The Baby Buddha Breast Pump has been creating buzz in the breastfeeding world, and for good reason. Moms are raving about its efficiency, portability, and the fact that it packs a hospital-grade punch in a tiny, portable design. But does it live up to the hype? In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Baby Buddha, including the newest features based on customer feedback. You can use the code TBM for 10% off.
Quick Review Summary:
- Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
- Portability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
- Power: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
- Comfort: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
- Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
If you’re looking for a powerful pump that won’t break the bank and can fit into your on-the-go lifestyle, the Baby Buddha might be the solution for you. Its strong suction, compact size, and mom-friendly design make it a top choice for many pumping moms.
What’s New in the Redesigned BabyBuddha?
One of the biggest complaints about the original Baby Buddha was its powerful suction. While many moms appreciated the efficiency, some found it to be too intense, leading to discomfort or even soreness.
In response to this feedback, Baby Buddha redesigned the pump to offer more customizable power settings. Now, users can select from gentler options, allowing for a more comfortable and tailored pumping experience. This makes the pump more versatile, serving moms who need high suction for fast results and those who prefer a softer touch.
Why Moms Love the Baby Buddha Pump
The Baby Buddha has earned its place as one of the most popular portable breast pumps on the market, and it’s easy to see why. It meets the needs of busy, multitasking moms while still delivering the kind of performance you’d expect from much larger (and more expensive) hospital-grade pumps.
Here’s why so many moms are talking about the Baby Buddha:
- Compact Size, Big Power: Measuring smaller than many smartphones, the Baby Buddha fits easily into a purse or diaper bag, but it delivers powerful suction that’s comparable to hospital-grade pumps.
- Hands-Free Pumping: The pump is lightweight and can be worn around your neck with the included lanyard. Even better, you can pair it with Freemie or Legendairy Milk Cups to pump completely hands-free while you go about your day.
- Rechargeable Battery: With a USB charging option, this pump is perfect for moms who need flexibility. Whether you’re at work, traveling, or just moving around the house, the rechargeable battery makes it easy to pump on the go.
- Customer-Focused Company: Baby Buddha is a company that truly listens to moms. They have a dedicated team of lactation consultants ready to assist you, and they’ve clearly taken customer feedback to heart by redesigning the pump for greater comfort.
- Quiet & Discreet: Although no pump is completely silent, the Baby Buddha is quieter than most, making it a good choice for discreet pumping, whether you’re at work or out and about.
My Personal Experience
As an IBCLC, I’m always on the lookout for products that make breastfeeding and pumping easier for moms. The Baby Buddha impressed me with its compact size and powerful suction. It took a bit of time to get used to the unique suction pattern, but once I adjusted, I found it to be one of the most efficient pumps I’ve tried.
I especially appreciate the redesigned suction levels, which make the pump more comfortable for extended use. While it may not be the right fit for everyone—especially if you’re new to pumping or prefer a gentler experience—it’s a great option for moms who need a portable, high-powered pump for frequent use.
Baby Buddha Pump Cost and Coupon Code
The Baby Buddha Breast Pump is priced at $189.99, which puts it in the mid-range compared to other portable pumps. However, it’s almost always on sale from its original price of $249.99. You can also use the code TBM at checkout for an additional 10% off, bringing the price down to $171. This makes it a great value for the features it offers.
Keep in mind that the coupon code is only valid when purchasing through the Baby Buddha website. The pump is also available at major retailers like Target, but the code won’t apply there.
Smaller Flanges with Baby Buddha Breast Pump
Currently, the Baby Buddha Breast Pump only has 21, 24, and 27mm flanges. However, you can use smaller flanges with it – my top recommendation are usually from Maymom. While Baby Buddha doesn’t recommend using other flanges, in my experience, most mom’s have a much smaller flange size than 21.
What Comes in the BabyBuddha Pump Kit?
When you purchase the Baby Buddha, you’ll get everything you need to start pumping right out of the box. Here’s what’s included:
- Rechargeable Pump Unit
- Two 24mm Flanges (note: only one flange size is included, but additional sizes are available for purchase)
- Two Sets of Duckbill Valves
- One Set of Silicone Diaphragms
- Two Collection Bottles, Bases, and Storage Caps
- Bottle Hygiene Covers
- Three Detachable Tubes & T-Connector
- USB Charging Cable
- Detachable Lanyard
- Carrying Tote
The kit even includes a handout to remind you when to replace your pump parts—a handy feature that many moms appreciate, as worn-out parts can affect suction and efficiency.
How to Use the Baby Buddha Breast Pump
One of the standout features of the Baby Buddha is how easy it is to set up and use. The pump is designed with simplicity in mind, which is a welcome relief for busy moms who don’t have time to figure out complex controls.
