How to Buy and Sell Used Breast Pumps Safely - GoodBuy Gear

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Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, transitioning to formula or something in between, just about every mom needs a breast pump in her life—be that for months, days or multiple pregnancies. 

However, buying a brand-new electric breast pump can be expensive. If you’re considering buying a pump secondhand to cut down on cost or are looking to sell your old pump to recoup some of that cash back, we don’t blame you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you go about it safely. 

Here's how to best shop for, sell and maintain your breast pump so it can go the distance and service you, your baby and other families down the line. 

Is Buying a Used Breast Pump Safe? 

Yes, buying a used breast pump is safe if you’re buying from a trusted online marketplace or friend/family member. We recommend opting for a closed system pump (like a Spectra). Open system pumps are not able to be completely sterilized without completely disassembling them (i.e. non-hospital grade Medelas). 

At GoodBuy Gear, we only accept secondhand breast pumps that are almost new. That means there are no stains, wear or large marks on any of the pumps, parts or bottles. We also double-check that the pumps are in working condition making sure the suction of the pumps are still effective and strong. 

Here’s how we inspect breast pumps before listing them on our site: 

1. We power on the device to ensure it stays on and runs 
2. We check for any damages to the pump itself 
3. We check the tubing for any signs of use 
4. If any accessories are included, we check for dried milk or other issues

If we notice any missing parts, malfunctions, damages or signs of use in the tubing, we do not list the pump. Learn more about our safety standards here. 

How to Buy A Used Breast Pump Safely

We get it. A breast pump is a personal thing that not only attaches to your body but also helps extract the breast milk that keeps your baby strong. It can get messy, but that doesn't mean these devices can't be reused.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a used breast pump: 

1. Make sure the pump was designed for multiple users: According to the FDA, you should only buy used breast pumps that are designed for multiple users. You should never buy a secondhand breast pump that is made for single users for safety reasons (multiple-user pumps are designed so that the milk supply never touches the pump parts that will be shared.) 
2. Check the manufacturer's warranty: For single-use pumps, buying used will violate the warranty, so always check with the manufacturer beforehand. 
3. Opt for a closed system breast pump: It’s not possible to completely sterilize the inside of open system pumps without completely disassembling them. This poses a risk of the pump being contaminated, which is why you should only buy closed-system breast pumps when shopping secondhand. 
4. Run your pump through the dishwasher: Even though your breast pump is clean, it’s always a good idea to run collection bottles through the dishwasher with your own preferred soap just to be safe. 
5. Shop from a trusted marketplace: Lastly, it’s super important to shop from a trusted marketplace or friend. 

It can be tempting to buy that cheap breast pump you see on Facebook groups or Craigslist, however, it’s not worth the risk. You should always do your own research and make sure to buy from a trusted source. At GoodBuy Gear, we check that the electronics work, but we don't actually test breast pumps out on ourselves, so we can not guarantee the effectiveness. We do ask sellers to only consign pumps that are still effective and strong. 

We also recommend purchasing a closed system pump (e.g. Spectras) as it is not possible to completely sterilize the inside of open system pumps (e.g. non-hospital grade Medelas) without completely disassembling them. The risk that your baby could become sick from the contamination in your pump is low but a risk nonetheless.

Top Breast Pumps to Buy Used 

Still interested in buying a secondhand pump? Our resident gear expert and mother of two, Kristin Hood, gives her honest review on the top three breast pumps to buy used. 

Elvie Breast Pump

Retail price: $549.99

Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $207

Pros

I love this used Elvie pump. It's made my pumping life so much easier and truly possible. I would never have been able to continue nursing as long as I have without it. It is a great pump for moms on the go, when having your second child or basically once you don't have time to be attached to a wall or giant pump anymore. 

It's quiet, cordless, hands-free and fits right into your bra. I can pump while working, driving, walking the dog, doing dishes or giving the kids a bath. I've even dropped my son at school with it in! Plus, it's FSA and HSA-eligible and has great resale value.

Cons

It takes some time to get the hang of placing it correctly and getting the right amount of suction for your needs. This is not a pump for moms who pump over five ounces easily at each pumping session. You would need to pay close attention to make sure it doesn't overflow or use the app to keep track of how full it's getting. 

