Medela Pump Parts- Reuse Old Ones or Buy New?

Funny that you should ask this a few days after I went and bought new parts for my pump... I decided to get new parts because the ones I had for my first child are all cloudy and pretty scratched up. They were parts that I got from the hospital (Ameda brand) and I used them fine with my Medela pump, but I just don't feel like they're really that clean and scratched plastic isn't advised to be used again. I just went to Target and bought the breast pump accessory set for $24.99. It has the breast shields and some bottles and that's all I really needed, since the tubing doesn't need to be replaced. I hope this helps. Good luck and congrats!

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I am using the same pump. I only replaced the little yellow flat things that the milk goes through (does that make sense? I don't know what they are called.) I didn't see the need or the reason to replace everything.

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I plan to reuse the parts I have, and just sterilize every time I use it. FYI medela says not to put them in the dishwasher. If they melt that is bad.

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I love the steam bags, and was able to reuse my old parts. The only thing I replaced was my tubing (after my cat got it), and the little white rubbery parts when they lost their security.

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Replace the tubing. Sterilize all the rest.

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Hi, I also used Medela pumps for all my 3 babies. Between my first and second there was 7 yrs gap, so I used new one then, but my 3rd one came within 18mos, so I simply sterilized and reused all parts, except membranes, I think I had to use new ones because some of them tore or lost. 2 yrs is not a long time, I wouldn't buy new one... Good luck with the new baby girl!

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I sterilized and re used mine for three babies 2 and 3 years apart.

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Congratulations!!
Well I had the same question when my second came along. I ended up just sterilizing what I had. I found out one of the little white things that leads from the suction cup to the tubing was worn out & needed replacing & that was it. Parts are very inexpensive and almost everything can be replaced. As long as they work they should be fine. Have fun I'm jealous!

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I plan on reusing all of my stuff for my third time around this fall! But I agrees with one of the posts that I glanced at - to make sure that nothing is getting worn out or damaged.
But I am tossing all my old plastic bottles and getting ones that I know are the safer plastic! I thought about even going glass, but that sounds really inconvient - and I have seen easier to find plastic ones that are now marked as the safer plastic.
Congratulations!

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I reused all of my Medela pump parts with my second son. I did run them through the dishwasher to sterilize occasionally, and also used Medela steam bags. These should be available in the baby section of most stores like Target, etc. This is GREAT and easy--you just use your microwave and a few ounces of water. I did this sometimes, but not every time, and I felt like the parts got clean. Good luck with your second baby!

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I know the manufacturer says it is good for one kid and not to share. My best friends has one that has now gone through 8 kids (4 of hers, 1 of mine, and 3 other womens' kids). We got new parts for it when we changed moms, but not with same mom different kids. No problems and we used the Medela sanitizing microwave bags for parts at least once a week. Works great and looking forward to getting reaquainted with it for my next kiddo in a few weeks!

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The concern with reusing some parts is that the soft plastic/silicone/etc can break down over time. It can get rigid and crack, or small pieces could separate. So I would for sure replace any nipple to feed baby (you don't want a small piece to come off and choke her). Check the rest of the stuff and make sure that it is still in very good condition. If it is, you could sterilize, but if it's at all questionable, I would replace those parts.

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I would sterilize and re-use. (you do not need to sterilize the tubing since it does not come in contact with the milk)

I would also recommend taking it to a shop (Bosom Buddies is great) and have them test the pumps suction. Then you will know if any parts are worn out (such as those little flappy things that are meant to be replaced).

Congrats on your choice to BF- hope it goes smoothly.

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Hi C., if you are giving birth at the hospital, you can take home all the pump parts (bottles, shields tubes, etc)from the pump they let you use at the hospital (our hospital uses Medela so I'm assuming most do - not sure if that's a valid assumption or not). I reused all my old bottles - just ran them through the dishwasher. No problems whatsoever. Congratulations on your new child!

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Sterilize it and use it again! I used mine for both babies and everything worked great. I needed more bottles and added to my pump by going to Bosom Buddies. They have a great selection of replacement parts. You can google the closest one to you.

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My daughter was 2 when I delivered my son who is currently still breastfed and I still pump. I have the same medela pump and I just bought new tubing and sterilized everything else. I have had no problems. Good Luck

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Hi C.,

I would suggest going to Sweet Beginnings in littleton and just buying a new kit. Your pump can also be checked there to make sure it is working ok. good luck!

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Not a big deal at all. Just sterilize and reuse. Especially bottles, breast cups, and hard plastic stuff. The tubing and little white silicone flaps (the things the size of dimes) might need to be replaced...those soft items can break down over time, but it depends on how well you stored them.