Hey, Pumping Friend!
Let's talk about the part of pumping that nobody warns you about: the never-ending cycle of washing pump parts. 😅
If you're pumping multiple times a day, it can feel like you're living in front of your sink, hands pruney, constantly washing. And between figuring out the right flange size, building a stash, and actually feeding your baby, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you're cleaning your pump parts "correctly" or "enough."
Here's the truth: if your baby is full-term and healthy, you have more flexibility than you think.
The CDC has gold-standard guidelines, and those are absolutely essential if your little one is immunocompromised or in the NICU. But for most parents, there's room to find what works for your life without the stress.
So let's break it down into three approaches: Good, Better, and Best. Ultimately the "right" way is the way that keeps you sane and your baby safe.
Good: When You're On the Go
Life doesn't stop for pump sessions, and sometimes you're pumping in less-than-ideal situations… like in your car, a changing room, or at the airport. Even without a sink or fridge nearby, you can still keep things clean and safe.
Here are some things you can do:
🍼 Wipe down your pump parts between sessions using pump-safe cleaning wipes or spray. These are specifically designed for breast pump parts and are a lifesaver when you're out and about.
🍼 Pack extra sets of flanges duckbill valves and backflow protectors. If you know you won't have access to water, bring backup parts so you can swap in a fresh set for each session.
🍼 Store used parts in a sealed bag until you can wash them properly. At the end of the day, give everything a thorough wash with hot, soapy water and let it air dry completely on a clean paper towel.
💡 Pro tip: Skip the cloth towel! Both the CDC and FDA recommend air drying on paper towels because cloth can harbor bacteria.
Better: The Fridge Method
If you're pumping at home or work where you have access to a sink and fridge, this method is your secret weapon. Think of your pump parts like any other food item. Most bacteria can't grow quickly enough to be harmful in cold temps, so the fridge becomes your best friend.
Here's the routine:
🍼 Rinse your pump parts after each session. A quick rinse keeps milk from building up, which can mess with your pump's suction over time.
🍼 Pop everything into a large Ziploc bag and stash it in the fridge (or a cooler with ice packs) between pump sessions.
🍼 At the end of the day, give all your pump parts a good scrub with hot, soapy water and a dedicated bottle brush. Let everything air dry on clean paper towels or a drying rack.
This method saves you SO much time throughout the day, while still keeping things safe and clean. It's a sanity-saver for working moms or anyone juggling multiple pump sessions throughout the day!
Best: For Medically Fragile Infants
If your baby is in the NICU, arrived prematurely, or has any kind of immune system concerns, following the strictest cleaning guidelines after every pump session is really important. This is also the method the CDC recommends for maximum safety.
Here's the full routine:
🍼 Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching your breasts, pump, or pump parts.
🍼 Wash all pump parts in hot, soapy water using a bottle brush that's dedicated only to pump parts and bottles. Rinse everything under running water or in a separate basin (not your regular sink).
🍼 Let everything air dry completely on clean paper towels in a spot that's dust-free. This includes your bottle brush!
🍼 Or, use your dishwasher! If your pump parts are dishwasher-safe, the high heat and drying cycle do a great job of getting everything clean.
💡Pro tip: although it takes longer, washing everything by hand (rather than in the dishwasher) typically prolongs the life of your pump parts. Repeated washing or sterilizing at high heat can cause some pump parts to warp or become brittle more quickly.
Want to take it a step further? If you'd like to sanitize your pump parts at the end of each day, you can use microwave steam bags (they work in about 3 minutes!) or a UV sterilizer.
A Few Final Thoughts
Here's what we want you to remember: your baby isn't growing up in a sterile bubble, and that's okay! If your little one is healthy and full-term, your body and your milk are already giving them everything they need to build a strong immune system.
Pumping is hard enough without adding unnecessary stress about whether you're doing it "perfectly." Find the method that fits into your life, and give yourself grace on the days when things don't go according to plan.
You're doing an amazing job. Every drop of milk you provide is a gift, and you're nourishing your baby in the best way you can.
✨ Want more expert tips on making pumping easier? Follow our Pumpologist series for advice from our resident Pumpologists!
