How to Use Breast Pumps for a Second Child

When your second child is born, you can save money by reusing many of the baby supplies you purchased for your first child. While it is not recommend to share breast pumps or purchase a used breast pump, you can safely reuse the breast pump you used with your first child to pump breast milk for your second baby, according to the BabyCenter website. Try to pull your old breast pump out of storage before your second child is born to give yourself time to prepare it for use and re-familiarize yourself with how to use the pump.

Inspect your old breast pump. Check the instruction manual to make sure you have all of the necessary pieces.

Replace any missing or broken parts. If parts of your breast pump are missing, or if any pieces appear to be cracked or clogged with dried milk, order new parts. Contact your breast pump's manufacturer using the information in the instruction manual to order replacement parts. Allow enough time for shipping so that you will have a complete breast pump before your baby arrives.

Wash your breast pump. Follow the instruction manual for washing your pump parts. Most breast pump parts can be washed using warm soapy water. You may also choose to wash your breast pump's pieces by running them through your dishwasher on the top rack.

Sterilize the parts of your breast pump that come into contact with milk. Once your baby has arrived and you are ready to start pumping, it's best to sterilize all washable breast pump parts once per day. Sterilize breast pump parts by placing them in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, or use a microwaveable bag to sterilize your pump. Purchase these microwaveable sterilization bags at any baby supply store.

Allow your breast pump parts to air dry completely before putting the parts away to prevent mold growth.

Prevent mold growth in your breast pump's tubing. If breast milk travels through tubes in your breast pump, you can sterilize the inside of the tubes by flushing rubbing alcohol through the tubes.

Warnings

Follow the exact instructions provided with your breast pump for cleaning and sterilization.

If you or your baby are experiencing thrush, a yeast infection common during breast feeding, it is especially important to sterilize your breast pump parts daily to kill the yeast and prevent the spread of infection.