At a glance:
If you’re looking for a well-known brand you can trust, it’s Medela. This essentials kit has all you need when you first start to breastfeed, making it a handy buy for any new mum. The pump itself is super-efficient, with breast cushions to ensure you stay comfortable and supported throughout. It’s a little nosier than others on the market, but it’s a great choice.
What they say:
“Carefully designed and selected for your convenience, this essentials pack includes the Medela Swing electric breast pump, Calma feeding device, Quick Clean bag, Pump & Save bags, disposable bra pads and Purelan100 nipple cream. The award-winning Swing single breastpump features Medela's two-phase technology, which mimics your baby's natural sucking behaviour and promotes gentle but efficient expressing. The pump motor is also quiet, allowing you to express more discreetly. The Calma feeding device provides a natural-feeling alternative to breastfeeding, and allows the milk to flow only when baby is sucking.”
Tested by mum Emmy Waller for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I'd recommend this because it uses a pre-pumping motion that imitates a baby suckling which gets the milk flowing faster. It's small and compact but powerful. It has adjustable settings so you can set it to what works with you and it's easy to clean too thanks to the accessories that come within the pack.
How did this product make your life easier?
This product means I can express my milk quickly and effortlessly. I had another pump before this and the Medela is much better quality and the accessories that come with it are also very helpful. There is a bag for sterilising which is much easier and faster than using my electric steriliser. It's compact and you can use batteries - so I can use it at work which is a big plus.
Would you choose this product to win?
I would choose this pump over others on the market because I've found it really useful. I have had other pumps in the past and they're not as good at extracting milk as this one. The bottles and accessories that come in the box with it are very good quality. For me it would win because I have not found another pump that works for me.
What changes would you make to this product?
I would like it if the tubing was longer so I could use it while I'm walking around or doing other things. The size was too big for me so I had to buy a replacement to be able to properly use it. It would also be good if the spare parts were cheaper as it was expensive to replace it with the one in my size.
Tested by mum Toni Weatherstone for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would recommend this product to another mum. The packaging is lovely, I loved opening the box up to find lots of hidden extras like storage bags and other useful items. The instructions were clear and informative and easy to follow and the handy bag helped to transport the item easily when on the go.
How did this product make your life easier?
This is a great breast pump, it is easy to use and it enables me to pump quickly and efficiently. The suction is good and I liked the different settings available. I would definitely use this pump again if I have another child, I also liked the handy bag to store the parts in.
Would you choose this product to win?
I wouldn't choose this product above all others on the market. I use a Ardo electric breast pump and the Medela doesn't quite match up to it. That said, the Medela is still an amazing breast pump and I would still recommend it. One area where the Medela does exceed the Ardo is its design, packaging and hidden 'extras' in the box.
What changes would you make to this product?
I would improve the suction of the product.
Tested by mum Eva Thomson for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would recommend this product to anyone as it is so much more efficient than any other breast pump I have tried. You can express a decent amount in such a short time and, as it can be used with batteries as well as plugged in, it can be used on the move. The pump parts are easy to wash and quick to assemble, un-assemble and store. It doesn't take up a lot of room if you need to transport it, fitting nicely into our changing bag. Also, the pack is great containing lots of must-haves for any nursing mum.
How did this product make your life easier?
This product enables me to pump breastmilk easily and quickly and I am able to express much more using this pump than I was able to using a manual pump - up to 4oz in 10 minutes. It is easy to sterilise in a steriliser bag or steam steriliser and it can be assembled in seconds. The pump and save bags are simple to use and don't take up much room in the fridge or freezer. The fact that they can be attached directly onto the pump saves even more time.
Would you choose this product to win?
Yes, I would choose this product above all other similar products on the market as the suction on it is far superior to any other pump I've used and the results are amazing! I really like this essentials pack as it contains all the little things that are useful on anyone's breastfeeding journey. The steriliser bag is so handy and I will definitely purchase more of these.
What changes would you make to this product?
The only thing I would possibly change about this product, although it genuinely doesn't even bother me that much, is the noise. It's fine if you are using it in a quiet room on your own but I have tried to use it a few times while watching TV and it's pretty distracting! The noise would also prevent you from pumping discreetly when out and about, which is one of the good things about it being able to run on batteries.
Tested by mum Bethan Wilks for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would 100% recommend this pack to any friend or first-time mum. It's really simple to put together, really easy to use and really good value for money! It comes with storage bags, breast pads and a quick sterilise bag. Right down to the manual, Medela have got this pack spot on – I am now completely in love with my new breast pump!
How did this product make your life easier?
The Medela Swing Essentials pack is brilliant. It came with everything you need to be able to pump and store milk and the way it simulates a baby suckling to get the let-down is fantastic. You can just pop it on the breast, turn it on and away you go! Because of its ease of use, I was able to play with my daughter and not have to think about changing settings etc.
Would you choose this product to win?
I completely believe that the Medela Essentials Pack should win a Mother & Baby award. The way it causes the let-down is far better than other pumps I have used and makes it stand out against other brands. Also, the way it completely sets you up with everything you need is brilliant. This is, by far, the best pump I have ever used!
