Best breast pumps UK 2026: types and what to consider
If you are breastfeeding and thinking about expressing milk, a breast pump can open up a lot of options. A partner can take a night feed, you can build a supply for returning to work, or you can relieve engorgement when your baby cannot latch easily. This guide explains the two main types of pump available in the UK, how to get started expressing, and how to store the milk safely, all based on NHS guidance.
The two main types of breast pump
There are two broad categories to choose from: manual and electric. Neither is automatically better for every situation. Understanding what each does well helps you decide which suits your circumstances.
Manual pumps
A manual pump is operated by hand, squeezing a handle or lever in a rhythmic motion to draw milk from the breast. They tend to cost less than electric models and are quieter, lighter, and easy to pack in a changing bag. The trade-off is that they can take longer and require sustained effort from your hand and wrist, which some parents find tiring if they express frequently.
Electric pumps
An electric pump does the rhythmic work for you, which makes expressing quicker and less physically demanding. Many electric pumps let you adjust the suction level, and building up gradually rather than starting at full strength helps avoid soreness or nipple damage. If you plan to express regularly, for instance to build a freezer supply before going back to work, an electric pump is likely to be more practical.
You may not need to buy one outright. In some areas, an electric breast pump can be hired locally. Your midwife or health visitor can tell you what loan or hire services exist where you live, so it is worth asking before spending money on a purchase.
Getting started with expressing
Whether you are using a pump or expressing by hand, a few things make the process more comfortable and productive.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water before you begin.
- Warm your breasts beforehand. A warm towel pressed gently against each breast, or a warm shower, can help milk flow more easily.
- Choose a calm moment. Expressing works better when you feel relaxed. Having your baby nearby, or even looking at a photo of them, can encourage your let-down reflex.
- Massage gently before and during expressing to help release milk.
- Sterilise all equipment before use, just as you would for bottle-feeding equipment.
How to express by hand
Hand expression does not require any equipment and is a useful skill regardless of whether you also use a pump. The NHS describes a technique where you form a C shape with your forefinger and thumb, positioned a few centimetres away from your nipple, just outside the darker area of the areola. You then squeeze gently, release, and repeat in a steady rhythm without sliding your fingers across the skin. As milk flow slows from one position, rotating your hand to a different angle around the breast helps drain it more fully.
Storing expressed breast milk safely
Once expressed, milk needs to be stored correctly to stay safe for your baby. The NHS provides clear guidelines on how long milk keeps in different conditions.
- Room temperature: expressed milk is best used promptly; store it in the fridge or freezer if you are not using it straight away.
- Fridge (4°C or lower): up to 8 days. If you are not sure your fridge stays consistently at or below 4°C, use the milk within 3 days.
- Ice compartment inside a fridge: up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer (-18°C or lower): up to 6 months.
- Cool bag with ice packs: up to 24 hours.
Label each container with the date so you always use the oldest milk first and can check whether it is still within the safe window.
Using and warming stored milk
When it is time to use frozen milk, the safest approach is to move it to the fridge and let it thaw slowly overnight. If you need it more quickly, placing the container in a jug of warm water or holding it under warm running water both work well.
Never use a microwave to heat or defrost expressed breast milk. Microwaves heat unevenly and can create pockets of very hot milk that may burn your baby's mouth even when the outside of the container feels only warm.
Once a feed is underway and your baby has taken some milk from the bottle, any milk left in the bottle should be discarded within an hour. Refreezing milk that has already been defrosted is not safe.
Why some parents choose to express
There is no single right reason to start expressing. Some common situations where it helps include:
- Returning to work while continuing to provide breast milk
- Giving a partner or other family member the chance to feed the baby
- Building up a supply in the freezer before a planned absence
- Managing engorgement when breasts become uncomfortably full
- Supporting a baby who has difficulty latching directly
If you are unsure whether expressing is right for your situation, your midwife, health visitor, or a breastfeeding support worker can help you think it through. Local breastfeeding support groups are another valuable source of practical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a manual and electric breast pump?
A manual pump is hand-operated and generally costs less, though it works more slowly. An electric pump is faster and may suit parents who express frequently. Some electric pumps allow you to adjust suction strength, which helps avoid discomfort.
Can I hire a breast pump from the NHS?
In some areas you may be able to hire an electric breast pump locally. Your midwife or health visitor can advise on what is available where you live.
How long can I keep expressed breast milk in the fridge?
Expressed breast milk can be kept in the fridge for up to 8 days at 4 degrees Celsius or lower. If you are not confident the temperature stays that low, use it within 3 days.
Can I freeze expressed breast milk?
Yes. Expressed milk can be stored in a freezer at minus 18 degrees Celsius or lower for up to 6 months. In the ice compartment of a fridge freezer it keeps for up to 2 weeks.
Is it safe to warm breast milk in a microwave?
No. The NHS advises against using a microwave to heat or defrost breast milk because it can create hot spots that may burn your baby's mouth. Instead, place the container in a jug of warm water or hold it under warm running water.
Keep track of everything in one calm place
Cubby tracks feeds, sleep, nappies and your country's vaccine schedule, shared with everyone who cares for your little one.
Start free