Portability- Look for a compact, lightweight design that’s easy to carry and suitable for on-the-go pumping as this is what you’ll be using it for. I had a manual Lansinoh for use while at work and it was brilliant. I have got a Philips electric one and I actually preferred the manual.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user, Mrs Hopity) Our verdict

The softer, ergonomic handle on this manual pump allows you to control the level of suction by adjusting the pressure you apply to the handle, and the extra soft silicone inlay cushion, which fits into the one-size-fits-all funnel, makes it softer on the breast as you pump. It also fits onto a bottle you can use to feed right away and is compatible with all MAM easy start bottles and milk storage solutions. What makes this manual pump a hassle-free travel companion? It's small enough to fit into almost any purse or bag, is virtually silent whilst pumping and is super easy to clean. Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family. About the author Known for their expertise in designing and manufacturing top-quality baby products, we're not surprised that MAM’s manual breast pump is popular on our Mumsnet Forum. While it might look like other manual breast pumps, it’s evident that a lot of thought and consideration has gone into this breast pump’s design to make it as simple and as comfortable to use as possible.Pros: Electric pumps offer adjustable suction levels and pumping settings for more comfort and efficiency. They typically allow for double pumping which is a big time saver if you’re in a rush to express milk before work etc. Electric pumps are well-suited for regular or exclusive pumping and can help maintain milk supply over time. Basically, larger nipples call for larger flanges. But there are other things to consider, too: our nipples might not be symmetrical, or they may respond differently to suction. Some women have very dense breast tissue while others have tissue that’s more stretchy and elastic. Nipple sizes also vary with ethnicity and age, and they tend to grow during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It may take a little experimentation to find the best fit for you.

Cons: Manual pumping can require more effort and repetitive hand movements, which might be tiring or painful for some. They may also be less efficient for long or frequent pumping sessions. Durability - Look for a well-built manual pump made from high-quality materials to ensure that it keeps working for you – even with repeated pumping sessions. Barbara: I always find it hard to fit in enough time to express milk while looking after the baby, so when I did have the time to express, I prefer to use a pump that is simple and straightforward. This pump is great and really is simple to use and I was able to start expressing in minutes once it had been cleaned and set up. Would you choose this product to win? I swear by the Philips Avent ones. I have both manual and electric and I actually prefer the manual one. Both are extremely comfortable and easy to use.” (Loved by Mumsnet user, Ava50x)Whilst electric breast pumps are useful for longer at-home or in-office pumping sessions, there’s no doubt that a manual breast pump deserve a place in every mum’s changing bag or purse too. Mumsnetter grey12 agrees. She says, “It's good to have a small manual pump just in case you need it at the hospital (a friend pumped for her baby in the incubator) if you need to be away from your baby, and even if you pump all the time, who knows if maybe your electric pump may fail!” As the NHS highlights, manual breast pumps are cheaper, simpler to use, lightweight and generally quieter than electric breast pumps. They’re also ideal for travel as they’re compact, don’t require electricity and are easier to clean. This is essentially an all-in-one manual pump set. You can pump or collect letdown and immediately transfer it into an anti-colic baby bottle and begin feeding!" Manual breast pumps are not one size fits all, so the first thing you'll want to do is consult the instructions manual of your particular product to ensure best use. But, here are a few simple tips to help you get started with your manual breast pump: BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.