Momcozy M6 Mobile Style Hands-free Breast Pump review

The pump comes with everything you need to achieve a good fit, whatever your shape or size.

What were your first impressions of the breast pump?

I really enjoyed unboxing this product. There was something exciting at every step. It was beautifully packaged in a sturdy, well-branded box.

Upon opening the box, you’re immediately greeted by a high-quality travel bag, wrapped in paper with step-by-step assembly instructions, QR codes for more information, and even instructions and guidance for measuring your nipples to ensure you're using the right size flange.

I do feel like Momcozy has recognised that you don't always have time to trawl through instruction manuals, and so it's given this infographic as soon as you open the box to walk you through it.

The travel bag felt very high quality, and I was impressed with this. I will mostly be using this pump in the office at work, so it's a nice touch to have a protective case to take it in.

As I started taking accessories out of the zipped pockets, I was amazed at how much Momcozy is providing as standard with the product, including two charging cables (this was for a double breast pump, so they can be charged at the same time), different flange sizes (with most other competitors I have come across, you would need to purchase these separately) and replacement valves.

One of my favourite things is the nipple-measuring tool. If you're new to breastfeeding, you may not even know that there are different flange sizes available, or how it might affect pumping, and feeding, if you don't use the correct size.

I love that Momcozy has recognised this and is guiding you through the process to ensure a perfect fit with the pump, to avoid causing any unnecessary damage or discomfort. There are instructions on how to use this tool.

How easy is it to set up?

I followed the instructions to use this pump for the first time, to make sure I was using it to its full potential. The first step is to fully charge the pump.

The motorised part of the pump separates easily from the milk-collection unit to be charged. The pump does not come with USB plugs, but these can be easily sourced, if not already compatible with the ones you have at home.

The instructions are easy to follow and impossible to miss since they were printed on the paper wrapping the product. There's also a small but in-depth instruction manual provided with the pump, which is clear to follow.

I would say that if you don't assemble it in the order advised and check the parts have a good seal, the pump can be a little fussy. I found that if I hastily shoved it together in any order, I could not get decent suction and milk collection, and so I'd have to take it apart, put it back together and try again.

The charge is indicated on the digital screen on the top of each pump, so you can clearly see when it is fully charged.

How easy is the breast pump to use?

I initially found the pump really easy to use and very effective once in place, achieving a good collection of milk from each breast.

I had previously been using an electric pump, connected by a tube to a motorised unit, collecting milk in a bottle (the more traditional-style pump), and so it took a little bit of getting used to the freedom that this hands-free pump gave me.

I wasn't expecting this pump to be as efficient in collecting milk as my other one, but, in fact, I do think it has been more effective (when fully charged).

It's very easy to assemble, there are no complicated or fiddly parts, and you can't really get it wrong. I have found that if you don't assemble it in the advised order, it can be a little fussy and not pump milk as effectively.

The part of this pump I find most challenging is emptying the milk without dripping it all over the worktop. If you're breastfeeding, you will understand the pain of spilling any precious milk that you have managed to pump, so I do find the emptying process quite messy.

Firstly, you must remove the pump unit, or there is potential for milk to get into it. Secondly, you have to find the right angle to pour the milk so that it doesn't also drip out of the flange, while also not creating a vacuum that traps the milk inside.

I am just about getting the hang of it, but there are always a few drops lost, which is a bit disappointing, but not the end of the world. I usually store my collected milk in breast-milk bags in the fridge, but sometimes transfer it straight to a bottle. There may be a knack to emptying the collection units that I haven't quite found yet.

How comfortable is the breast pump?

The Momcozy Mobile Style is provided with three additional flange sizes: 17mm, 19mm and 21mm. These all fit easily inside the standard flange, which is 24mm.

I normally use a 24mm flange, but I did use the nipple measuring tool provided to check that this would still be the correct size for me (which it was). Despite being on quite a rigid milk collector, the flange feels soft, comfortable and warm, and feels like a really nice fit that moulds to the breast and creates a good seal.

