If you’re budgeting for a new baby you’ll be amazed by how much a little one needs! From clothing to diapers to bottles and more, the list seems never-ending. When you add pumping gear to the list, the costs escalate. And, parents start wondering if buying a used Elvie Pump is a good idea.
Used Elvie pumps can be found on e-commerce platforms selling second-hand goods. The closed system design of this breast pump makes it a safe second-hand option. And, accessories can be replaced for safe use. Older Elvie pumps may have a shorter lifespan from normal wear and tear.
Is it safe to buy a used breast pump?
Second-hand breast pumps are more attractive with lower prices. When asking if it’s safe to buy a used breast pump, here are some pointers every breastfeeding mom should consider:
- Is the used breast pump a closed vs open system design?
- Is the second-hand pump designated for single-user vs multi-user?
- Can the accessories be sterilized?
- Are replacement parts easily accessible and are they expensive?
- How often will you be pumping?
Open vs closed system
An open-system breast pump is less hygienic than a closed system. This is because there’s no barrier between the pump components and the tubing. The milk flows freely through the tubing and pump parts. Milk residue builds up in these parts, resulting in mold and other unhygienic conditions.
A closed system breast pump prevents this from happening with a barrier between the pump motor and the tubing. If you’re looking for a used breast pump, opt for one that has a closed system design for hygienic reasons.
When comparing Medela or Avent pumps as second-hand pumping gear, look out for recent models as they’re mostly designed with a closed system. The Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Pump or Philips AVENT Double Electric Breast Pump are both designed with a closed system.
Is the Elvie pump a closed system?
Both the Elvie Double Electric Wearable Breast Pump and Elvie Stride Plus have closed systems. So, if you decide to buy this brand’s breast pumps second-hand, you can have peace of mind that they’re safe to use again. However, make sure it’s been properly cared for by the first owner and there’s no damage to the closed system.
Single-user vs multi-user
Breast pump manufacturers stipulate whether the pumping gear is for single-user or multi-user. Hospital-grade breast pumps are most commonly used in the hospital environment and are designated as multi-use. This means more than one person can use the gear for pumping milk.
A single-user breast pump is specifically for one person to use and this design is common in pumping gear used by mothers in a personal setting. When picking a used breast pump, bear in mind that a warranty on a single-user breast pump, in most cases, can’t be transferred to another user.
The Spectra S3 Pro was launched in 2019 as a multi-user premium breast pump for use in hospitals and baby clinics. This is also a breast pump often used by rental agencies renting out pumping gear to breastfeeding moms. If you do find a used Spectra S3 Pro, you could still benefit from the warranty which covers multiple users over three years.
Can the used breast pump accessories be sterilized?
When buying a second-hand breast pump, check if all the accessories can be sterilized, especially those parts that come into contact with the milk. If the items can’t be sterilized, can they be washed safely in warm, soapy water? If so, then you should be able to clean them sufficiently enough to be hygienic to use.
Some breast pump parts are dishwasher-safe, making it even easier to get them clean.
Are replacement parts available and how expensive are they?
When buying a used breast pump, you may end up having to find replacement parts. Do your homework and find out if they’re easily accessible from the manufacturer. The next question to ask is will they cost more than buying a new breast pump?
Breast shields or flanges can be easily bought new such as the Medela PersonalFit Flex Breast Shields if you buy a used Medela pump.
How often will you be pumping?
If you’re planning to exclusively pump, it’s highly recommended to spend the extra money and buy a new breast pump. This way, you can rest assured the pumping gear will last longer without giving you any hassles down the line with potential breakdowns through wear and tear.
If you’re looking to only pump occasionally such as when you’re traveling, you could get away with a good second-hand pump that’s been properly cared for by the previous owner. When looking for a travel pump as a second-hand version, look out for brands such as Spectra Baby S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump. This hospital-grade pump has a closed system, is easy to clean and maintain, and is rechargeable.
Is it safe to use a used Elvie pump?
