With a wide range of breast pump accessories available in the market, it often becomes difficult to choose between the different varieties.
Here is a brief synopsis of the most common accessories, and their uses.
Breast pump kit: Whether you are using/ renting a pump, you will need one of these.
If you are buying a pump, this will probably be included in the package.
You may sometimes need to replace the kit because of wear and tear.
Make sure the kit is compatible with your brand of pump and with the bottles/storage pouches you intend to use.
Closed system kit: These are more convenient and protect collected milk from potential contaminants.
Ensure that the kit has FDA approval.
Normally, the lesser the parts in the kit, the lesser assembling and cleaning hassles, you face.
If you expect to be a frequent user, you'd better opt for dishwasher safe versions.
Sterilizer: You will need a sterilizer not only to sterilize the pump accessories, but also baby bottles and other feeding equipment.
Electronic steam sterilizers come at around $80, and sterilize a considerable bulk of baby equipment in a short span of time.
You may also choose microwave steam sterilizers at about $30.
These are also safe and quick.
At about $6, you can also get microwave steam bags to clean breast pump accessories.
Just fill the bags with water with the parts inside the bag and microwave for about 2 minutes.
Milk freezer bag: If you intend to express and store breast milk, you may consider freezer bags.
These do not crack or split when frozen and keep odors out.
Normally, sealing appliances are provided with the bags.
About 20 calibrated bags come for around $10.
You may also buy feeding bottles which are compatible with your pump set.
The milk is expressed directly into the bottles, stored and used when required.
Breast pump and accessories wipes: These provide convenient cleaning options after milk expression sessions.
A pack of 40 wipes cost about $19.
Breast pump bras or expression bustier: These are designed for frequent users of breast pump.
They let you to keep your hands free for reading/holding the phone while you are using breast pumps.
At about $35, these are available at online stores.
Here is a brief synopsis of the most common accessories, and their uses.
Breast pump kit: Whether you are using/ renting a pump, you will need one of these.
If you are buying a pump, this will probably be included in the package.
You may sometimes need to replace the kit because of wear and tear.
Make sure the kit is compatible with your brand of pump and with the bottles/storage pouches you intend to use.
Closed system kit: These are more convenient and protect collected milk from potential contaminants.
Ensure that the kit has FDA approval.
Normally, the lesser the parts in the kit, the lesser assembling and cleaning hassles, you face.
If you expect to be a frequent user, you'd better opt for dishwasher safe versions.
Sterilizer: You will need a sterilizer not only to sterilize the pump accessories, but also baby bottles and other feeding equipment.
Electronic steam sterilizers come at around $80, and sterilize a considerable bulk of baby equipment in a short span of time.
You may also choose microwave steam sterilizers at about $30.
These are also safe and quick.
At about $6, you can also get microwave steam bags to clean breast pump accessories.
Just fill the bags with water with the parts inside the bag and microwave for about 2 minutes.
Milk freezer bag: If you intend to express and store breast milk, you may consider freezer bags.
These do not crack or split when frozen and keep odors out.
Normally, sealing appliances are provided with the bags.
About 20 calibrated bags come for around $10.
You may also buy feeding bottles which are compatible with your pump set.
The milk is expressed directly into the bottles, stored and used when required.
Breast pump and accessories wipes: These provide convenient cleaning options after milk expression sessions.
A pack of 40 wipes cost about $19.
Breast pump bras or expression bustier: These are designed for frequent users of breast pump.
They let you to keep your hands free for reading/holding the phone while you are using breast pumps.
At about $35, these are available at online stores.
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