The pump has three settings –stimulation, expression and mixed mode (which begins with a quick, short sucking pattern, followed by a slow and long sucking pattern) – so you can choose which setting is most comfortable for you.

Within each setting, there are up to nine strength levels that you can move up and down between. I have been starting each session with around one minute on stimulation mode, followed by mixed mode on whichever level feels most comfortable.

The suction doesn't feel particularly strong in comparison to other pumps I have used – however, it was still effective, gentle and comfortable. Despite being eight months into my feeding journey with Ellie, I can still feel the letdown of breast milk ,and this pump usually achieves that in around the same time as breastfeeding.

How effectively did it express?

I first tested this product in the afternoon, when my daughter hadn't fed for around an hour or two. I wasn’t expecting to get a huge amount of milk collected.

I set up the pumps and put one on each breast. I pumped for 10 minutes (around the same time as Ellie would usually feed for) and was very surprised to find around 60ml (2oz) of milk off each breast, nearly 120ml (4oz) in total.

Since then, the amount I have pumped in 10 minutes has varied depending on the time of day I have pumped and the amount of battery left in the unit.

In each 10-minute session, I am usually achieving anything from 30ml (1oz ) to 90ml (3oz) per breast. Again, this will depend on your supply, the time of day, when you last fed and how long you pump for.

Overall, it has been much more efficient at collecting milk than I ever expected.

How well do the settings work?

There are clear differences between the settings, which I loved as it means you are more likely to find a setting you are comfortable with and that works for you. I would prefer a programme that maybe did stimulation for one or two minutes, then automatically moved on to expression or mixed mode, gradually increasing in strength (as previous pumps I have used).

I think this would really add to the hands-free aspect of the pump. As it is, I have to keep an eye on the timer and manually switch from stimulation to mixed, and then gradually increase the strength of the suction. Other pumps do this to mimic the feeding pattern of babies.

I certainly think this would be a beneficial feature if you're much earlier on in your feeding journey. With it being a manual process, I think there would be a temptation to put the pump on, whack it up to level nine, and crack on with what you need to do, which could potentially cause discomfort and damage.

However, being further along in my journey, I know enough now to use the manual features. I just feel that for the price of this pump, a feature like that would be perfect.

On the plus side, it does mean you have total freedom and control over all aspects of pumping, including length and strength of each mode, which means you can adjust this get the most effective milk collection.

How do you rate the features?

One of the main features of this device, according to Momcozy, is the all-in-one design. I would have to agree that it's a lovely, compact, sleek design that does fit in your bra. While I wouldn't say that it's discreet because it's very obvious that you're wearing it in your bra, it's nice to not have the additional pump unit sitting on top of the milk-collection unit, or have a bottle attached to the bottom of it.

Momcosy also boasts a long battery life for this particular model, with up to six 30-minute sessions from one full charge. This, for me, is the biggest disappointment with this breast pump.

I used each device five times for up to 15 minutes at a time. The battery-life bar has three sections, and by this point was showing two-thirds full. However, on trying to use the device, there was a noticeable difference in the performance, strength of suction and amount of milk collected. I disassembled and reassembled the device to rule that out as an issue, but I was still experiencing the same issue. After fully charging both devices, I was able to successfully pump, the suction felt strong and I was able to collect milk.

In my opinion, the battery-life display is very optimistic. There may be battery left but not enough for decent suction, and it does work best on a full charge. While a fully charged battery might last 180 minutes, I would be very surprised if it were still able to collect any milk at all towards the end of that time.

One other feature I find frustrating is that after a minute or so, the digital display screen goes off, which I assume is a battery-saving feature. It would be quite handy to glance down and see how long the pumping session has been. To see the display, you just need to press a button on the pump, and the display will show you how long you've been pumping for. You can press the plus and minus buttons to check what level you're on and adjust it if needed.