When buying a used Elvie Pump, your first concern should be is it safe to use. I’ve already touched on the fact that both the Elvie Pump and Elvie Stride operate on the closed system design. This means it’s a safe second-hand option as long as the pump has been properly cared for by the previous owner.
The Elvie pumps are designed for single-users and have a two-year warranty on the hub mechanism and 90-day cover on all washable components. You’ll have to confirm with the seller and the manufacturer if this warranty is transferable when sold to another user.
Available used Elvie pumps on the market
Elvie Pump
This is an all-in-one wearable electric pump that uses smart technology through an app downloaded on your smartphone. There are no tubes or wires to hassle about and they fit comfortably in standard nursing bras.
Elvie Stride
If you find a used Elvie Stride on the market, consider it a viable option if you’re looking for a hospital-grade, hands-free, wearable breast pump. It’s rechargeable and fits into standard nursing bras, making it a portable pump for moms on the go.
Elvie Curve
The Elvie Curve Manual Wearable Breast Pump is a natural silicone breast pump that lets you express milk, hands-free. It’s best used while you’re feeding or pumping. Placed on the free breast, this pump captures milk flow during let-down.
How to find a used Elvie
Ask other breastfeeding moms if they’re planning to sell used Elvie pumps or do a search on e-commerce marketplaces selling second-hand goods. Another option is online classified sites.
Used Elvie pump marketplaces
Milkstash
Milkstash is an online marketplace where you can find breastfeeding and breast-pumping gear for sale. You can also find donated items available on this marketplace. Payment is secure using a debit or credit card through recognized systems such as PayPal. Milkstash can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
Bay
Pre-owned breast pumps can be purchased on eBay. You have the option of searching in various categories such as:
- Brand
- Type such as electric or manual pumps
- Hospital-grade
- Auction or buy it now
- Features such as a closed system
- Color
- Used or new
eBay is a reputable online marketplace with safe payment methods.
Facebook Marketplace
This is another option when searching for used Elvie pumps. Facebook has strict commerce policies and community standards, protecting both the seller and buyer using this platform. While there are always risks to using online marketplaces, if you follow the Facebook Marketplace rules, you can have safe transactions.
Craigslist
Online classifieds such as Craigslist are another place you can look for used Elvie pumps, especially in your local area. It’s recommended to meet the seller in a public place for safety reasons.
Things to look out for when buying a second-hand Elvie pump
Accessories (e.g. pump parts) that might come with the Elvie pump
When purchasing a new Elvie pump, the following accessories come with it:
- Hub
- Bottles
- Breast shields
- Valves
- Spouts
- Seals
- Storage lids
- Bra adjusters
- USB charging cable
- Carry bag
When buying a used Elvie breast pump, find out if the above-mentioned accessories are available and in good working order.
New Elvie Breast Pump Shields, as well as Elvie Pump Breastmilk Storage Bottles, can be purchased if you want to avoid using the old ones. The manufacturer also has accessories for both the Elvie Pump and Elvie Stride models available for purchase. However, the hub is not available as a spare part.
How to clean a used Elvie pump and its parts to reuse it
Is the Elvie pump dishwasher safe?
Other factors that make a gently used Elvie Pump safe to buy is that all parts are dishwasher-safe and constructed with BPA-free materials. There are no tubings to worry about so all you have to do is make sure you can clean the parts in the top rack of the dishwasher for safe and hygienic use.
Watch this informative video on how to clean and sterilize the Elvie pump parts.
My recommendation
Elvie breast pumps come with an expensive price tag. But, if you’re looking for an all-in-one wearable smart breast pump, this is one of the most popular ones on the market. It was also my top pick when comparing Elvie to Willow pump or Freemie wearable breast pumps.
To answer your question, ‘Can I use a used Elvie pump,” I would say yes. It has a closed system, the parts are dishwasher-safe, and you can buy accessories easily enough. However, factor in the replacement costs before spending money on a used Elvie pump and always check the hub mechanism is in good working order.
