Tommee Tippee Single Electric Breast Pump

After a second electric breast pump purchase you might think that shopping item can be permanently checked off your list... think again. Mini me and I went through the Lansinoh Affinity Pro after a week, as well as the Medela Swing after a month and now I'm on the Tommee Tippee single electric breast pump. There are major differences between the three models I have used, and I wanted to take some time to explore them.

Unlike the Medela, Lansinoh's Affinity Pro is features a closed pump design (which means there's no chance of backflow). Within a months time my Medela Swing started to pump back up into the pump, regardless of a membrane change (to ensure proper sealing). This gives mold the opportunity to grow in your pump, which is put right into the fresh milk. The old milk hardens and can make it difficult for everything to work properly. Needless to say, I began noticing a weaker suction, and was soon unable to supply my 2 month old with a suitable quantity to get through the day.

One thing I liked about the Tommee Tippee pump is that it's guaranteed (featured right on the box) to have 0% back flow! And, when you take a look at the pump's membrane design, you can easily understand how this pump's assembly provides this guarantee as something you can trust. Another favorite feature is the soft silicone that fits over the plastic breast shield. Not only is it more comfortable, but it mimics baby's sucking and reflexes as they nurse, to provide you with a more relaxing pumping session - yielding more.

After my week of use I have to say I'm rather surprised with the amount of milk I've been able to express, regardless of the fact that I have been sick (which generally affects your supply). Generally I start the week with a strong 5 ounces after my first Monday session, and have a steady 1 ounce drop as each day passes. With the Tommee Tippee I have not only been steady in expressing 5 ounces in my first daily session, but I actually pumped 2 more ounces two days into the week! This pump also allows me to pump more in a shorter amount of time; 40 minutes total time rather than an hour.

The settings on an improved Tommee Tippee single electric pump are user variable, meaning it isn't automatic. Although I originally loved the auto change setting on the Swing pump, I now prefer the changeability Tommee Tippee offers. According the to flow of your milk, you can move up on the scale with the press of a button, or even go back down! There is one button for each setting, so if you need to back off two settings you simply press one button and you're done.

If I were to rate each of my pumps, I'd have to say it's been an improvement with each return. Lansinoh Affinity Pro would receive three stars. Although the closed pump design deserves a five star rating, it loses one star because the pump isn't really strong enough to support two pumps running at once. It loses another due to the fact there were too many pieces to take apart come cleaning time.

Medela Swing would receive two and a half stars. The brand name makes you feel safe, but when you experience a back flow, and read about the potential health dangers to your infant, the overall design loses two stars. Another half star is taken off for not efficiently expressing milk.

Thus far, Tommee Tippee gets four and a half stars. It's more efficient, features a better, simple, design that's easy to take apart and clean, fits my bottles without an adapter and needs one strip of surgical tubing. Tommee Tippee loses half a star from being a lot louder than the other two, and I mean quite a bit louder.

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature

When it comes to purchasing bottles for your little one you would think all products are the same, right? Not exactly. See, it all depends on whether you're breastfeeding or using formula, have special needs or looking to prevent gas.

A previous post took Similac's SmartBottle and compared it to The First Years Breastflow. Although Similac is making great strives to produce a bottle similar to the breast, other companies have come forward with superior products. Let's look at the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature.

The 9 ounce bottle (pictured right) features a mom-like nipple - fully set with vent - on a wide neck bottle. It's BPA free and breast pump compatible (check out the adapter sold here!). Not only does the wider design make it easier to hold, but allows for easier cleaning so you don't have to boil bottles after each use. When your baby is ready to move up in nipple size they can be purchased in 0+, 3+ and 6+ sizes.

If you're concerned with quality and ease of use you don't have to look much further. My baby (who was solely breastfed) latched straight onto her Tommee Tippee without a second thought. She loved the Breastflow, and equally favors the Tommee. She hasn't displayed any problems with gas (as she did with the Similac), and loves the stretchability of the nipple.

You will find Tommee Tippee products are rather affordable (pump adapter is only $5), especially when bottles are purchased in multiples. Target just happens to offer one of the better prices online, a three pack for $18, which calculates out to $6 a pop. However, you can always check eBay for some new bottles throughout the US, or bid on some used sets if you're comfortable sterilizing.

Tommee Tippee on Zulily

There are times when I find myself getting so excited over something that I have to drop whatever I'm doing to share a great deal. This is one of those times! Although Zulily always posts fabulous sales on a daily basis, this one in particular is a better find throughout my time as a member. So, without further ado, please don't miss out on this Tommee Tippee deal!

If you're a frequent Target shopper you'd know that the base model Tommee Tippee breast pump sells for about $150. This includes the pump, and one 5 ounce bottle, nipple and base. The deluxe (which I haven't seen at my Target) sells for $250, and includes all the bells and whistles you'd expect with a top of the line double pump set.

Within this sale you'll find the double pump is on sale for only $130, the base electric model for only $74. There is a large box of disposable storage bags for only $12 (originally $18), and Tommee Tippee's electric bottle warmer for only $25 as opposed to $40.

Tommee Tippee Deluxe Electric Breast Pump $130 (normally $250)

Save $100 on Tommee Tippee

When you're expecting a little one, it's all about saving the Benjamin's; especially if it's your first. You may need a bit of everything, including a breast pump and breast friendly bottles.

Zulily, as you know is my favorite site, is again offering fabulous deals on Tommee Tippee baby supplies. Spring time brings babies and weddings, so it's a fabulous time to save money! Thanks to these great savings, you can grab a single electric breast pump for only $50! That's a savings of $100! Or, splurge a bit more and get the double electric pump for $110,  and save $140!

This Tommee Tippee feature also has many different sizes and styles of Closer to Nature bottles and nipples for every situation. If you are looking to purchase a few pacifiers or chewthers you can save over 30% than at your local retailers.

Invest in Glass Bottles

There has been many times I have mentioned my love for Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles. They're specifically designed for breast feeding babies, and it makes it easier to go from bottle to breast. One problem you face using plastic bottles is if they get left out too long, and begin growing mold. Because of scratches in the materials, it can be dangerous to reuse them again, even with proper cleaning.

Investing in glass bottles eliminates the worry of mold, and are easily sterilized with each use. There's less of a concern because glass doesn't contain BPA, although most plastic bottles are BPA free as well. But if you're looking to purchase some high quality glass bottles for your little one, Zulily may have a solution for you.

Over the next four and a half days you can find a sale on various types and brands of bottles. One exciting product available in particular is a three set 9 ounce glass bottle set by Born Free. Their ActiveFlow™ vent reduces gas and colic, while maintaining a soft durable nipple. Each bottle comes with a silicone sleeve for better grip, and are all BPA and PVC free! Grab the set at $17.50 before it's gone, and save $10!