Can You Sell a Breast Pump?

Wondering if you can find a new home for your breast pump after your breastfeeding journey? You’re not alone—many parents consider selling their pumps, but the rules and safety standards can feel confusing.

The good news: selling a breast pump is possible, but it comes with important guidelines to protect both you and future users.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding safe system types to legal considerations and best selling platforms.

Whether you have a barely-used model or one with a bit more mileage to make the resale process safe, compliant, and stress-free.

Understanding the difference between a closed and open system is the most critical part of selling a breast pump. This distinction determines whether a pump is safe for another person to use.

• Closed-System Pumps: These pumps have a protective barrier, often called a backflow protector, that prevents milk particles from entering the tubing or the pump’s motor. Because the motor remains sterile, these pumps are safe for multiple users as long as each person uses their own brand-new, sealed accessory kit.
• Open-System Pumps: These pumps lack a protective barrier. This creates a risk that microscopic milk droplets—which can carry viruses and bacteria—could get into the motor’s internal parts. Since the motor cannot be fully sterilized, these pumps are considered single-user devices by the FDA and should never be sold or shared.

Here are some examples of pumps commonly available in the US market between 2023 and 2025.

• Common Closed-System Examples:
• Spectra S1, S2, and S3 Pro
• Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow (newer models)
• Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0
• Motif Luna
• Elvie Stride
• Willow (all models)
• Evenflo Advanced Double Electric
• Common Open-System Examples:
• Older Medela Pump In Style Advanced (PISA) models, often sold before 2019.
• Some older, legacy models from brands like Ameda or Hygeia.

Important Caveat: Manufacturers can change their designs. Before selling, always check your pump’s user manual or the official manufacturer’s website to confirm whether your specific model is a closed or open system.

Yes, it’s generally legal in the United States to sell your personal-use breast pump, but only if it’s a closed-system pump. The legality hinges on both safety and transparency.

• Ownership: You can only sell a pump you own. Hospital-grade pumps obtained through a rental program are the property of the rental company and cannot be legally sold.
• Warranty: Most breast pump motors come with a one- to two-year manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty is non-transferable and becomes void upon resale. You must disclose this to any potential buyer.

To ensure a hygienic and safe sale, you must be clear about what is included.

• What to Sell:
• The main pump motor unit.
• The original power adapter.
• What to Discard:
• All used personal-contact parts must be thrown away. This includes tubing, flanges (breast shields), valves, membranes, backflow protectors, and collection bottles.

Your listing must state that the buyer needs to purchase their own brand-new, sealed accessory kit before using the pump.

A pump’s usage history significantly impacts its value and a buyer’s confidence. Since most warranties last one to two years and many mothers breastfeed for six months or more, buyers are often conscious of a used pump’s motor life.

• Low-Use Pump: This typically means the pump was used for less than six months, or has under ~200 motor hours. These pumps are more desirable because they likely have significant life left and may still fall within the original warranty timeframe (though it doesn’t transfer).
• High-Use Pump: A pump used for more than six months or with over ~200 motor hours is considered high-use. While still functional, buyers may be concerned about the motor’s longevity and will expect a lower price.

Use these tiers as a general guide.

Being transparent about usage builds trust. If your pump tracks motor hours, take a picture of the screen for your listing.

Your best options for selling a closed-system pump vary by platform.

• eBay: Offers a large market and has clear policies allowing the sale of used pumps, making it a reliable option.
• Craigslist: Good for quick, local cash sales with fewer platform restrictions, but requires you to take safety precautions.
• Facebook Marketplace: Listings for breast pumps are frequently removed due to the platform’s policy against selling medical devices. While some sellers get through, it’s not a guaranteed channel.

For a complete breakdown, refer to our main guide: where to sell breast pump: The Complete Guide.

In selling the most important step is confirming that your pump is a closed-system model, which can be safely resold if paired with new, sealed accessories.

Be honest about your pump’s condition, provide clear photos, and ensure the buyer understands product limitations such as a non-transferable warranty. Before listing, research current platform rules, set a fair price, and always include safety and hygiene disclosures.

If you’re ready to move forward, check out our step-by-step guides on how to sell your breast pump on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, or for more detailed answers about used and unused pumps.