive in and find the best small breast pump for you!

Below, I have listed the 5 best small breast pumps based on their features, user reviews, and overall performance.

1. Best Overall: Baby Buddha Portable Breast Pump

2. Best Travel-friendly: Spectra 9 Plus Portable Double Electric Breast Pump

3. Best Wearable: Elvie Wearable Electric Breast Pump

4. Best Hands-free: Freemie Liberty Mobile Breast Pump

5. Best Manual: Medela Harmony Breast Pump

In this section, I will give a more in-depth analysis of each of the top 5 compact breast pumps to help you make an informed decision.

If you are looking for the best compact breast pump overall, the Baby Buddha Portable Breast Pump is the top pick. This pump is perfect for busy moms, offering a lightweight, hands-free pumping experience.

The Baby Buddha Pump has a unique design, resembling a small handheld speaker. It fits in the palm of your hand and can be worn with a lanyard around your neck for ultimate portability.

Despite its size, this pump boasts powerful suction strength, customizable settings, and an LCD screen for tracking pumping sessions. It can be used as a single or double pump and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to three hours.

Its compact design renders it ideal for discreet pumping anywhere, anytime. Mothers who have utilized this pump laud its powerful suction, comfortable fit, and portability.

Although there may be more budget-friendly options, its features and efficiency make it worth the investment.

“The Baby Buddha Pump is my go-to pump when I am on the go. Its compact design makes it easy to use discreetly in public places.” – Maria, mother of three.

“I have sensitive breasts, and this pump’s suction strength is perfect for me. It also has a convenient timer that helps me keep track of my pumping sessions.” – Rachel, working mom.

If you frequent travel or need to pump on the go, the Spectra 9 Plus Portable Double Electric Breast Pump is the perfect choice. This pump is compact, lightweight, and easy to use anywhere.

The Spectra 9 Plus has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to two hours. It also has an automatic shut-off feature after 30 minutes of use, perfect for busy moms who may forget to turn off the pump.

This pump offers customizable settings, a closed system design for hygiene and milk backflow prevention, and a massage mode to stimulate letdown. It is also relatively quiet compared to other electric pumps.

Moms who have used this pump praise its portability, efficiency, and comfort. However, some have noted that the suction strength may not be as powerful as other pumps on this list.

“I’m often on business trips, and this pump has been a game-changer. It’s small, user-friendly, and gets the job done efficiently. I highly recommend it.” – Jessica, working mom.

“I love that this pump has a massage mode to stimulate letdown. It’s also relatively quiet, so I can pump in the same room as my sleeping baby without waking them up.” – Lisa, stay-at-home mom.

The Elvie Wearable Electric Breast Pump is a game-changer if you are looking for a compact wearable breast pump. This pump fits inside your bra and lets you pump discreetly without any tubes or wires.

The Elvie Pump offers customizable suction settings, a rechargeable battery that lasts up to three hours, and automatic shut-off after 30 minutes. It also comes with an accompanying app that tracks milk volume and pumping history and has a remote-control feature.

Mothers who have used this pump appreciate its discreetness, hands-free design, and efficiency. However, larger-breasted women might prefer more comfortable alternatives, and regular cleaning is vital to prevent mold growth.

“I love that I can pump hands-free with the Elvie Pump. It’s perfect for when I’m at work or out running errands.” – Sarah, working mom.

“The accompanying app is a game-changer. It helps me keep track of my milk supply and pumping history.” – Emily, stay-at-home mom.

The Freemie Liberty Mobile Hands-free Breast Pump is a great option if you want a compact breast pump. This pump fits inside your bra and lets you pump discreetly without any tubes or wires.

The Freemie Liberty offers customizable suction settings, a rechargeable battery that lasts up to three hours, and automatic shut-off after 30 minutes. It also comes with two collection cups holding up to 8 ounces of milk each.

Moms who have used this pump praise its hands-free design, efficiency, and comfort. However, some have noted that the suction may need to be stronger than other pumps.

“The Freemie Liberty has been a game-changer for me. It’s so convenient and comfortable to pump hands-free.” – Rachel, working mom.

“I love that I can pump discreetly while doing other tasks. The suction may not be as strong as some pumps, but it still gets the job done.” – Maria, stay-at-home mom.

The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is a lightweight and compact option for mothers who prefer manual pumping. It features 2-phase expression technology to mimic a baby’s natural nursing pattern.