Keep in mind it only holds a charge for about three, 20-to-30-minute pumping sessions, so you must re-charge each night.

Tips

This is not a pump you can come home from the hospital with and start using. I would recommend using it once your supply is established and you are on a solid pumping schedule. You pump into reusable bottles so you then need to transfer the milk to a freezer bag if you are storing milk. 

Spectra S1 Plus Breast Pump 

Retail Price: $216

Avg GoodBuy Gear Price: $34

Pros

When you first start pumping and come home from the hospital this is the pump you want by your side. It has strong suction and is rechargeable so you aren't tied to a wall. The charge lasts a long time. It has a timer on it, a night light and lots of other functions to help with getting the most out of your pumping. You can modify your settings and save them to fit your needs. I used this for the first three to four months at home with my new baby. 

Cons

There aren't any big cons, but you do need to use an actual pumping bra when using this pump. If you can only afford one pump, I'd get this one. 

Tips

I got this pump through my health insurance but still had to pay $80 out of pocket to get the S1 upgrade. According to the Affordable Care Act, your health insurance must cover a breast pump. However, whether a manual pump or electric pump is covered is based on your health care insurance. 

Spectra offers free pumping support from a lactation consultant, they will talk you through how to pump, how long and different cycles to try to promote more milk at each session. 

Medela Harmony Manual Hand Pump

Retail price: $26

Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $16

Pros 

This is a great pump to just have for when you need to do a quick pump in the bathroom at a wedding or work event. It gets the job done. Plus, it’s inexpensive. 

Cons

I would not recommend using this if you need to fully empty your breast. You have to manually pump yourself which can take some time. You can also only do one breast at a time. 

Tips

I like to keep one on hand to throw in my purse if I'm headed out to a late dinner, wedding or event and need some relief. You can also use it in the middle of the night when baby starts sleeping longer and you need relief as the time between feeds lengthen.

What to Do With Your Old Breast Pump 

If you are done breastfeeding and are looking to get rid of your old pump, you have a few options. 

1. Keep it: If you plan on having another little one in the future, you can keep your current breast pump and reuse it. 
2. Sell it: You can sell your breast pump if it is a multi-user, closed system pump in effective, clean, working condition. Bonus points if the warranty is still intact. 
3. Donate it: Similar to selling, you cannot donate open-system breast pumps. To learn more about how to donate your old pump, read our guide to where to donate baby items. 
4. Recycle it: If your pump does not work and cannot be easily fixed, you should recycle it. For example, pump motors that have slowed down should be recycled since they can't be easily fixed. Some pump manufacturers—like Medela—have pump recycling programs.

Tips to Keep Your Pump in Good Order

Whether you want to sell a breast pump after you're done nursing or want to keep it for the next baby, there are ways to make sure it can last.

• Wipe it down after each use: Grab a baby wipe, damp cloth or even tissue to make sure there's no milk spillage hardening on the surface. You will also want to clean the parts as soon as you are done, using warm to hot water and soap. Let them air dry. These methods not only will keep the pump and accessories clean, but sanitizes the baby gear for your own child. 
• As for the machine itself, try not to overrun it: Keep your pumps to 30 minutes or less. This way you won't be overheating the device and it will maintain proper function. 
• Replace faulty parts: If you notice the suction not working as well as before, look into replacing valves and tubes. There could be a pinprick hole or loss of elasticity in the silicone. 

Where to Sell Your Old Breast Pump 

Selling your breast pump is a great way to recoup some of the cash you spent on it. You can sell your gently used breast pump right here at GoodBuy Gear. Breast pumps are among the many used baby items we accept.

Whether you're buying or selling, you can shop or sell secondhand confidently knowing that we will do all of the heavy lifting for you. Whether that means listing your gently-used pump on our site to our nationwide network of parents or quality-checking each pump to ensure it is safe for the next home, we’re on a mission to keep good gear going ‘round. 

Happy pumping!

Rounding up money-saving tips is one of my favorite things. I get so excited when I find room in my budget to save for the future or spend money on something that matters to me, so I love sharing ways to spend less and save more.

