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The Best Breast Pump Gear To Make Pumping Easier
The Best Breast Pump Gear To Make Pumping Easier

The Best Breast Pump Gear To Make Pumping Easier

From hands-free bras to milk storage solutions, here’s what you’ll need as an exclusive (or occasional) pumper.

author-Briana Engelbrecht
By Briana Engelbrecht and Jen LaBracio, CPST
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Published Feb 11, 2025|Updated On Feb 12, 2025
Published Feb 11, 2025Updated On Feb 12, 2025
Our editors independently test and curate products. If you make a purchase via our links we may earn a commission.

In This Article

Pumping Bras
An Everyday Pumping Bra
A Pumping Bra You Can Sleep In
A Hands-Free Pumping Bra
A Pumping Bra for Wearable Pumps
Breast Milk Storage 
Pumping Accessories for Work and Travel
Extra Pump Parts and A Backup
Pump Cleaning Essentials
Things for Comfort

Breastfeeding, like parenthood, is a different journey for everyone. If you’re pumping—whether pumping exclusively, at work or enough to bottle feed on occasion—the right equipment and accessories can make a huge difference. To help, we’re diving into all of the gear that can help make pumping easier, like comfortable pumping bras, extra parts, a manual pump for backup, cleaning essentials and various things that make pumping more comfortable for you.

Pro tip: many of these products are covered by insurance. If you haven't ordered your insurance covered pump, head to Babylist Health to see which your plan covers. Replacement parts and pumping gear and supplies—like bras, milk storage bags, breast care items—are also FSA/HSA eligible.

In addition to being Babylist’s assistant editor, I am also a certified lactation counselor and mom of two (who breastfed for a total of three years and occasionally pumped to build a stash). I used all of the insight when curating the products in this guide. From items designed for pumping on the go to products that will make you more comfortable, these are the best accessories to make pumping life easier and help set you up for success.

Still trying to figure out which pump to get? Check out these guides for our top picks to help you find the best one for you:

Pumping Bras

There may be different scenarios where you’ll need different styles of pump-friendly bras, like if you’re using wearables, want to pump hands-free with your regular electric pump or want something you can pump and wear while nursing your baby. If you have one, you can use your FSA or HSA account to buy nursing and pumping bras. Here are a few examples of the different types of pumping bras you might want to add to your collection. 

An Everyday Pumping Bra

Bodily Do Anything Bra - Dusk, 2 X

From $58.00
Buy
Buy
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Babylist
$
58.00

Bodily’s Do Anything Bra is just that—a bra you can do anything in when it comes to nursing and pumping. Developed with a lactation consultant, this bra enables you to pump hands-free with all of the most popular breast pumps. All you need to do is clip down the front panels and slide your flanges into the fabric slits, make sure everything is securely in place, then start pumping.

We love the style and smooth, silky feel of this bra and that the sliders for adjusting the bra’s straps are on the front rather than the back for easy loosening and tightening. The bra also converts to a racerback style for extra support.

A Pumping Bra You Can Sleep In

Larken X Nursing + Hands-Free Pumping Bra - Sage, Xs

From $40.80
Buy
Buy
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Babylist
$
48.00
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Amazon
$
40.80

For more regular wear (and especially if you’re pumping overnight and need a sleep bra that’s also pump-friendly), the Larken X is the absolute best. The bra is comfortable enough for all-day and overnight wear and can easily be pulled down for nursing, too. It’s unlike any other pumping bra on the market, with no wires, elastics, clasps or tight straps. Instead, it slips on like a racerback-style sports bra and has two layers of soft material in front that crisscross to hold your flanges in place in an easy way. (There’s a video to show you how.) 

A Hands-Free Pumping Bra

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breastpump Bra - Black, Xs-L

From $29.99
Buy
Buy
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Babylist
$
39.00
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Amazon
$
29.99

This easy-on, easy-off bra gives you a hands-free pumping experience—and it’s an absolute must-have if you plan on pumping even a little bit throughout your feeding journey.

The Simple Wishes bra is a bustier-style bra that holds your breast shields, flanges and bottles securely in place while you pump. It features a front zipper and can be worn on its own but is commonly (and more comfortably) worn right over your nursing bra. It’s fully adjustable thanks to a Velcro panel across the back and can be thrown right into the washing machine when dirty.

A Pumping Bra for Wearable Pumps

Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands Free Pumping Bra - Beige, Medium

From $36.39
Buy
Buy
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Babylist
$
52.90
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Amazon
$
36.39
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Target
$
51.99

When you’re looking for a wearable pump-friendly bra, you need to make sure it’s full coverage and both stretchy and supportive. The Sublime is all of these things and more, and it’s compatible with popular wearable breast pumps like the Willow or the Elvie. It works just as well if you’re pumping with a traditional pump and flanges, too.

Breast Milk Storage 

No matter where you’re pumping, you'll need something to store your breast milk. Milk storage bags are a go-to option since they’re great for short-term storage and freezing for later. What about when you’re out and about? Milk storage bags zip up securely, meaning your milk won’t leak out, and they also fit nicely in a cooler bag to transport your milk home. And many lactating parents swear by the Ceres Chill—it’s essentially a large double-walled stainless steel bottle that can keep up to 24 ounces of milk cool for over 20 hours. It replaces the bottles, ice packs and cooler bag that you’d otherwise need to lug around—it’s easy to use and throw in your backpack or diaper bag. Both milk storage bags and the Ceres Chill are FSA/HSA eligible, too.

Pumping Accessories for Work and Travel

If you’re going to be pumping at work, there are a few things you’ll need. First and foremost, a sturdy pumping bag to haul your pump and all of the supplies. The Sarah Wells option below is comfortable, roomy and even has a photo pocket to store a picture of your baby to help with milk letdown when you’re away from them. If you’ve got a big electric pump as your primary pump, you may want something more on-the-go friendly. Portable pumps are also electric but designed to be worn in your pumping bra and are on-the-go friendly. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, breast pump are covered by insurance (if you haven't ordered yours yet, go to Babylist Health to see which ones are covered by your plan). Quite a few pumps and accessories are also FSA/HSA eligible—including the portable pump, cooler and cleaning wipes and soap below.

When you’re done pumping, a cooler bag is helpful to keep your milk cold on your commute home. And make sure you pack a few things to clean your parts in between sessions, like wipes, a travel drying rack and some soap. Wet bags are a great spot to store your clean pump parts in your bag, and also hold them after sessions. (Be sure to check out our pumping at work guide for a more comprehensive list!). 

Extra Pump Parts and A Backup

Breast pumps have quite a few parts to maintain and keep track of, so it’s a good idea to have a few extra pump parts on hand—like tubing, valves, flanges. You can order replacement parts through insurance with Babylist Health and they're also HSA/FSA eligible. Many pumping parents recommend having a manual pump in your stash as a backup option in case of a power outage or something happens with your primary pump. If you don’t have a double electric pump, using a passive milk catcher like the Elvie can save a few drops of your letdown on the side you’re not pumping.

Pump Cleaning Essentials

These cleaning supplies can help make your pumping routine a bit easier whether you’re at home or on-the-go.

Things for Comfort

And don’t forget some boob-care basics. Frequent pumping can be tough on your nipples and cause irritation and cracking. Nipple cream can relieve and prevent these types of issues and is helpful to keep on hand from the first time you pump through the last. You can also give silver nursing cups a try for some soothing relief. And did you know you don’t need to wait for a clog to use a lactation massager? Lots of nursing and pumping parents use vibration to encourage letdown and increase pumping output. You can use your FSA/HSA account to purchase all of these items.

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