Manual Breast Pumps

The Medela Harmony is a top-rated manual model

Manual breast pumps are a good choice when all you need is to occasionally relieve engorgement or fill a bottle so you can take a break.

That's how most moms use our Best Reviewed Medela Harmony (*Est. $30) manual pump, and some say it works so well that they prefer it to electric models. It features the same two-step expression system as all Medela pumps that mimics the actions of a nursing baby, which helps trigger the milk letdown reflex and results in more efficient pumping over a shorter period. It's easy to use and clean, and accessories are usually available at local supermarkets, department stores or drug stores. It gets glowing reviews as a travel pump or as emergency backup to an electric pump.

The Lansinoh Manual (*Est. $30) is a popular pump on several consumer review sites because of its ease of use and good suction. Unlike the Medela Harmony, all of the Lansinoh's parts are dishwasher safe. However, its handle doesn't pivot, something reviewers say makes it harder to find a comfortable position. The Lansinoh also gets a lot of complaints for a squeaky handle, which eventually becomes a deal-breaker for some moms.

Both of these breast pumps are highly portable and comparably priced, and users rave about the one-handed pumping action that doesn't tire their hands or wrists. The Harmony rates better because of its quiet performance and ability to pivot. Medela is also tops in the industry in customer service, including providing breastfeeding support to their customers.