So, here are some of my favorite money-saving tips I've come across lately:

1. "Facebook Buy Nothing groups are a lifesaver! I’ve been able to get a table and chairs for my dining room, a large dresser, snowboard boots for my daughter, lots of home decor, and several houseplants, all for free."

2. "Just asking myself, Do I reallllly NEED that item? Most of the time, I don’t, so nowadays, rather than racing out to pick it up, I stay home and think about how I’ve saved money, gasoline, air quality, and a little bit of my planet by not going and getting it. To say nothing of reducing my own anxiety levels!"

—lazytortoise89

"My big questions are, Do I have space for it? Do I have time to enjoy it? If an object is coming into this house, it needs a 'spot,' and that spot can't just be a pile.

"The exceptions are things I use for research (I occasionally teach and lecture on historic clothing) and needful hobby items."

—Lunamyluna

3. "I buy food through the Flashfood app. It's like a manager's special rack in app form. The food is expiring soon or is discontinued but still good. I usually buy whatever meat they have and freeze it until I use it. It's saved me quite a bit."

—lazycake78

4. "I keep three or four frozen meals from Trader Joe’s in my freezer for when the urge for takeout hits."

5. "I adopted this policy not long ago. I have to calculate how many meals I can create from a meat cut or seafood when deciding whether to buy it. I don't buy it when there's only enough for one meal, no matter how much I crave it. Very tough at the start, but it's gotten easier since."

—Prolix

6. "I buy all wrapping paper, gift bags, and other gift-wrapping items from the dollar store or HomeGoods. So much more affordable."

—bittertable44

7. "Unplugging things not in use is a huge one! It's estimated that 10%–15% of the average American's electric bill is stuff that’s plugged in but not in use, aka vampire energy."

8. "On payday, I put away for savings in an instant- or easy-access savings account. I spent a bit of time working out how much of my paycheck goes on regular bills and expenses and then set up a standing order to put most of the rest into an instant-access savings account the day after payday."

"I find I spend less on impulse buys because there's less in my account, but if I have a big or unexpected expense, I can easily move money back out of savings to cover it using online banking.

"Before I started doing that, I'd find myself spending my whole pay every month and relying on a credit card even for big costs I knew were coming up (e.g., car insurance)."

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—hannahh43

9. "I sat down and made a budget. I realized I had been lying to myself for decades. I am now getting back on track, and it’s painful and joyous all at once."

—u/frithar

10. "If you see something you like but don't know the cost of it — in your head, assign a price you'd be happy to pay for. When you find out the price, see how much you still want it if it varies greatly from the price in your head."

11. "My husband and I decided not to buy any food (other than fresh foods, like vegetables and fruits) until we emptied most of our freezer. We're still working on it. We put together some unusual meals but are saving money each week. And we've begun the process of removing meat and poultry from our diet, which will save more money as time goes along."

"When my insurance policies, cellphone contracts, etc., are set to renew, I always shop around. Most companies offer discounts to new customers, not to existing ones."

—wylyjoan

12. "I keep a small cooler in my car. I know I’m going to get hungry when I’m out running errands or shopping. So I stock the cooler before I leave home with things I want to snack on while I’m out driving around. I make sure some of it is fun stuff so I don’t feel the urge to stop for treats. This saves me from stopping at fast-food places and really keeps my splurges down."

—forestmelodies

13. "Increasing the time between recurring expenses like haircuts adds up to savings over time. I have long hair, which makes it more doable, but for example, six haircuts a year vs. four saves a lot while not actually denying you the pleasure of said haircut."

14. "Community events, for sure. My city library offers fun adult craft nights for free once a month. It's fun to meet new people and just relax. So far, I've taken a canvas painting class, a clay project class, and also a free sound bath/yoga class. Also, if you have a city library card, there's an app called Cloud Library to rent audiobooks and ebooks for FREE."

—u/ynicole22

"I haven’t heard of Cloud Library, but I use Libby, and it’s great! I highly recommend taking advantage of getting a library card."

—u/cucumberappleblizz

"Kanopy and Hoopla come with many libraries, as well. Movies and more e/audiobooks. Also, city passes to cool places."

