Best Manual Silicone Pump: Haakaa Generation 2 - 100% food-grade silicone, collects letdown passively
Best Pump + Storage Combo: Haakaa Pump & Milk Collector - Versatile set for pumping and collecting
Best Milk Storage: Haakaa Silicone Storage Bag - Reusable, toxin-free alternative to plastic bags
One of the first things I learned is that not all breast pumps are created equal. Especially when it comes to what they're made of. Most electric pumps have parts that come into direct contact with breast milk, and many of those parts are made from polycarbonate plastic or contain BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
The research is clear: these chemicals can leach into breast milk, especially when plastic parts are heated, sterilized repeatedly, or exposed to fat (which breast milk obviously contains). When Kyle started breaking down the materials used in popular pump brands, we realized we needed a cleaner option.
That's when we found Haakaa. Their silicone pumps are made from 100% food-grade silicone with no plastic parts touching your milk. They're manual, which means no motors, no batteries, and no electricity. Just simple suction that collects milk passively while you nurse or pump on the other side.
Why Breast Pump Materials Matter
Breast milk is high in fat, and fat-soluble chemicals leach more readily from plastic into milk. Studies have found BPA, phthalates, and other plasticizers in expressed breast milk when mothers use pumps with plastic collection bottles or tubing.
Even "BPA-free" plastic isn't necessarily safe. Many manufacturers replaced BPA with BPS or BPF, which are structurally similar and show similar hormone-disrupting effects in studies. The safest option is to avoid plastic contact with breast milk entirely whenever possible.
Silicone is chemically inert, meaning it doesn't react with or leach into the substances it touches. Food-grade silicone is what's used in medical devices, baby bottle nipples, and surgical implants because it's non-toxic, stable at high temperatures, and safe for repeated sterilization.
What to Look For
Any part that touches breast milk should be made from food-grade silicone. This includes the flange, collection container, valves, and any tubing or connectors.
Even if the pump motor housing is plastic, the milk collection system should be entirely silicone or glass. Avoid pumps where milk flows through plastic tubing or collects in plastic bottles.
Fewer parts mean fewer points of failure and easier cleaning. Manual silicone pumps like Haakaa have just one or two pieces total. No complicated assemblies or hard-to-clean crevices.
Look for pumps that can be boiled or steam-sterilized without degrading. Silicone is stable up to 400°F, so you can sterilize it repeatedly without worrying about chemical breakdown.
Single-use plastic milk storage bags create waste and unnecessary plastic exposure. Reusable silicone storage bags are a cleaner, more sustainable option.
What to Avoid
Polycarbonate is a hard, clear plastic commonly used in pump collection bottles. It's made with BPA and can leach endocrine disruptors into breast milk, especially when heated or sterilized.
BPA-free plastics often contain BPS, BPF, or other bisphenol replacements that show similar hormone-disrupting effects. The safest approach is to skip plastic entirely.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) can contain phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. Even "phthalate-free" PVC uses alternative plasticizers that aren't well-studied.
Most disposable milk storage bags are made from polyethylene, which can leach microplastics and additives into stored milk. They also create unnecessary waste.
Complex pump assemblies with lots of small parts, valves, and membranes are hard to clean thoroughly and can harbor bacteria. Simpler is better for hygiene and safety.
Our Top Picks
Haakaa Generation 2 Silicone Breast Pump with Suction Base
This is the breast pump that changed the game for my wife. Made from 100% food-grade silicone with absolutely no plastic parts, the Haakaa Gen 2 is a manual suction pump that collects milk passively while you nurse or pump on the other side. No electricity, no batteries, no motors. Just gentle suction.
The suction base is a brilliant upgrade from the original Haakaa. It sticks to any flat surface so you don't have to worry about knocking it over mid-pump. The 4 oz capacity is perfect for a single pumping session, and the wide opening makes it easy to pour into storage containers without spilling.
Because it's all silicone, you can boil it, steam it, or throw it in the dishwasher without any concerns about chemical leaching. It's also incredibly simple — one piece, no valves, no membranes, no complicated assembly. Cleaning takes about 10 seconds.
Haakaa Silicone Pump & Milk Collector Combo
This combo set gives you maximum flexibility for different pumping situations. It includes the classic Haakaa silicone pump plus a milk collection cup that attaches to your bra for hands-free collection. Both pieces are 100% food-grade silicone with no plastic contact.
