When considering investing in a cordless breast pump, it is crucial to take into account several criteria to find the model that will best meet your needs. It is a tool that can make your more comfortable and convenient breastfeeding experience than ever as long as you choose the one best suited to your use. Here are some important points to know and consider before choosing your cordless breast pump.
Wireless breast pump guide, what selection criteria?
Comfort of use, pulling power, discretion, maintenance, autonomy… numerous selection criteria taken into account when choosing a cordless breast pump. It's not easy to find your way around, especially when you've never used one! So here is a detailed guide to finding your ideal breast pump and compare the different models effectively.
🎯 Comfort of use
To begin with, one of the most important criteria is surely a good comfort of use.
1. Suitable breast shields
To meet this criterion, the majority of portable breast pumps have silicone breast shields to best adapt to the shape of your nipples.
These soft breast shields are more soft and pleasant in contact with the sensitive skin of the nipples. They also limit friction and irritation that can occur with harder materials.
However, some models of portable breast pumps (with bottle-shaped collectors) have been designed with rigid plastic breast shields, like those found on wired breast pumps.
Therefore, preferably opt for a model that offers soft and ergonomic breast shields. This will maximize your comfort during the draw.
💡 Our useful advice : Unlike rigid plastic breast shields, soft silicone ones naturally adapt to the shape of the nipple. This makes it easier to tolerate slight differences in size without hindering the use of the breast pump.
2. Different sizes of breast shields
A breast shield well adjusted to your body shape is essential for optimal milk expression. In fact, the wrong size breast shield can have harmful consequences:
- ineffective stimulation of the breast, reducing your milk flow;
- a drop in milk production overall;
- an increased risk of premature cessation of breastfeeding.
In other words, if you do not use the correct size breast shield, you can compromise your breastfeeding. This is therefore one of the main criteria that should absolutely not be neglected.
So make sure that the manufacturer offers different sizes of breast shields to get a perfect fit to your chest.
Another important information regarding the size of breast shields: they differ enormously between breast pump models. And above all, she can vary between your two breasts and evolve during breastfeeding. If you have a size 21 on your hospital breast pump, chances are you don't have that size on a portable breast pump.
💡 Our useful advice : to avoid problems, choose a portable breast pump model that includes different sizes when purchasing. This will allow you to have better efficiency and avoid additional costs in the event of a size change.
3. Proper support for the breast pump
One of the main advantages of cordless breast pumps is that you will not have to no need to hold it with your hands during use.
I want to express my milk hands-free
But, for milk pumping to be effective, it must be well held in your bra. There should be no space between the device and your chest. If this is your case, do not hesitate to use a extendable shoulder strap extender so that the device fits perfectly in your bra.
💡 Our useful advice : if you have a small chest or conversely, a generous chest, this accessory may be essential for you. To avoid this additional expense, choose a model where the extension is included in the basic kit.
💪 Pumping power and efficiency
1. Adjustable suction intensity
When choosing your cordless breast pump, it is essential to look for a model that offers adjustable pumping power. This feature will allow you to adjust the intensity according to your needs. And above all, it can help you express more milk in less time.
Also make sure the breast pump offers quite powerful suction, at least equivalent to that of hospital breast pumps (300 mmHg), as well as different stimulation modes to adapt to your needs.
I am looking for a practical and discreet breast pump
2. Different operating modes
Ideally, you need a model that offers at least 2 different draw operating modes to best imitate the feeding pattern of babies:
- a mode with fast frequency and low intensity to trigger milk ejection (often called “Massage” mode);
- a mode with a lower frequency but higher intensity to imitate the baby sucking when the milk begins to flow (“Expression” mode).
💡 Our useful advice : a breast pump offering multiple adjustable intensity levels and different expression modes will allow you to personalize each session for a more enjoyable drawing experience and pain-free, whatever the stage of your lactation.
3. Replacement silicone parts
Another point of attention if you wish to acquire a wireless breast pump: you must think about regularly renew the silicone parts. Indeed, they tend to wear out over time and lose rigidity over time. And yes, we don't necessarily think about it when buying but a breast pump, like any electronic device, needs maintenance!
So check that it is possible to obtain spare parts per unit (valve and or membrane/diaphragm) to be able to change them on your breast pump. They are essential to guarantee its proper functioning and above all, to avoid having a loss of draft efficiency with time.
💡 Our useful advice : some manufacturers offer spare parts included in their basic kit. Practical, when you know that, on average, you have to change the washable parts of your portable breast pump every 3 to 6 months to maintain good efficiency !
🤫 Portability and discretion breast pump
Portable breast pumps are generally silent and suitable for use in a public place without attracting attention. However, they come in different sizes and shapes.
1. An invisible design under clothing
Some models are more discreet aesthetically than others. For example, you will find portable breast pumps with an imposing base that protrudes on top. Therefore, this type of model does not hide not in full in the bra and under clothes.
💡 Our useful advice : when making your choice, prefer an “all-in-one” model if you plan to use it, even occasionally, outside your home to be able to hide the device entirely under your clothes.
2. Quiet use
For the most discreet use possible, opt for a portable breast pump whose noise level is less than 50 decibels (dB). At this level of sound emission, considered low, the noise of the device will be barely perceptible.
I am looking for a practical and discreet breast pump
To give you an idea, in a quiet environment like a library, the sound level is generally between 40 and 50 dB. A breast pump below 50 dB will therefore allow you to extract your milk discreetly, whether at home, at work or even in public, without disturbing those around you.