—u/emu30

15. "A tip I always tell people is to think about how much time that money took to earn. Say, if you're paid $15 an hour, and that video game costs five hours to earn, after taxes, then you worked five hours for that video game. It's a good way to teach someone to be frugal early, especially if they hate their job."

—u/unendingone

16. "Rounding up. When tracking my spending, not only was it easier to tally, making me more likely to do it, but by rounding numbers up, it was also better because I tended to underestimate things and overspend."

17. "Buy in-season fruit and veg. It sounds like a no-brainer, but it also forces you out of your rut and makes you get creative. And if you are really craving strawberries in January (I know the feeling; the struggle is real), just get frozen ones. The fresh ones are usually gross. Oh, and watch your store ads for meat sales. Get some freezer bags, split it up, and freeze it. Or make a big batch of whatever and eat off of it for a few days."

—u/teamdogemama

18. "Paying yourself back. For example, I just bought a new pair of expensive shoes. The deal I had with myself is that I can buy these, but I have to save that amount of money on my next credit card statement. I use this for a lot of things. Quite honestly, it is probably too much, haha, but it only saves me money."

—u/ketchupandcheeseonly

19. "Use curbside pickup as much as possible. If you don’t go into the store, then you won’t buy unnecessary stuff. It also saves a lot of time and hassle."

20. "To save money and waste less food, figure out a few cheap meals you can eat daily, weekly, or several times a month — beans and rice, oatmeal, grilled cheese and tomato soup, whatever. There are a few things this can help with. You save money on groceries and waste less food because you’ll use up all the ingredients, bonus points if it’s mostly shelf stable ingredients. It can save time and decision fatigue because you don’t have to decide what to eat; your brain knows you have red beans and rice on Mondays, and you finish any leftovers on Wednesdays, etc. You have oatmeal for breakfast every day, and always add whatever fruit you need to use up."

"My personal favorite is beans and rice. There are so many versions from around the world to try, and you can always add whatever meat or vegetables you need to use, even in small quantities. It’s also easy to turn any leftovers into soup."

—u/gullible_concept_428

21. "Buy the sample size first before you commit to the full product. This has saved my ass on shampoos I didn't like, makeup, sunscreens, and even food. Buy the small portion size first, then, if you like it, buy the bulk saving size."

—u/meatballbusiness

22. "I shop around for my insurance every January, since it's the beginning of a new year. I also do my health checkups and major car maintenance. One year, I actually saved $200 on my insurance by switching to another company."

23. "When shopping for clothes or accessories online, I rarely buy immediately or pay full price ever. I’ll usually save the item and wait at least a month to see if I still want it. If I do, then I will buy in a sale. OR my other little hack: I look at the brand's tagged photos on Instagram. Quite often, you will find a tagged pic of an influencer with a discount code!"

—u/sunny_and_lucky88

24. "I've instituted a system where I buy things on Wednesdays. For absolute emergencies (usually related to my 18-month-old), I will make an exception. But groceries, gas, Costco, and even Amazon are all done on a Wednesday. If I think I need or want something, I wait until the next Wednesday, and by that point, I usually don't need or want it anymore."

—u/missmegz

25. "Pick a store and get really good at using their rewards system. I just don't have the time or energy to be going to a bunch of different places. We go to Safeway and Costco — Trader Joe's maybe once a month for wine and snacks. I have had the Safeway app for years, and at this point, it gives me deals on stuff I buy. I know it is far from the 'cheapest,' but it's a clean store with a layout I am very familiar with. With the app deals, I feel like I get within striking distance of some of the cheaper places."

26. "Watch who and what you follow on social. I unfollowed a lot of influencers who were overconsuming. I love following the ones who teach you to shop your closet."

—u/dcmom14

27. "Really enjoying/using/repurposing what you have is a satisfying alternative both to recreational shopping and to buying stuff in general. I've been focusing more on that this past year as I go through a frugality and decluttering process, and it's honestly great."

—u/agitpropgremlin

"Repairing as well — I had a backpack that had several pockets that split along the zipper seams. Actually sitting down and fixing those with some fabric and a sewing machine (though hand would work too) was particularly satisfying, so I didn't need to go out and get an alternative."