It is, as Momcozy suggests, very easy to clean, with just four parts: the flange, the diaphragm, the valve and the milk collector (do not wash or sterilise the pump part). The instructions advise that it shouldn't be sterilised in a UV steriliser, microwave or at over 110°C (230°F) as this could shorten the life of the device. I used cold-water sterilisation, but I have also tried a widely available steam steriliser, and there was no damage to the parts. You should, however, follow the manufacturer's advice and the guidance in the manual to get the longest life out of the device.

The biggest draw for this product is, of course, the fact that it's wearable and mobile. I would probably describe it as being hands-free (I’m even pumping while I write this review), which is absolutely fantastic. But don't expect it to free you up enough to be able to load the dishwasher, do the laundry or hoover the house.

The design of the pump makes it very easy for milk to accidentally get sucked up into the motor unit. The milk-collection unit holds up to 180ml (6oz) of milk; however, the instruction manual provided recommends emptying the milk collector at 120ml (4oz) to avoid this happening. In other words, you need to be relatively still while using it. I have managed to make a cup of tea while pumping, and it's perfect for working at a desk, but the pumps do need to stay upright, so no bending down!

I love that the pump has a pause option, rather than having to stop the whole pumping session and start again. You need to long-press the power button to turn the device on and off, but if you would like to pause your session to reposition, for example, you can short-press the power button. This retains your pumping session time, mode and power level for you to carry on. Short-press the power button again to continue. I have used this feature a lot.

How portable is it?

The pump comes with a rigid, very stylish travel case to protect your pump. There are also two plastic backs, which fix onto the assembled device, over the flange, to protect it and keep it clean when not in use. I feel the pumps will be well protected, and I love this as a feature.

As I'm planning to pump when I go back to work, it's nice to have a pump that feels like it has been designed with being portable (not only on the breast) in mind.

The case has a handle but is also small enough to fit inside a backpack or large handbag. It's a great design feature to be able to keep all parts of the pump, including spares and charging cables, in one place.

How noisy is it?

In comparison to other pumps I have used, I find this pump very quiet. You can easily have a conversation while pumping and not know it's there. You can easily binge-watch Netflix while pumping and not need subtitles. I find that once the pump is in place and switched on, and your bra and top are over it, the sound of the pump is minimal.

How do you rate the power source?

The pumps are charged with USB 2.0 Type-C cables. They are not supplied with a plug, but these can be easily purchased. The manual stipulates that the input of the power adapter must be AC 100 – 240V 50/60 Hz, and the output power is DC 5V 1A. The device will take around 150 minutes to fully charge.

We have plug sockets with USB ports and have been using these to charge the devices. Momcozy suggests that you can get around 180 minutes of pumping time from a full charge. This may be dependent on settings used (for example, using the lowest setting for 180 minutes), but I haven't found this to be the case. I have found that the performance of the pump deteriorates after the first bar of the battery goes down.

How easy is it to clean?

The four parts that need washing are not dishwasher safe, and should be washed by hand with brushes and a bowl used only for baby-feeding items (such as bottles, etc).

As I've already mentioned, it's not recommended to sterilise the parts with UV or microwave sterilisers or above 110°C (230°F). I have used a steam steriliser and cold-water sterilisation with no visible detrimental impact on the parts, but I would recommend checking the temperature of your steam steriliser before trying this and following the Momcozy guidance to get the best out of the pump.

There has been no discolouration, clouding or staining of the product yet, which I wash after each use, so usually twice a day. So far, the volume markers on the milk collector are holding up and looking clear.

How does it compare with other breast pumps you've used?

The two previous breast pumps I have used were electric pumps with separate control units, and they were linked to a pump and a bottle that you held on your breast. Both were leading names in the world of infant feeding and breast pumps. These were much stronger than this mobile version, but also more restrictive, and I found myself not pumping because I couldn't commit the time to sit and do it. Not to mention that they were single pumps, so I had to sit for twice as long.

This new design from Momcozy is similar in style to the Elvie breast pump but almost half the price. This makes it a more affordable option if you're looking for a comfortable, sleek, wearable breast pump without compromising on performance. The double pump from Momcozy retails at £229, which is only slightly more expensive than some of the electric, non-wearable pumps.

