Whether you breast or formula feed your little one is an extremely personal decision. But if you decide to go the breastfeeding route, a breast pump is a must-have helper for when you’re away from your baby or run into feeding hiccups.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best breast pump for your needs. Will you be pumping every day? Is portability a factor? Are your breasts super sensitive?
Whether you want electric or manual, single or double, we’ve rounded up the very best breast pumps in Canada, with top ratings and reviews. (Not sure where to start? We answer the most common questions below, covering off everything you need to know before investing in this important piece of baby gear.)
What kind of breast pump are you looking for?
Best Breast Pump Overall
Comfort, efficiency and noise are important elements to consider when buying a pump. The Evenflo Advanced Double Electric is our favourite because it checks all these boxes without stretching the wallet—especially for all of its features. With multiple flange sizes for a comfortable, personalized fit and a motor quiet enough for the nighttime nursery, it’s one of the best breast pumps for everyday use.
- No need to cry over spilled milk! The Evenflo is one of the few breast pumps to have a base with bottle holders to prevent tipping.
- This pump provides a range of flange (a.k.a. breast shield) sizes and adjustable speed and suction controls to ensure the best personal fit.
- While the Evenflo motor doesn’t have a rechargeable power unit, it can be used with AA batteries as well as an AC adapter, making it portable and convenient for work and travel.
It’s so quiet and I can pump at night if I need to without waking-up my daughter. I get more milk with this pump than I ever did with the other pump I had.
The suction of the Evenflo is not as powerful as a Medela pump, but I do find it comfortable to use when my nipples are feeling a bit tender.
Best Double Breast Pump
A double pump halves the pumping time of a single pump, but it often comes with a higher price tag. Is it worth it? Well, the Medela Freestyle Flex combines the efficiency of a double with extra portability because it has a lightweight base that’s easy to toss discreetly into a purse. When paired with a pumping bra, the whole system becomes hands-free, which means it may very well be worth the money if you’re planning to pump on the go (especially in a space where time and privacy are limited). What really sets the Freestyle Flex apart though is its rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for up to eight double pump sessions—eliminating the need for AA batteries or finding an outlet.
- This Medela breast pump offers overflow protection, which helps keep your system safe and hygienic.[1]
- Log your pumping sessions and track your milk output on the MyMedela app, only compatible with Medela breast pumps.
- The simple LED touchscreen is super user-friendly and makes using the Freestyle Flex a breeze in the dark.
This pump is so small and lightweight, and I love that it fits right in my purse so I don’t have to lug a giant pumping bag around with me everywhere I go.
The only real downfall of this pump is that it is a little louder than I anticipated.
Best Manual Breast Pump
If you only plan to pump occasionally, a manual pump like the Philips Avent is all you need. What you sacrifice in multi-tasking mobility, it makes up for in ease of set-up and clean-up. It also features a unique design that prevents leaks when sitting back, making the whole experience more pleasant. Another perk? Manual pumps like the Philips Avent are typically cheaper than electric or double, leaving you more money for wipes, diapers and other baby essentials.
- The Philips Avent breast pump comes with a super-soft cushion that massages your breast to promote milk flow.
- This pump can be cleaned with a regular bottle brush, unlike other pumps that require special brushes to clean all their nooks.
- Planning a trip? Toss the Philips Avent manual pump into any carry-on and use it without relying on an electric outlet.
The handle is very comfortable and the angled design inside makes pumping more comfortable because you can lean back and relax.
The pump was very easy to use, but my hands did get tired after a while.
Best Single Electric Breast Pump
A big benefit of a single electric breast pump is that it allows you to breastfeed and collect simultaneously, saving you precious minutes if breastfeeding bonding time is still a huge part of your day. The Philips Avent Single Electric Breast Pump pairs this convenience with comfort, offering three suction settings and two cushion options, so you can choose between a gentle massage or powerful pump.
- Like the best manual breast pump by Philips, this single electric pump has only a few pieces that are easily assembled. There is a tradeoff though—the electric pump includes a bulky power base that makes it slightly less portable than its manual counterpart.
- With its automatic start function, many moms find the Philips Avent simpler to use than other single electric breast pumps.
- Like all Philips models, this one has the clever design that allows you to pump while reclining, unlike other models that require you to lean forward awkwardly to avoid leaks.
It is very comfortable, and it provides a soft suction. I really like that the motor is small, making it easy to transition from one room to the other.
The pump was very loud compared to other pumps I have used.
Best Budget Breast Pump
Moms rave about the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump—and for good reason. It offers a comfortable and quiet pumping solution at a lower price than other brands, making it the best affordable breast pump around. The soft and flexible ComfortFit flanges create a soft-but-strong seal for optimal suction to maximize your pumping efficiency. Win!
- The Lansinoh breast pump uses two-phase technology (meaning it stimulates your let-down reflex with rapid suction, then can be switched to a slower rhythm) to mimic your baby’s natural sucking pattern.
- The ergonomic handle helps prevent hand cramps—a common complaint from manual pump users.
- Just like the pump, Lansinoh replacement parts are also budget friendly.
It works amazing and has great suction. The handle is comfortable, and my hands don’t get tired while pumping.
