Why you'll love it: The Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump is simple, quiet, and requires no electricity, making it great for occasional or off-the-grid pumping.
There comes a point in every pumping mom’s life when she begins to feel like a prize dairy cow. Electric pumps magnify that feeling, from the sight of milk rushing through the tubes to the whirrrrrr of the motor and the constant headache that comes with remembering all the parts, then cleaning them later on. The Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump spares women those indignities, with the bonus of increased comfort and efficiency over many other manual pumps.
The experts at Baby Bargains say there’s a lot to love about the Philips Avent, including an ergonomic handle to reduce hand strain, a soft-to-the-touch rubber cushion that wards off uncomfortable rubbing, and easy assembly and cleanup, because all parts are dishwasher-safe.
Amazon reviewers particularly love the comfortable rubber cushion, which is designed to massage the breast and stimulate letdown. Some say the cushion also prevents leaks and makes it easier to pump in a more natural position, even while sitting back and relaxing. The pump connects seamlessly to Avent’s popular bottles, and it’s great for using on the go since it weighs less than a pound, makes little noise, and takes up very little space in a suitcase.
The biggest drawbacks for the Philips Avent is that you can only pump one breast at a time, and many women say they just can’t get quite as much milk as their electric pumps. Avent says it takes about eight minutes to empty a breast, which is reasonable, but that might be a long eight minutes for anyone with limited hand strength.
Also, Baby Gear Lab notes that the rubber inlay that keeps the flange comfortable can also cause milk to build up, and for some moms might mean a small decrease in pumping efficiency. The pump may also get a little squeaky over time, Amazon reviewers warn. Overall, it's still a great option for a manual pump.
Pros: Inexpensive, comfortable, quiet, ergonomic handle, compatible with Avent bottles, leak-resistant, lightweight, compact, requires no power, dishwasher-safe
Cons: Not as efficient as a double electric, can tire hands, rubber inlay can be uncomfortable for some or cause milk build up, pump may begin to squeak
Buy the Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump on Amazon for $28.90 (originally $44.99)