What changes would you make to this product?
The only thing I found a little tricky was getting the tube into the electric part of the pump. I might just have been daft but I found it very stiff.
Tested by mum Jane Hallowes for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would recommend this product to a friend as I find it really simple and straight forward to use. The pack sets you up for your breastfeeding journey as it also comes with breast pads that are very soft and cushioned, which is something that is desperately needed for those first few weeks of breastfeeding! You also get a tube of nipple cream to help.
How did this product make your life easier?
I found it really easy to set up and start expressing. It can be used whilst feeding your little one from the other breast, so makes it a speedy process. In the box you also get the quick sterilisation pouches for the microwave which are really handy and easy to use and save time and space in the kitchen. You can also express straight into a freezable pouch to save time transferring the milk and also on washing up!
Would you choose this product to win?
I would choose this product again as they've really thought out what a new breastfeeding mum would want to receive in the box. I do think it should win best in its category for giving mums the complete package to start the feeding journey. They also cover all the practical things like transportation – a little bag is provided.
What changes would you make to this product?
The only thing I would think to change about this product is if the funnel could somehow suction on to the breast whilst expressing. Just for those times when you are feeding your little one as well and need both hands to rearrange etc. Other than that I was really pleased with the product and would buy again and recommend to others.
Tested by mum Kim Mcgowan for the Mother & Baby Awards 2017:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would definitely recommend this product - it's a fantastic breast pump. Very user friendly and efficient. The other items in the pack are great and so useful. I loved the steriliser bag and it was super handy for holidays. Great to have milk storage bags and breast pads too. Very highly recommended and good value for money.
How did this product make your life easier?
It's quick and effective so it allows you to pump a good quantity of milk without it taking up too much time. It's easily transportable too so was perfect for taking away on holiday and even came with a plug adapter. The pump has a let down setting which seems unique to this product and I found that worked very well for me. The only negative is that it is quite noisy.
Would you choose this product to win?
The pump itself is great quality, a user friendly design and super portable. It is efficient and effective. The other items in the kit are equally great quality and very useful for nursing mothers. It's great value for money and a really essential piece of kit.
What changes would you make to this product?
The one and only negative comment I can make about this product is really just a minor issue - the noise! It makes a low sort of droning sound that grates after a while and was audible above the television. I tend to express while watching tv so this was a little annoying. I have an ameda pump which is much quieter so it's a shame this one isn't.
Tested by mum Emily Massey for the Mother & Baby Awards 2017:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would recommend this product for the ease and comfort whilst expressing. It comes with clear instructions however the product is so easy to use there not necessary. It's so easy to clean and store. It is incredibly comfort and discreet I even used it in the back of the car whilst on a long journey. It's the full set with storage bags, breast pads and a bottle so everything you need to get started.
How did this product make your life easier?
It's incredibly discreet and quick. I manage to express 5 oz in 10 minutes, with other pumps it has taken me sometimes an hour and I still haven't expressed 5 oz. This means I can pump whilst little one naps where as before I'd need his dad to watch him as there was a high chance he'd wake. The storage bags are also a life saver!
Would you choose this product to win?
I've tried 2 other electric pumps and 3 manual and I would use this over all of them any day! The pumping settings and the ease of control including speed settings really help personalise it too what is best for yourself. The portability too, it can be both battery and mains operated!
What changes would you make to this product?
The one thing I would change would be the sound whilst pumping, it's not particularly loud but it can be heard so would be hard to use subtly, in a changing room for example. I would also change the nipple shield, although its great its clear so you can see it's on correctly it makes it hard to pump in a room with others!
Tested by mum Nicola Thompson for the Mother & Baby Awards 2017:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
Having tried nearly every breast pump on the market, Medela is the best that I have tried for ease of use, comfort, efficiency of pumping and ease of cleaning. I am very quickly able to pump 100ml with this pump with no discomfort. The freezer bags that come with this kit are great too for allowing me to stock up for if I'm ill or need to be away from my baby.
How did this product make your life easier?
Just the ease of expressing with the medela pump - it's so quick and comfortable. It has changeable levels of "suckiness" so that you can get the right level for you and an option to get it quickly on to the high volume setting if you need to pump and go. It has a handy belt clip and can be battery powered to so really good for pumping on the go!
Would you choose this product to win?
With Medela I don't think you can go wrong - it pumps far more efficiently and comfortably than any other pump I have tried. The ability to make it battery powered means you can pump on the go - really useful for when I was on holiday. Or even if on a night out away from the little one and you need to express just for comfort - you can pump and dump should you need to without having to find a plug socket to do so!
What changes would you make to this product?
If I could change one thing about this product it would be the mooing sound it makes when you are pumping - however it has become something of a running joke between me and my husband that I'm being milked again. This is fine in the comfort of my own home but not so discrete when out and about. Apart from that, the Medela pump is fab!
Tested by mum Clare Walmsley for the Mother & Baby Awards 2017:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I love the fact that it's everything you need in one place - no need to buy add-ons or have to think about any aspect of the feeding further; from the pumping to storage to nipple recovery, you're totally covered with this pack. This is invaluable when you're a new mum. The pump itself is easy to set up, clean and use, very efficient action and the controls are very simple to operate. almost self-explanatory. It looks small and unobtrusive, doesn't look as offputtingly medical as some pumps.
