For breastfeeding moms, a beach or pool day can bring up a lot of questions, especially if you're exclusively pumping. Can you pump in a swimsuit? Will your breast pump stay in place or will you have to hold it the entire session? Do you need to change out of your wet bathing suit top every time you need to pump?

The good news for pumping moms is yes, you can absolutely pump in a swimsuit with the right setup. Whether you're using a wearable pump, collection cups, or traditional flanges, there are some really great ways to pump comfortably without missing out on your beach day.

Here’s everything breastfeeding moms should know about pumping and nursing at the beach or at a pool.

Can You Pump in a Swimsuit?

With standard breast pump flanges and a regular bathing suit top, NO this will not work as a hands free pumping set up. If you were to pump with your regular bathing suit top, you will need to remove the swimsuit and hold your flanges to the breasts or change into a hands free pumping bra. This may work for some moms if you don't mind holding your set up, but consider if you are willing to do this all day long and if you have a private space to pump... topless!  

If you are pumping with collection cups or wearable breast pumps in a regular swimsuit, it is possible this set up may work for you but depends on how supportive the swimsuit is. A string bikini top is not going to support large wearable pumps like the Willow, Momcozy, Baby Buddha and Eufy. You will need a swimsuit top with fuller coverage that can hold the wearable pump in place for you. The key is choosing a swimsuit that works like a pumping bra, meaning it can securely hold breast pump flanges or collection cups while keeping everything comfortable and discreet.

Swimsuits designed for breastfeeding moms often include features like:

• Stretchy and supportive fabric that dries quickly
  
• Soft compression to hold pump parts in place
• Compatible with flanges and wearable breast pumps
• Adjustable straps for a secure fit with your pump

These features make it possible to pump without completely changing outfits, which is a huge win when you're wet and trying to relax at the beach.

Pumping at the beach

If you are spending a day at the beach with the girls or traveling on vacation without your baby, pumping in a swimsuit may be the only option for you as a breastfeeding mom. With the right pumping swimsuit top, you can absolutely pump comfortably while staying covered and supported. For a pumping swimsuit top perfect for exclusively pumping, we love this printed swim cami for both flanges and wearables. 

Breastfeeding at the Beach: Nursing vs Pumping

Many moms at the beach will do a mix of nursing and pumping, depending on whether their baby is traveling with them.  If so, you may want to consider finding a breastfeeding swimsuit top that is compatible for both nursing and pumping, as much of a unicorn as that sounds, yes it does exist. 

Nursing at the beach

If baby is with you, nursing in a swimsuit is often an easier option to find. A nursing-friendly swim top allows you to quickly pull up or down the fabric for feeding. Some moms will wear a plunging neckline bathing suit to pull aside for nursing. This works great for smaller chests but not necessarily for everyone. If you have a large chest, we highly recommend wearing a full coverage breastfeeding swimsuit top with adjustable straps to pull down for nursing (a bonus if the adjusters are easily accessible in the front!) We LOVE the Ribbed 3 in 1 Cami by Davin & Adley as a breastfeeding swimsuit top for moms with large cup sizes. 

What Type of Pump Works Best at the Beach?

Different pumps can work at the beach, but some are definitely easier than others. Wearable pumps are often the easiest beach option because everything sits inside your pumping swimsuit top. No cords or tubes required. If wearable breast pumps work for you, this would be the perfect time to use one. They’re discreet and allow you to pump without dealing with tubing.

If you are not able to use a wearable breast pump, a fantastic option is a collection cup paired with a portable breast pump motor. Collection cups are another good option because they fit inside a supportive swim top just like wearable breast pumps, but they do require an external breast pump motor. A cordless and rechargeable option like the Baby Buddha 2.0 Breast Pump, would be my recommendation, since it's small and portable to bring with you. 

Traditional flanges paired with the Baby Buddha portable breast pump are a 3rd option for pumping at the beach, but they do require a pumping swimsuit top that acts like a hands-free pumping bra to hold everything securely. For flange compatible breastfeeding swimsuit tops, check out the Davin & Adley Swim Cami Collection. 

Tips for Pumping at the Beach:

Pumping at the beach can be easier than you think with a little planning. For storing your breastmilk safely at a cool temperature, we love the Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller. Guaranteed to keep your milk cool all day and you can refill the inner chamber with ice at anytime. If you don't have a Ceres Chill, you can also use a traditional cooler and ice packs to keep freshly pumped milk safe until you get home.

Breast Pump wipes are another helpful item, especially when a sink isn’t available for washing your pump parts. And to keep everything clean and away from the sand, I always recommend packing extra ziplock bags or reusable wet/dry bags. I love the washable wet dry bag from Mimi and Pal. 

Check List for Beach Days while Breastfeeding:

A day at the beach should feel relaxing, not stressful. With the right breastfeeding swimsuit and a little preparation, breastfeeding moms can nurse, pump, and enjoy beach days just like anyone else. Let's recap our top 5 items to help you have the perfect trip! 

1. A nursing and pumping friendly swimsuit 

2. A portable breast pump (wearable or cordless)

3. Breastmilk Chiller to store your milk

4. Pump Wipes for cleaning

5. Wet/dry bag for part storage. 

Whether you're feeding your baby directly at the breast, pumping on the beach, or doing a little bit of both, the key is having tools that supports your breastfeeding routine. For your next beach day, we want you to focus on enjoying time with your family and not stressing over the rest of the details. As a former breastfeeding mom of 3 who has pumped on the go many times, I can truly tell you this is my go to list of the essential items that helped me extend my breastfeeding journey for longer! 

If you are looking for more information and encouragement from a community of breastfeeding moms who have personally been there, follow us on Instagram at @davinandadley