3. Easy transportation
In case you plan to use your cordless breast pump on the go or at work, choose a model the lightest and most compact possible. Do not hesitate to compare the dimensions and weight of the devices.
Some models are heavier or more imposing than others but overall, they are all easily transportable. A carrying case included with purchase can be a plus for protect your device. Otherwise, you can also use a simple case or fabric cover that you already have at home. They will do very well for store and transport your breast pump.
✅ Ease of use
Beyond the technical performances, the ease of use of a cordless breast pump is an essential criterion to consider.
Choose a model with a simple and intuitive interface, without too many buttons, for a simplified daily use.
1. Stand-alone portable breast pump
Although connected breast pump models seem practical, a breast pump autonomous and ready to use will often be easier to use, without having to juggle an application on a smartphone.
The main thing is to make your life as simple as possible during drawing sessions. With clear and accessible controls, you will be able to focus on the essentials : express your milk comfortably without worrying about complex settings and potential connection problems.
So opt for a non-connected model if you are primarily looking for ease of use associated with effectiveness. Its intuitive interface will allow you to get up and running more quickly and without having to use your phone.
2. Connected portable breast pump
On the other hand, if the detailed tracking sessions and reminders on smartphone are essential for you, a connected breast pump will be more suitable, despite a handling potentially more long and complicated than a classic unconnected model.
💡 Our useful advice : Before investing, think about your real needs in terms of data tracking. An interesting alternative is to opt for a non-connected breast pump, often less expensive, and to download a free tracking application on your smartphone to record the volumes pumped, the session durations, etc. You will benefit from all the advanced tracking features, without having to pay the price of a connected breast pump!
🧼 Maintenance and cleaning
1. Practical and quick washing
Preferably choose a breast pump with easily removable, washable and dishwasher compatible parts.
Keep in mind that the smaller the number of pieces, the more maintenance will be quick and easy. Also, avoid models with small spare parts such as self-assembled joints that are easy to lose during disassembly and cleaning.
2. Washing bottle-shaped collectors
Be careful, we don't necessarily think about it, but certain forms of cordless breast pumps can complicate maintenance. This is the case for models with bottle-shaped collectors, including the interior is not accessible for cleaning.
In fact, to properly clean these collectors, the use of a bottle brush is essential. A simple sponge does not allow you to reach all areas and achieve deep cleaning.
This type of design, although practical for use, can therefore prove to be more restrictive in terms of maintenance. It is necessary to provide a longer cleaning time and purchasing a suitable bottle brush.
3. Complete drying of the parts
After washing, it is recommended to let dry completely all parts of the breast pump, preferably in the open air on a clean cloth. Each item must be completely dry before storing or reassembling them.
And here again, a particular point of attention on the drying of the bottle-shaped collectors which very often turns out to be tedious. Indeed, stagnant water drops, conducive to the development of bacteria, remain most of the time on the walls of the container.
💡 Our useful advice : opt for a breast pump with a minimum number of pieces removable and washable to facilitate daily maintenance. And if you plan to use it mainly outside your home, choose an “all-in-one” breast pump with a milk collector. easy to wash and who dries completely. This will ensure you a simpler and more hygienic maintenance, without having to carry a bottle brush with you everywhere.
🔋 The technical characteristics of the breast pump
Finally, several other criteria may also be interesting to consider when choosing your wireless breast pump. You can compare between models:
- The number of parts to assemble;
- The capacity of the collector (allow at least 150 ml);
- Weight;
- Dimensions;
- The materials used (check that they do not contain BPA);
- Battery life;
- Charging time...
In summary and to guide your choice, keep in mind the key criteria such as discretion, comfort and the number of breast shields, power and ease of use and cleaning. All you have to do is choose the ideal cordless breast pump the one best suited to your needs and your budget to express your milk with complete peace of mind!
I want to express my milk hands-free
💡 Our useful advice : Do not hesitate to also consult our detailed comparison specially designed to guide you in your choice: analysis of the different shapes, designs, functionalities... Discover the advantages and disadvantages of every model of hands-free breast pump on the market.
Why choose a cordless breast pump?
If you are a breastfeeding mother, you know how important the time is precious. The cordless breast pump is a device designed to extract breast breast milk without requiring the use of hands of the mother. This allows you to go about your business while expressing milk, which can be a real relief in the already busy daily life of young mothers!
What are the advantages of a cordless breast pump?
In many situations, using a cordless electric breast pump can be particularly helpful such as when you need to go away for a few hours or during the return to work.
If you are not yet convinced of the benefit of investing in a hands-free breast pump, here's what you could gain.
Freedom of movement
With a cordless breast pump, you are no longer limited to sitting still during your pumping session. You will now be able to move freely, whether it's taking care of your baby, doing household chores or just relaxing.
No more constraints, no more cables or pipes that prevent movement and restrict you to sitting near an outlet.
A saving of time
By allowing you to express your milk hands-free, a cordless breast pump makes you save precious time. You will now be able to do whatever you want during your pumping session and carry out other tasks at the same time to optimize your time as you wish.
The portable breast pump fits in your bra by itself. No need to block out time dedicated to your sessions, they can integrate into your daily activities.
Discretion and ease of use in public
With a wireless breast pump, no more need to undress or isolate yourself, no more prying eyes or annoying noises when expressing milk.
I am looking for a practical and discreet breast pump
These breast pumps are relatively silent and settings are made directly on the device or phone depending on the model. Cutting-edge technology in a completely portable format!
Comfort of use
Cordless breast pumps are designed to provide optimal comfort during the pumping session. With soft and ergonomic breast shields, you will be comfortable throughout your session, with little risk of discomfort or pain.