—u/Balthanon

28. "Check the markdown racks at your grocery. I find cheap cereal, bread, and veggies that I can prep and freeze. Go early in the morning, and meat going out of date that day is often marked down. Take it home, portion it out, and freeze it."

29. "I have learned to repair almost any home appliance. YouTube is a lifesaver and has literally saved me thousands of dollars. Furnace, AC, dishwasher, oven, washer, dryer, and sump pump — I have fixed them all."

—u/Gibbons74

30. "If you're thinking about buying a new appliance (like an air fryer or a slow cooker), check the local thrift stores and garage/yard sales first. You can sometimes pick up an expensive appliance for just a few dollars. 'Used' often means they tried it once and didn't use it after that. I've gotten a brand-new air fryer still in the original box for $5."

—u/TheFairyingForest

"Facebook Marketplace is a nice spot for slightly used appliances."

—u/k-c-jones

31. "Never buy treats at full price. Obviously, the most frugal thing to do is not to eat out at all, but if you want to incorporate the occasional treat into your lifestyle — date night, etc. — just don't do it at full price. Use local discount coupon books, go to the Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day, get the birthday club freebies on your birthday, and use fast-food app discounts. Our local burger place has a two-for-one special that comes up every six weeks or so. We don't always use it, but now that we know it exists, paying full price seems so obnoxious that we never do!"

32. "All of these are good ideas, but the best (and I mean absolute best) advice for being frugal is having or finding a partner who has the same financial goals. You simply cannot and will not be able to save and be frugal if your partner does not have the same mindset. My wife and I look at our budget radically. Do we need every item? Do we really need a second car? Keep this in mind when you’re dating."

—u/Scout-CM

33. "This year, I stopped getting coffee and drinks outside. This saves me about $125 to $150 per month. I’m unexpectedly not even missing it, and I’m planning to throw this money into my retirement account."

—u/iridescent__wings

34. "Switching to an old-school razor blade razor instead of the plastic ones. Shaves fantastically, lasts forever, and razor blades are incredibly cheap."

35. "Menstrual cup and menstrual underwear. I never even feel that I'm on my period anymore."

—u/floriish

36. "Cutting the tops off tube containers like face wash, lotion, etc., and scooping out the rest of what is left has been a big money saver! You’ll be amazed at how much is still left once it stops squeezing out. To keep the product from drying out, slide the cut piece down onto the area where you made the cut."

—u/Icy-Tomatillo-

37. "I got some more containers and now make as much food as possible. Doubling the amount of food rarely involves twice the work. Then I freeze what I know I can't eat. Frozen soup or chili lasts months; I can have a whole buffet in my freezer and not eat the same thing all the time."

38. "Try cascading leftovers, or meals where the leftovers 'lead' or cascade into another. Baked potato one night turns into potato soup the next. Chili can be repurposed into spaghetti sauce or put on top of chips for nachos. I personally roast a chicken with veggies. The carcass turns into chicken noodle soup. I get a couple meals and lunches for four for a price under $30 total."

—u/napsrule563

39. "After you've gotten the discount signing up for a shopping website's mailing list, unsubscribe from the emails."

—u/prodigalnun

40. "I do a fiscal fast once a month. I'll fuel up my vehicle, get at least 10 days worth of groceries, and the goal is to spend absolutely ZERO dollars for those 10 days. So, for about 1/3 of the year, I don't spend a penny. Works for me!"

41. "Sell anything you don’t use on eBay. Make some extra money and declutter your space. For example, I bought a TV and didn’t use the stand legs because I mounted it on the wall. Sold the stand legs on eBay for $30! Also, someone is using it, and it doesn’t have to go into a landfill. Win-win!"

—u/macaronsforeveryone

42. "Get estimates and shop around for car insurance, internet provider, cellphone carrier, credit card rates, etc. It is work and time, but I have saved serious money. Taking the time to make that call saves way more money than scrimping on little things (though I do that, as well). I just wish companies valued longtime customers."