The ergonomic handle ensures comfortable use, and the pump is equipped with a soft silicone breast shield for added comfort. Additionally, it includes a stand to prevent spills or tipping over.

Mothers who have used the Medela Harmony pump appreciate its simplicity and effectiveness. They also love how compact and quiet it is, making it easy to use on the go.

“I adore this manual pump. It’s incredibly easy to use and performs remarkably well. I can effortlessly slip it into my purse and bring it along wherever I go.” —Rachel, stay-at-home mom.

“I appreciate the compact size of this pump. It’s perfect for traveling or pumping on the go, and the adjustable suction levels make it comfortable to use.”—Lisa, working mother.

   Choosing a hands-free breast pump can be a big decision, as it will become an essential part of your breastfeeding journey. To help you choose the best option for you, here are some factors to consider:

1. Frequency of Use: If you plan on using the pump daily or multiple times daily, opt for a more efficient and durable pump with adjustable suction levels.

2. Portability: Firstly, if you need to pump on the go or while at work, choose a lightweight and compact pump with a long battery life.

3. Comfort: Secondly, look for pumps with soft breast shields and massage modes, especially if you have sensitive nipples or experience discomfort while pumping.

4. Insurance coverage: Please take a moment to review your insurance plan to ascertain whether they provide coverage for a hands-free breast pump. This can save you money and help you choose from a broader range of options.

5. Budget: When choosing a hands-free breast pump, it’s prudent to assess your budget and compare it with the features and benefits available across various models.

Considering these factors, you can find the best compact breast pump that meets your needs and helps you on your breastfeeding journey.

In conclusion, finding the best compact breast pump for you entails thorough research and careful consideration.

Whether you’re a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, opting for a compact pump can significantly enhance your convenience and overall quality of life. Consequently, consider your lifestyle, preferences, and budget when selecting a pump. Furthermore, remember to check for insurance coverage, as this could notably help reduce costs.

Ultimately, the right breast pump will help make your breastfeeding journey smoother and more comfortable. So happy pumping!

Given the importance of choosing the best compact breast pump, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Here’s a summary of some valuable resources and what they offer:

1. Kellymom (Kellymom): This website is well-regarded for its evidence-based information on breastfeeding, pumping, and parenting. It’s an excellent starting point for mothers seeking lactation support and practical advice on balancing work and breastfeeding.

2. UpToDate – Pumping Breast Milk (Beyond the Basics) (UpToDate): This resource offers detailed patient education materials for mothers seeking a deeper understanding of pumping breast milk. It includes additional resources for finding lactation specialists and peer support.

3. La Leche League Online Support Resources (La Leche League International): La Leche League (LLL) is a global organization offering breastfeeding support in over 80 countries. Their online resources include a search function for finding local LLL leaders and groups, providing mothers access to personal guidance and community support.

4. WIC Breastfeeding Support – Expressing and Pumping Milk (WIC Breastfeeding Support): The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers tips and videos on milk expression and pumping. This resource is beneficial for solving breastfeeding challenges and making milk expression work for each mother.

5. Women’s Health – Breastfeeding Resources (Women’s Health): This government website provides general information about breastfeeding from reputable sources like the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics. It’s a trustworthy source for mothers seeking authoritative advice on breastfeeding.

6. PHFE WIC – Breastfeeding Support, Resources & Information (PHFE WIC): PHFE WIC offers extensive breastfeeding support and resources, including classes and lactation information. Contacting their offices can connect mothers with more personalized support and educational materials.

7. Mamava – Breastfeeding Resources for Parents (Mamava): Mamava provides resources tailored to the needs of working mothers, including facts and talk tracks to help explain the necessity of pumping at work. It also reviews products like nursing covers, aiding mothers in finding the best gear for breastfeeding and pumping.

8. Cincinnati Children’s – Maintaining Milk Supply with a Breast Pump (Cincinnati Children’s): This resource offers insights into using a breast pump to build and maintain milk supply, alongside clinical trials, research studies, and ongoing support resources. It’s a valuable source of information for mothers looking to optimize their pumping routine.

9. Lurie Children’s – Breastfeeding and Pumping Resources (Lurie Children’s): Catering especially to mothers of NICU babies, this resource compiles support sites, organizations, and instructional videos to assist with breastfeeding and pumping during a challenging time.

These resources collectively provide knowledge and support for breastfeeding mothers, especially those in the consideration stage looking to make informed decisions about pumping.