Here’s a quick guide to getting started:
- Charge the Pump: Fully charge the Baby Buddha before using it for the first time. This ensures optimal battery performance and longevity.
- Clean the Parts: Wash all the pump parts that come into contact with milk, like the flanges and bottles, before your first use.
- Assemble the Pump: Connect the flanges to the bottles, attach the tubing to the pump, and ensure all connections are secure.
- Start Pumping: Place the flanges over your nipples and press the power button. Toggle between stimulation and expression modes with the center button, adjusting the suction levels to your comfort.
Pro Tip: The new version of the Baby Buddha is designed with gentler power options, so start at the lowest setting and increase gradually as needed. While it’s tempting to use higher settings for faster results, pumping should never be painful.
Baby Buddha Pump Features
Here are some of the features that set the BabyBuddha apart from other portable pumps:
- Stimulation & Expression Modes: The pump mimics a baby’s natural nursing pattern, starting with faster, lighter pulls (stimulation) and transitioning to slower, stronger pulls (expression).
- Adjustable Power Settings: With nine levels in both stimulation and expression modes, you can customize the suction to your comfort level.
- Closed System: The BabyBuddha uses a closed system to prevent milk from entering the tubing, reducing the risk of contamination and making it easier to clean.
- Single or Double Pumping: Depending on your needs, you can easily switch between single and double pumping.
- Anti-Backflow Design: Keeps milk from flowing backward into the tubes, ensuring a more hygienic experience.
Pros and Cons of the Baby Buddha Breast Pump
Pros:
- Compact and portable for easy travel
- Powerful suction similar to hospital-grade pumps
- Affordable compared to other high-powered pumps
- Easy to use with simple controls
- Compatible with other pump parts (like Spectra or Freemie)
- Quiet motor for discreet pumping
Cons:
- Only comes with 24mm flanges (additional sizes must be purchased separately – and if you need smaller than a 21, you will need to buy off-brand flanges)
- The powerful suction can still feel too intense for some moms, even with the new settings
- Battery life is limited to around four hours before needing a recharge
- Learning curve due to the unique suction pattern
Can You Use Baby Buddha with Other Pump Parts?
Yes! One of the great things about the Baby Buddha is its compatibility with other pump parts. Many moms “hack” their Baby Buddha to work with Freemie Cups, Medela, or Spectra parts for a more customized pumping experience.
While Baby Buddha doesn’t officially recommend hacking, many moms have found success using different flanges, cups, and bottles to make the pump work for their needs.
FAQs
Can I use this as a primary pump?
Absolutely! This is definitely a powerful pump that can easily be used for frequent pumping.
Does insurance cover this pump?
Some insurances do, and others don’t. Because it is a newer pump, not all insurances cover it. You can submit your information through their website, and they will check for you.
Can I use this for power pumping?
Yep, no issues with that!
How do I know I am pumping enough milk?
Typical output is .25-2 ounces total when you are pumping in addition to nursing. When you are pumping in place of a nursing session, it’s usually around one ounce per hour since the last time you pumped or nursed.
Can this pump increase my milk supply?
This depends on the situation and why your supply is low. Some moms have claimed that The Baby Buddha does increase their milk supply. If you have low milk supply issues, I strongly recommend booking a lactation consult!
Tips for Using the Baby Buddha
Here are a few tips and tricks for using your Baby Buddha Pump more successfully:
- If the suction is too hard, use expression mode first until you get to a letdown and then switch to stimulation. This is the opposite of what you normally would do, but it seems many moms have success with this.
- There is a white toggle in the tubing that you can switch from one side to the other to make it so you can pump it in a single pump.
- One mom told me, “I recommend adding a swivel clip to the back of the pump so it can attach to your pants (better than the lanyard).”
- If you have gotten the freemie cups, I saw a fantastic hack for pumping while driving. You hook it up to the Freemie Cups, then put Lavie lactation massagers in your pumping bra to mimic hands-on pumping, and then you can pump hands-free and quickly!
The bottom line is I give the Baby Buddha breast pump two thumbs up and the official seal of approval from The Breastfeeding Mama (okay, that doesn’t exist, but if I had a seal of approval, they would get it!)
Final Thoughts: Is the Baby Buddha Breast Pump Worth It?
The Baby Buddha Breast Pump offers a unique combination of portability, power, and affordability. It’s perfect for moms needing a high-powered pump to keep up with their busy lifestyle. While the suction can still feel intense, the redesigned settings offer more control and comfort, making it a versatile choice for moms with different needs.
If you’re looking for a compact, powerful, and hands-free solution, the Baby Buddha is definitely worth considering. And don’t forget to use code TBM for 10% off!