The milk collector is genius for those moments when you're leaking but don't need full suction. It just catches the drips passively so you don't waste milk or soak through nursing pads. The pump works the same way as the Generation 2 but without the suction base (so it's more compact for travel).
Having both options means you can use the pump for active collection during nursing sessions and switch to the passive collector when you just need to catch letdown throughout the day. Both pieces are dishwasher-safe and can be boiled for sterilization.
Haakaa Silicone Milk Storage Bag & Sippy Spout Combo
This reusable silicone storage bag is the clean alternative to disposable plastic milk storage bags. Made from food-grade silicone, it holds up to 9 oz of breast milk and can go straight from freezer to bottle warmer to baby without transferring between containers.
The included sippy spout is a brilliant feature. When your baby is old enough, you can attach the spout directly to the bag and skip the bottle entirely. The bag lays flat for efficient freezer storage and has measurement markings so you can see exactly how much milk is inside.
Unlike plastic storage bags that can only be used once, these silicone bags are reusable for years. They're dishwasher-safe, can be boiled for sterilization, and won't leach any chemicals into your milk even after dozens of freeze-thaw cycles.
Manual Silicone Pumps vs. Electric Pumps
Haakaa-style silicone pumps work differently than electric pumps, and it's important to understand what they're designed for.
Silicone Manual Pumps Are Best For:
Collecting letdown from the opposite breast while nursing, relieving engorgement, building a small freezer stash, catching milk that would otherwise leak into nursing pads, travel (no batteries or charging needed), and moms who want a non-toxic option without plastic parts.
Electric Pumps Are Better For:
Exclusive pumping (not nursing directly), pumping at work for extended periods, maximizing milk output in a short time, and stimulating milk production when supply is low.
Our take: If you're nursing and just want to build a freezer stash or collect extra milk, the Haakaa is perfect and eliminates plastic exposure entirely. If you need to pump exclusively or pump large amounts regularly, you'll likely need an electric pump. Just look for models with silicone or glass collection bottles instead of plastic.
Pumping & Storage Best Practices
Sterilize Before First Use
Boil all pump parts for 3-5 minutes before using them for the first time. After that, washing with hot soapy water after each use is sufficient for most situations.
Store Milk Properly
Freshly pumped milk can stay at room temperature for 4 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 days, and in the freezer for 6-12 months. Always label storage bags with the date.
Thaw Safely
Never microwave breast milk — it creates hot spots and can destroy beneficial antibodies. Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight or run the storage bag under warm water.
Clean Immediately After Use
Rinse pump parts with cold water right after pumping to prevent milk residue from drying and sticking. Then wash with hot soapy water or run through the dishwasher.
Inspect Regularly
Check silicone parts for tears, cracks, or discoloration. Replace any damaged pieces immediately. Properly cared for, silicone pumps can last for years.
Common Breastfeeding & Pumping Questions
How do I know if the Haakaa is working?
You should see milk collecting in the pump within a few minutes. If nothing is happening, try adjusting the suction or repositioning the pump. Some women respond better to the Haakaa than others. It's not a failure if it doesn't work for you.
Can I use the Haakaa exclusively instead of an electric pump?
For most nursing moms who want to build a freezer stash, yes. If you're exclusively pumping (not nursing at all) or need to pump large volumes quickly, an electric pump will be more efficient.
How long do silicone storage bags last?
With proper care, they can last for years. Inspect them regularly for tears or damage. If the silicone becomes sticky, cloudy, or develops an odor, it's time to replace them.
Is it safe to freeze breast milk in silicone bags?
Yes. Silicone is safe for freezer storage and won't leach chemicals even through multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Just leave some space at the top of the bag for milk to expand as it freezes.
The Bottom Line
Breastfeeding is hard enough without worrying about toxic chemicals leaching into your milk. Switching to 100% silicone pumps and storage eliminates plastic exposure entirely and gives you fewer parts to clean and sterilize.
For most nursing moms, the Haakaa Generation 2 is all you need to build a freezer stash and collect milk that would otherwise be wasted. Add the reusable silicone storage bags and you've got a complete, toxin-free pumping and storage system.
Every product on Simple Steps Market has been individually vetted by Kyle and Amanda for material safety. No questionable plastics, no greenwashing, just products you can trust with your baby's nutrition.
Vetted by our co-founders Kyle Fitzgerald (@cleankitchennutrition, 700K+ followers) and Amanda Rocchio (@meowmeix, 1.6M+ followers), who bring extensive ingredient expertise to every product we feature.
