There is nothing better you can give your baby than the health-enhancing benefits of breast milk. Phillips Avent’s range of breast pumps and accessories have been designed to help you do so for as long as you like, as easily as possible. The revolutionary design of our pumps has been acclaimed by mothers and health professionals worldwide.

The Phillips Avent Manual Breast Pump was the first ever designed to stimulate milk flow in a way that closely mimics the sucking action of a baby. There is simply no gentler, faster or more natural way to express milk. The Phillips Avent Manual Breast Pump has not only been clinically proven to be as effective as a hospital-grade electric pump – it was rated significantly more comfortable and pleasant to use.


Published 6th August 2010


  • Never again

    I was given this manual pump when I gave birth to my first born. I thought that i would give it a go, and let’s just say it was an utter failure. I felt like crying – from pain and frustration – every time that I used this pump. I am so glad that I converted to the electric pump instead. I will never go back



  • Avent Manual Breast Pump

    I bought this pump as well as my electric pump, and I have to say, I absolutely love it! It’s really comfortable to use, and has excellent suction. I find it even better than the electric pump, although my hand cramps up with the amount of squeezing that is necessary, I never have to worry about my batteries running low, or accidentally pulling the cord from the wall. 🙂 I highly recommend this pump to anyone who wishes to express, it’s definitely a good purchase, and really not terribly expensive! It’s also really easy to clean, and the bottle is just the right size for an express and feed session. Love, Love, LOVE it!



  • very good

    I had bought this without being sure how I would cope but to my surprise it was easy to use and have advised all my friends to use it. I have never used electric breast pumps before I wouldn’t compare it but I preferred manual and it was useful when I went out as you cant always breast feed in public.



  • Nice and portable

    I use my advent pump as my portable / going to work pump. It’s great for that as it packs up small and I use the advent storage cups so no transferring to milk bags.



  • Easy to use.

    I found this breast pump very easy to use. Once I had put it together a few times I was able to pull it apart and put back together really quickly. It is fantastic to use and is quite quick and it can be cleaned by taking it apart and sterilising in the philips microwave steriliser. I would recommend this to all mums.



  • Comfortable, convenient, quality

    I used a different brand pump for our first 3 children, then swapped to the Avent manual pump for our 4th child. It was so much more comfortable than the other brand, I wish I’d discovered it earlier. The handle is easy to use, and I found it faster and easier to express than the other brand because of the different pumping action. The parts separate easily for cleaning and sterilising. I found the wide mouth bottles that attach to the avent pump worked well to store milk and baby fed well from the bottles because of the anti-colic ring with the bottles. I still used sterilised narrow necked bottles by tipping milk into them from the wide necked bottles, but only because I still had them in the back of the cupboard (and these I kept in the freezer as a backup).



  • Great essential for any mum

    If you haven’t gone down the electric path. This is the next best thing to have on hand.
    I’ve tried lots of different brands of manual pumps even ones that really hurt. And Avent is certainly the best.
    This makes he most perfect gift for a baby shower.
    Lots of bits to wash and sterilize but you seem to do it all in your stride.



  • more comfotable to use than other brands

    I bought one of these a week after my son was born because of unexpected breastfeeding trouble and it was the one recommended by the midwife. It too a little maneuvering initially to stop the leaks but eventually I got the hang of it and found it good. I later bought an electric pump in a different brand and that was when I realised just how comfortable the Avent pump was. I am pregnant with my second now and I am much happier to know that I have my Avent pump ready to use if needed.



  • So easy to use

    This was the only breast pump I used with both my boys and I went back to work quite quickly with both children. This was small so easy to use anywhere, gentle and simple to use and clean. Would recommend to anyone



  • