Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
Last updated
This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
Breast pump types differ in how suction is produced (by hand, by battery, or from mains power) and in how many breasts are pumped at once. This guide sets out the types the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes for consumers, what each one means for portability and power, and the six points FDA lists for choosing between them. It is written for people who express milk, clinic and lactation-support staff, and buyers comparing pump categories.
What a breast pump is
A breast pump is a device used to express milk from the breast. FDA’s consumer pages group pumps by power source (manual, battery-powered, electric) and by whether they pump one breast or both at a time. Everything below follows that grouping, because it is the classification the regulator itself publishes.
How breast pumps are built
FDA describes the parts that matter to users in its pump pages. A manual pump creates suction when a handle or lever is squeezed. A battery-powered or electric pump runs a small motor, fed by batteries or a plug-in cord. Many pumps include a control panel for adjusting suction, and the breast-shield is the part that fits against the breast; its opening should let the nipple center comfortably. The bicycle horn pump is built from a hollow rubber ball attached to a breast-shield.
Types of breast pump
What kinds of breast pumps are available?
FDA lists three power types: manual pumps, battery-powered pumps and electric pumps. Each can be a single pump (one breast at a time) or a double pump (both breasts at once), although FDA notes that most manual and battery-powered pumps are single and that some electric pumps are double.
| Type | How it works (FDA) | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | A handle or lever is squeezed to create suction | No power source needed; easier to carry and use in small spaces |
| Bicycle horn (a manual type) | A hollow rubber ball is attached to a breast-shield | FDA notes that some experts discourage bicycle horn pumps because they may be difficult to clean and dry |
| Battery-powered | A small motor runs on batteries | Portable like a manual pump; may save pumping time compared with manual |
| Electric | A small motor runs from a plug-in cord | Needs an outlet; larger and heavier; some models pump both breasts at once |
| Single pumping | Milk is expressed from one breast at a time | Most manual and battery-powered pumps |
| Double pumping | Milk is expressed from both breasts at once | Some electric pumps; may save time |
What is the difference between manual and electric pumps?
A manual pump is powered by the user’s hand squeezing a handle or lever, while a battery-powered or electric pump uses a small motor. In FDA’s description, the practical consequences are portability and power: manual and battery-powered pumps are easier to transport and use in small spaces, while an electric pump needs an outlet and is larger and heavier. FDA adds that battery and electric pumps, and double pumps, may save pumping time.
Open vs closed system pumps
What is a closed system breast pump?
“Open system” and “closed system” are not categories in FDA’s consumer pump-type grouping (manual, battery-powered, electric; single or double). Whether a particular pump is built one way or the other, and which parts are intended to contact milk, is stated in that pump’s instruction manual, so check the manual before buying. This matters for cleaning: FDA states that it is not necessary to clean breast pump tubing unless the tubing comes in contact with breast milk. Clean the parts that touch milk as the manual directs. See the companion guide on cleaning breast pump parts.
How to choose a breast pump
How do you choose a breast pump?
This is a criteria list, not a ranking. FDA says the right pump depends on individual needs and that a doctor or certified lactation consultant can help with the choice. Its consumer page lists six points:
| FDA point | What it covers |
|---|---|
| 1. How you plan to use it | The purpose of pumping and how often you expect to use the pump |
| 2. Time to pump | Battery-powered and electric pumps, and double pumps, may save time |
| 3. Ease of use | Instructions should be easy to understand, and the pump easy to assemble, use and clean; most stores will not allow a breast pump to be returned |
| 4. Where you will use it | Manual and battery-powered pumps are easier to transport and use in small spaces; electric pumps need an outlet; powered pumps require advance planning for emergencies |
| 5. Portability | A lightweight pump in a carrying case suits travel or work |
| 6. Breast-shield fit | The opening should let the nipple center comfortably; many pumps ship with one shield size, so check whether the maker sells other sizes or textures |
The sixth point connects to a related product class: see flat nipple shields for a different device that also sits against the breast.
Safe use and handling basics
- Read the whole instruction manual before first use.
- Wash hands with soap for 10 to 15 seconds and rinse before handling pump parts; see the CASRAI guide to the WHO five moments for hand hygiene.
- Assemble the pump as the manual shows. If milk leaks, stop and check the assembly.
- Label expressed milk with the date and time, then refrigerate or freeze it.
- Air-dry washed tubing. If condensation forms inside, FDA says to run the pump for a few minutes until the tubing is dry.
- Keep a back-up if you use a powered pump, such as a manual pump, in case of an emergency such as a power cut.
A breast pump is a medical device; for background on how devices are defined and regulated, see what a medical device is.
Common mistakes
- Buying without checking the instructions are understandable, then finding that most stores will not take a pump back.
- Assuming one breast-shield size fits everyone, when FDA notes that many pumps ship with only one size.
- Relying on an electric pump with no back-up plan for emergencies.
- Skipping the drying step for tubing that has gathered condensation.
- Treating a bicycle horn pump like any other manual pump without noting that some experts discourage them.
FAQ
What is a closed system breast pump?
Open and closed systems are not part of FDA’s consumer pump-type grouping. The maker’s manual states which parts of a given pump contact milk; follow its cleaning directions.
What kinds of breast pumps are available?
Manual, battery-powered and electric pumps, each available as a single or a double pump, with the double option found on some electric models.
What is the difference between manual and electric pumps?
Manual pumps use a squeezed handle or lever; electric pumps use a motor on a cord and need an outlet. Manual pumps are easier to carry; electric pumps are larger and heavier.
Can I return a breast pump?
FDA says most stores will not allow a breast pump to be returned, so check the instructions and fit points before buying.
Sources
- U.S. FDA, Types of Breast Pumps, checked 2026-10-30.
- U.S. FDA, Choosing a Breast Pump, updated 01/11/2018, checked 2026-10-30.
- U.S. FDA, Using a Breast Pump, checked 2026-10-30.
- U.S. FDA, Cleaning a Breast Pump, checked 2026-10-30.