Whereas my old pump would immediately start pulling out milk, this pump takes about two minutes to achieve let down.
Best Travel Electric Breast Pump
The Medela Pump in Style is a great investment if you have to fit daily pumping sessions into a hectic schedule. The whole system comes in a self-contained bag, so you’re always packed and ready to go. You also never have to worry about forgetting a piece when you’re headed out the door—whether for a road trip or a long afternoon of errands.
- As the pump comes in a bag, you’ll have everything you need to pump, feed and store milk at your fingertips.
- The cooler bag and ice pack come in handy when you’re spending the day at the park or taking a family road trip.
- Your purchase also includes discounted 30-day access to a lactation consultant that you can video chat with 24/7.
I’ve used this pump just about everywhere. The bag keeps the pump from being too loud, which is a huge plus!
I just find it on the heavy side given the size of the actual pump.
More Breastfeeding and Breast Pumping Essentials
Your Questions, Answered
Considering a Breast Pump
Do I need a breast pump?
If you’re planning to breastfeed, you’ll definitely want to consider a breast pump—especially true if you’re returning to work or will spend extended time separated from your baby. On top of collecting milk, a breast pump can also help you keep up your supply, alleviate engorgement and give your partner the opportunity to feed breast milk to your bundle of joy.[2]
How do I choose a breast pump?
Choosing a breast pump will depend on your time spent pumping, your lifestyle and your budget. If you’re on a budget and have no time restraints, a manual pump may work fine. But if efficiency and ease of use are your priorities, an electric pump may be your best bet. To determine whether to get a single or double pump, consider how often you’ll be using it. Daily use may be better suited to a double because it pumps twice as fast.
Breast Pump Types
What is a manual breast pump?
Manual breast pumps do not require electricity to work. Instead, they come with a handle that you squeeze to stimulate milk flow. They are usually less expensive and less noisy than their electric counterparts. However, they can tire out your hands and arms when used every day.
What is an electric breast pump?
Electric breast pumps do the pumping for you with a motor that runs the system. (Look ma, no hands!) They require electricity, but many come with battery-power options. Electric pumps often cost more than manual pumps, but they’re more convenient to use—especially for daily pumping.
Which breast pump is best: manual or electric?
It’s time to ask yourself a few questions: How often do you plan to pump? Do you have any time restrictions? And what’s your budget? Manual pumps are useful for moms who pump occasionally and aren’t in a rush to produce milk quickly. They also cost less compared to electric pumps. For moms who have to squeeze in a session daily, an electric breast pump may be worth the investment.
What’s better: a single or double breast pump?
Both have their strengths! It depends on how you plan to use your pump. A double breast pump produces the same amount of milk in half the time of a single breast pump. However, a single pump allows you to pump and breastfeed simultaneously. Double breast pumps tend to be preferred by moms who are tight on time and pump regularly, while single breast pumps work well for less frequent pumping.
Breast Pump Functionality
How does a breast pump work?
In a nutshell, a breast pump works by mimicking the sucking rhythm of your baby to trigger the letdown and expression of breast milk. The milk is then pulled through the breast shields and collected into bottles or bags, ready to store and use when needed.
How do I measure for breast shield size?
Ensuring your breast shield is the correct size improves not only the comfort of your pump, but also its efficiency. To determine your correct size, measure straight across the base of your nipple (not your areola, which is the pigmented area around the nipple) in millimetres. Then determine what size range your measurement falls within. To test your breast shield, hold it to the centre of your nipple and turn your pump up to the highest comfortable setting. Your nipple should sit in the centre with room to move easily.[3]
Buying a Breast Pump
What is the best breast pump to buy?
As with anything, it depends! Once you’ve narrowed down the type of pump you want (Manual or electric? Single or double?), do some research to determine which model’s unique traits suit your needs. Online customer testimonials are a great place to start, along with breast pump reviews, because they’ll help you learn from other moms’ experiences. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your mommy groups and support systems, too, and ask what’s worked for them.
Should I buy a used breast pump?
While it may be tempting to save money on a used breast pump, there are some risks involved. Before you buy, make sure that it’s not an open-system pump. Open-system pumps cannot be completely sanitized, which means they run the risk of contaminating your milk with potential viruses that can hide in the pump itself. If saving money is important, it may be safer to rent a pump from a pharmacy, rather than purchase a used one.
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Article Sources
- Healthline. The Best Breast Pumps of 2020 — and How to Choose One.
- HappiestBaby. How to Relieve Engorged Breasts.
- Medela. Breast Shield Sizing: How to Get the Best Fit.
How we choose products: Simply put, we don’t recommend any products we wouldn’t buy ourselves. Our writers leverage a number of sources as a starting point, including reputable third-party reviews, Walmart.ca user reviews, and Walmart Canada’s category specialists. theHUB editorial staff has final say for all products included in this guide.
Any product claims noted are provided by the manufacturer, unless otherwise stated.
Prices shown are subject to change. Please check Walmart.ca for the latest pricing.
This article is intended as general information. To be sure a product is right for you, always be sure to read and follow the label(s)/instruction(s) that accompany your product(s). Walmart will not be responsible for any injury or damage caused by this activity.