How did this product make your life easier?
Expressing helped get milk up to levels to meet baby's demand and this pump was much more efficient than others I had experienced - any bit of efficiency and time saved is invaluable with a baby and toddler! The design of the Calma bottle teat really did, as promised, make it easy to swap in the occasional bottle feed without disrupting breastfeeding, even in the early days, which we were worried about.
Would you choose this product to win?
It works brilliantly but what's most important is it has everything you need in one place. It really walks you through the process of pumping, which is crucial for a first time mum who might be nervous of pumping and massively helpful for second/third/fourth time mum who doesn't have any time to faff about with getting extra bits of kit or finding their own storage/cleaning solutions. This makes it good value for money too.
What changes would you make to this product?
I would like to see them include a cleverly designed carry kit for the pump to really complete the 'everything you need in one place' USP. Most pump carry kits are massive and sold as add ons. I wasn't using the pump outside the home so it didn't affect my usage but it would make me more likely to recommend it to a mum who was going back to work if it had a good carry case with it.
Tested by mum Lauren Stanley-Evans for the Mother & Baby Awards 2017:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
Without a doubt I would recommend this product to a friend. I used a Medela pump when my son and I were re-admitted to hospital with a dramatic weight loss, and the pump allowed me to increase my supply to feed him. When home we switched to a hand pump until this arrived - wow what a difference! The milk literally pours out of me! If anyone was to ask for a pump recommendation now I would definitely tell them to buy this one! It is small, compact, easy to take apart to clean, and easy to use. Plus the results speak for themselves in terms of milk volume!
How did this product make your life easier?
Although our son is fed on milk alone, it is nice to sometimes pass him over to my partner for a feed so I can do other things, like shower! (A luxury for a new mum!). So this Medela pump allows me to quickly and easily pump some milk for our son to allow him to have the occasional bottle. The pump doesn't hurt like some do, works really well at efficiently extracting the milk, and the essentials pack means that everything is covered - there are bottles, a wonderful Calma test which mimics breastfeeding, and the other things such as lanolin cream are a must for anyone embarking on their breastfeeding journey.
Would you choose this product to win?
Yes. They thing I like about the essentials pack is that it does cover everything. The Calma teat is amazing, our son has to suckle on it like he does on my breast, the milk won't just pour in to his mouth like it does with other bottles. The microwave steriliser bags are easy to use and are very quick, and nursing pads and lanolin are a must for anyone at the beginning of their breastfeeding journey. That's without the amazing pump itself, which works quickly and efficiently to exact the milk from your breasts.
What changes would you make to this product?
The noise of the motor! A couple of times I have been expressing with it in the middle of the night and I think the neighbours must wonder what on earth is going on! The constant ugh ugh ugh noise is loud and annoying, and I wish there was a way of making it quieter! Having said that I would still recommend this pump above all others and would definitely choose this pump again if I had to. It's easy to put up with the noise to get the results you want, but in the case of someone wanting to express in order to return to work for example, or pump whilst at work, this might be off putting.
Tested by mum Carolann Dick for the Mother & Baby Awards 2016:
Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?
The Swing Essentials Pack contains everything a Mum needs for breast feeding. Apart from the pump there are breast pads, nipple cream and breast milk storage bags. The breast pump is not bulky, and I was able to pump milk with ease. The pump is easy to put together and easy to clean.
How does this product make your life easier as a mum?
Having everything all together is a plus, no hunting around looking for something!
Tested by mum Carmen Bell for the Mother & Baby Awards 2016:
Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?
How wonderful to have everything together in one pack! The pump is easy to assemble and there is no mess! The good thing is it can be operated with batteries as an alternative to using he mains. I found that I expressed more milk when I used the mains. the pump actually mimics the way a baby sucks, making expressing so much easier!
How does this product make your life easier as a mum?
Battery operated, discrete, works well, what's not to make life easier for me!
If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?
Can't recommend it highly enough!
Tested by mum Elizabeth Emmanuel for the Mother & Baby Awards 2016:
Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?
I've been doing quite a bit of testing, and I must admit this breast pumping pack comes top of the list! Everything in one place! Everything that is needed! Everything so simple to use and clean! Most importantly the pump does an excellent job! It feels comfortable and is relatively discrete to use! It is great being able to feed my little one breast milk when we are in situations where breast feeding would raise eyebrows.
How does this product make your life easier as a mum?
The whole pack makes my life easier. Will recommend this pack to all new Mums!
Tested by mum Chris Brotherton for the Mother & Baby Awards 2016:
Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?
I'm new to breastfeeding and literally this was life-saving pack, it's all well and good having a breast pump but this tells you HOW to use it and all the other stuff in the kit! They should give these out in hospital. Found it easy to assemble to clean and it looked great with the classical medala colours.
How does this product make your life easier as a mum?
It's the best way to learn how to pump efficiently. I would give this to any of my new mummy friends
If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?
Nothing to change!
Product Information
Medela Swing Essentials Pack Breast Pump