So, what’s trending in the mom and baby gear market in 2019?
On my previous posts, I talked about breastfeeding stories to follow on Instagram, and whether pumping is for every mom.
Today, I am going to discuss the newest addition to the breast pump trends that moms (especially the ones always on the go) would definitely not say “NO” to – the hands-free, discreet as they claim to be “silent” electric, double breast pumps!
These hands-free breast pumps are currently making names in the market according to Pinterest’s top 100 searches of 2019. The top trending names are Willow, Elvie, and Freemie Liberty.
Yes! They are all hands-free!
Note that I have not yet personally tried these pumps and this article only aims to give you an overview of what they are like.
All these three leading wireless pumps, launched in 2018, are designed to solve the most common pumping problems like carrying bulky pumps, having to undress and sit in a private corner (where there is socket to plug in cords) every 4 hours on average, and the distracting noise the pumps make in addition to having many parts to assemble and wash afterward.
Since modern breastfeeding moms are always on the run and finding a work-life balance can be a little tricky, thus, these revolutionary innovations would always come in handy. Multitasking can now be much easier for pumping moms as there’s more physical freedom in mobility and comfort. Pumping anywhere, anytime can now be possible. Yay!
The Willow and Elvie are cordless pumps that are designed to independently fit under your clothes and use
Willow – Pump wherever life takes you.
Freemie Liberty is also hands-free, however, the collection cups are separate from the pump itself.
If you are thinking about getting one, take a look at the summary of the description below.
|
Willow $480 – $500 |
Elvie $480 – $500 |
Freemie Liberty $300 |
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Comes with 24 disposable, self-sealing BPA-free milk bags that hold up to 4oz on each use (costs 50 cents/ piece when repurchased) that you placed into a flange and connect to the pump Suction can be adjusted as needed Only has 2 parts to wash and sterilize Has dedicated pumps for left and right Battery charge that lasts up to 5 sessions, takes 2 hours to fully charge Offers money-back guaranty, 12 months warranty from first use |
Holds up to 5oz each comes with reusable, machine washable BPA-free plastic container Also comes in 3 sizes and shapes with transparent marked nipple shields (to help guide nipples to correct spot) The app can track production and detects let-down and can pump in 7 different modes Closed system and has 5 parts to clean Rechargeable electric pump that takes up to 2 hours to fully charge Offers 2-year warranty for the pump and 90-day warranty for washable parts Can be bought in a single unit for $249 |
Comes with closed-system reusable BPA-free collection cups that hold up to 8 ounces of milk on each With a programmable sleep timer that will automatically shut off after 40 minutes (they say you can actually nap while you pump) Lightweight, hospital-grade 10 speeds and 11 suction settings, and can be customized for let-down and expression The battery takes 1.5 hours to completely charge and lasts up to 3-4 (15-min) pumping sessions Offers 12 months warranty |
My take on this:
I would personally say that these pumps can be considered a luxury but speaking about convenience, mobility and the amount of time that can be saved, no doubt these are winners! Winners!
Think about the length of time that you are intending to breastfeed. Are you planning to go on long-term breastfeeding? Then investing on such quality pumps is absolutely worthy.
And if I were to choose among the three, I’d choose the one that would cost me less. I won’t pick Willow for the fact that I have to repurchase the storage bags. Let’s say on average I’ll spend roughly $70 for 140 bags a month, that’s $840 a year for 1,680 bags.
Definitely not good for the environment, right? Well, that’s a call for a product upgrade there to stay in the competition.
(Though that being said, note also that moms do have different preferences.)
Nevertheless, the fact that these hands-free pumps were actually made possible, makes a big difference for the modern pumping moms.
What kind of innovation are you looking forward to that will make parenthood easier? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
I would definitely go for the Freemie too, the fact that it has an automatic shut off and can be used whilst napping is so convenient and useful. I am at an age where I cannot have kids anymore but I will definitely bring your post to the attention of my younger siblings. These breast pumps are a far cry from the ones I remembered back in my days, which were, noisy, painful and awkwardly bulky. These make such great gift ideas for a baby shower. Thank you so much for the information.
I’d choose Freemie for the price, definitely! However, one thing I don’t like is having the tubes hanging seems a bit inconvenient still, when you are out and about, and have some stuff to carry.
If they can upgrade it to something connected to a phone app then, that’s a win-win for sure!
Breast pumps is gradually becoming a must have products for mother’s because the comfortability it affords and the pressures of a modern mom. I believe the freeme liberty pumps is actually the best cos you can also pump even on the go. I like this innovations and I thank God science is helping reduce the pressure on modern moms.
Warm regards
Hello and thank you for this informative article. My wife and I are expecting a child and she is very interested in breast pumps. We do not have any experience are relying on people who are informed on this topic. I can tell you are honest and we will check your recommendations.
I will update you which product I bought.
Strahinja
Strahinja,
Congratulations on your new addition!
Thank you, I will be looking forward to hearing insights from you in the near future! 🙂
I pumped for couple months for my first baby. At that time I had private insurance through work and was eligible to receive a free pump. My insurance had big choice of pumps. The one that I chose was hands free cups but had wires that were connected to the huge base. It was not wireless. If I wanted I could hide the wires but the noise was big. I can imagine that in future moms will have more advanced pump choice with their insurance companies and will not pay extra for more convenient options, and all above mentioned brands will collaborate with insurance companies in future.These new pumps are the future of our new working moms. I wish I had one of these pumps to choose for me.
Thank you for this great post, I think from your post I can infer that the hands free pump is such a nice innovation and makes breastfeeding mire convenient. If am to recommend any from the three mentioned above. I will surely pick the willow pump above others for it battery life and the fact that the suction is adjustable how long is it advisable for mom to start using breast pump after given birth?
Hi
I must admit I have popped in a read a good number of your blogs but I have no idea how to post a response over there, so I’ll tell you now how good you are at describing the stuff your at. I must admit I find it insightful to read your blogging. Keep up the good work. Will surely get one of these for my pregnant friend Nina.
This is necessity for Working mums, it gives them the opportunity to engage in other activities while pumping. I don’t see this as luxury, in this advanced day, any innovations that aims at making life easier is a necessity. If I’m to purchase, I think I’ll go for the Elvie as it can track production anf let down.