I do find the design of this pump can make it tricky to see when the milk starts to come out. I tend to hold the pump in place until I know that there is milk coming through before securing it into my nursing bra. On a couple of occasions when I have been rushed, I've taken them out of my bra at the end of a 10-minute pump to find a dribble of milk in the bottom because they weren't quite positioned correctly or had slipped.

It's not quite as simple as slipping them into your bra and off you go – you will need to position the pump correctly against your nipple before securing it into your bra (and also check it doesn't move when you do this). There is further guidance on how to do this effectively in the instruction manual, and this is another reason why I wouldn't consider this to be a "discreet" pump, as it is easier to get it in the right position if you can see your breast and nipple.

What’s in the box?

• 24mm flange
• Valve (and spare valves)
• 17mm flange
• 19mm flange
• 21mm flange
• Milk collector (180ml/6oz)
• Main unit (pump motor)
• 2 charging cables
• 2 flange cases
• Instruction manual
• Quick start guide
• Nipple measuring tool
• Storage bag

What are the additional accessories that you can buy?

Additional flange sizes can be purchased from Amazon or Momcozy if the size needed is not provided with the pump.

Packaging and sustainability

The pump was packaged beautifully in a branded box, and each step of the unboxing felt very high-end.

There was no unnecessary packaging, plastic or polystyrene, and the pump was well protected during transit. The box is made of cardboard and can be recycled with kerbside recycling.

The additional parts are provided in small bags, which I'll personally be keeping them in so that they're safe and protected.

Tell us about repair options if it breaks

According to the manual, the pump has no "user serviceable parts", meaning you can’t repair it or change the battery or anything yourself. The pump does come with a warranty period of one year and the terms of this can be found on page 34 of the instruction manual.

At the end of the pump's use, it will need to be disposed of as a small electronic device. In the Vale of Glamorgan, we are able to do that kerbside, but for most users, you would need to take this to your nearest recycling centre.

Now you've tested it, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing the product?

On the positive side, before purchasing this product, I would have loved to know just how effective a wearable pump could be. I wrongly assumed it would be less powerful and less effective, but with this product that's certainly not the case.

On the negative side, as mentioned above, I would love some more hands-free settings, such as automatic programmes that start in stimulation mode and move on to expression or mixed mode. I would also love the display to stay on so I can glance down and check the pumping time.

Who would this product be most useful for?

I think this product would be perfect if you're further along in your breastfeeding and expressing journey, or if you plan to exclusively pump. It's great if you're returning to work but still planning to breastfeed.

I will be working in an office, so I won't necessarily be pumping at my desk or in the middle of a meeting (it's not quite discreet enough for that), but it's great that I will be able to continue to work on my laptop while pumping. It's also perfect if you're looking to travel and express, as it all packs up into the lovely travel case and is well-protected.

Is this product worth the money?

I think this is a great alternative to some of the more expensive wearable breast pumps of this design currently on the market. It is expensive at £139.99 for a single and £229.99 for a double (Momcozy seems to be incentivising buying the double pump at this price), so I would say that you need to be serious about breastfeeding and pumping before investing.

I wouldn't say this is something you would want to buy while pregnant, but wait instead until you've established a good breastfeeding routine and be sure it's something you want to do before taking the plunge at this price.

Where can I buy the Momcozy M6 Mobile Style Hands-free Breast Pump?

It is available from Boots and Momcozy

MadeForMums verdict:

For those who are looking to express regularly, I don't think you would be disappointed if you bought this product. Yes, there are a few niggles – a leaky pour, an overly optimistic battery life and a display that I wish would stay on – but these are small compromises for a wearable, sleek pump that is nearly half the price of others on the market.

While I would recommend this product as an alternative to more expensive wearable breast pumps, I would also recommend that if you're looking to feed expressed milk, shop around first and make sure that you actually need a wearable pump. It is more expensive than some alternative non-wearable pumps that may be more suitable for your needs. I wouldn't say that a wearable pump is a gimmick, but I would say it's more of a luxury!