What to Know Before Getting the Willow Wave Wearable Manual Pump

Every parent’s feeding journey looks a little different. Some exclusively breastfeed their baby, others pump and bottle-feed and many do a mix, depending on what works best for their family. There’s no one “right” way—but having the right tools can make a big difference in helping you feel supported and prepared for whatever pivots you might have to make in your feeding plan.

That’s where a manual breast pump comes in. From easing engorgement in the early weeks to giving you a backup option when you’re on the go, manual pumps are often small but mighty additions to your toolkit.

The thing is, manual breast pumps haven’t really changed much over the years. Most of them look and work pretty much the same: a hard plastic handle, a collection bottle and a lot of awkward hand-squeezing. But Willow (they’re known for their popular electric wearable pump) is changing that. 

Enter Willow Wave—the first-ever wearable manual breast pump designed to make this old-school essential a lot more comfortable, discreet and parent-friendly. Watch Babylist mom Cindy try it out in the video above, or read on to see why you might want to add it to your Babylist registry. 

Why you might want a manual breast pump

Electric pumps often get the spotlight, but manual breast pumps offer a different kind of flexibility. They’re quiet, portable and don’t require electricity or batteries, which makes them especially useful in certain situations like these: 

• When you’re engorged and need quick relief, especially in the early postpartum days.

• When you’re on the go and pumping in places like a car, an airport lounge or anywhere without easy access to an outlet. 

• As a backup when your electric pump isn’t charged or nearby.

• When you’re experiencing challenges like clogged ducts or gradual weaning, and need to control suction and rhythm in a way that can be more comfortable than an automatic cycle.

But traditional manual pumps can be a bit clunky. They often require you to hold them in place at an awkward angle, and the repetitive squeezing can leave your wrist sore. That’s what sets Willow Wave apart.

What makes the Willow Wave different?

Like we mentioned, the Willow Wave Manual Wearable Breast Pump is the first of its kind: a manual pump that’s completely wearable. Instead of holding the pump’s handle and collection cup in place like you would with typical manual pumps, Wave’s collection cup fits inside your bra and stays put. That means you have a free hand to play with your toddler, eat a snack or even discreetly pump during a video call.

Other features that make the Wave a standout are:

• A discreet in-bra design that lets you pump without undressing or finding a completely private space (0:51).

• An ergonomic handle with a comfortable press-and-squeeze motion that helps reduce wrist strain (1:01).

• Adjustable tubing that connects the handle to the collection cup, so you can move around while you pump (1:09).

• Hospital-grade suction with two modes: Stimulation to help trigger letdown and Expression to efficiently collect milk (1:37).

Willow Wave Wearable Manual Pump

$34.99

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What to know about using the Willow Wave

Willow Wave is designed to be simple to use and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for everyday pumping. It assembles quickly (see how that happens at 1:25, and all washable parts are dishwasher safe on the top rack.

There are lots of other details, including a Splashguard that prevents spills while you’re pumping, a high-capacity container that holds enough milk for a full session and an easy-pour spout for mess-free transfers 2:02. Once you’re comfortable with the setup, you can even adjust the tubing length for a more custom fit.

Who do we recommend Willow Wave for?

The Willow Wave Manual Wearable Breast Pump is a smart pick for any parent who wants a manual pump that’s portable, low profile and comfortable to use. And with its genuinely innovative in-bra design and mobile-friendly setup, you won’t have to reveal your chest or find a private room every time you need to pump. At $34.99, it’s a pretty affordable pick, too. It’s especially helpful for:

• Parents looking for quiet relief from engorgement in the middle of the night.

• Families who travel often and need a compact, electricity-free pump that fits in a diaper bag.

• Working parents who want a discreet option for quick on-the-go sessions or in between meetings. 

• Parents navigating clogged ducts, letdown issues or supply shifts.

• Anyone who wants a low-effort way to gradually reduce supply during weaning.

Willow Wave isn’t meant to replace your electric pump, but it’s a helpful upgrade to a classic tool that can make pumping feel more manageable in real life. For new parents building their registry or experienced parents looking to simplify their routine, it’s a welcome addition to the feeding toolkit. 

This article is sponsored by Willow. Babylist’s free site, apps and emails are made possible by our sponsors. We limit our sponsored content to relevant partners that offer products and services we believe in and use ourselves.