—u/laugust27

43. "Find a friend that is also frugal. For me personally, my social life is the hardest thing to save money on, because many of my friends spend money quite easily. Always being the only one who insists on having a cheap night makes me feel like a total pain in the ass. One of my buddies is also trying to save up money, and so far, it has been really nice to have a partner in crime. We made a list of frugal activities, and often do something cheap/free whenever we hang out. And when we're with a larger group, it's still easier to be cheap together than alone."

44. "Delete any food ordering apps off your ! I had DoorDash and Grubhub and didn’t realize just how much I was spending on delivery. For any given meal, by the time you do delivery fees, upcharges, and tip, you can easily be spending $20 (or more) on just the app! Since I deleted the apps and either drive to pick up or make food at home, I’ve saved literally hundreds a month."

—u/heyynickkayy

45. "I keep a dry erase list of what we have in the fridge and freezer so I don’t have to go looking and I can get a better idea of what to cook this way. Cuts down on food waste."

—u/panicinthecar

46. "Double check your health insurance benefits (US specific). I know a lot of people who get health insurance through their work that have some type of 'healthy incentive' program. This is a program where they will give you money toward something they deem as healthy, match the amount of money you make in purchases they deem as healthy, give you some type of discount in some type of healthy product, or something like that. Your insurance probably won't go out of their way to tell you if you have one of these programs. If you have insurance that does this, take advantage. Get money off your produce. Get free pre-prepared healthy meals. Get a free gym membership."

47. "I only buy out-of-season clothes. I have a $700 coat that I bought brand new for $100, and it will last me for life with proper maintenance. Helps, too, that I'm a man. We don't really do fashion trends, lol."

—u/franklinsuglydolphin

48. "Buy your cellphone outright and then use a prepaid month-to-month plan."

—u/quadrophonicdaydream

49. "When something you use regularly is on sale, stock up. My family likes to make Starbucks espresso at home, and a small bag is now $10. When it’s on sale for its pre-COVID price, I buy two or more extra and start to build up a stock pile. Eventually, you will have a lot of the staple foods you use so your weekly grocery bill will be just fresh foods."

50. "Stack savings when you can, as well. The big jug of laundry detergent we use is regularly $9.48 at Walmart, and more expensive anywhere else. One other grocery store here recently had it on sale for $6.99, plus a $1 digital coupon in their app, bringing it to $5.99 per jug. In Ibotta, I had an offer for $3 back on each with a limit of five, so naturally, I bought five of them at essentially $2.99 per jug. At the rate we use it, we likely won't have to buy laundry detergent for a decade or more."

—u/gofunkyourself69

51. "I learned that I can use half, or even a quarter as much shampoo, toothpaste, body wash, hand soap, as I used to. It’s a very little thing, but I really do think it adds up, especially because when I go to CVS or Walgreens to get shampoo, I always end up getting a bunch of other crap I don’t need."

—u/rumtiger

52. "If your vehicle has the ability to show your MPG [miles per gallon], pay attention to it. Driving faster burns more fuel. Leave a little earlier and drive a normal speed instead of rushing around."

53. "The Ibotta app and the Rakuten app combined over the last three years have netted me over $1,500. Sometimes it seems so insignificant to get change amounts back on purchases, but they add up, and I use them consistently."

—u/knaimoli619

54. "I rent DVDs and stream shows through the library instead of having a streaming service subscription. Each month, I go through Rotten Tomatoes and make a list of things I want to see, then request them from my library. It meets my needs, and saves me roughly $30 a month."

—u/ok-fact

55. "I pay with everything using cash back credit cards and pay my statement in full every month."

56. "I started getting cash out each month instead of using my debit card. It was SO easy for me to just swipe my card and not really pay attention to what I was spending. With physical cash in my wallet, I keep much better track of my spending and don’t go over budget. I also don’t spend coins. All my change goes into a jar, and I turn it in every few months. Easy way to save up an extra $40–$50 each month that I barely notice, and it becomes my vacation fund."

—u/heyynickkayy

57. And finally, "For me, it was quitting smoking. You never realize how much you're spending on it until you're not."

—u/pulledoveragain

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Is there anything else you would add? Share your favorite money-saving tips and tricks in the comments!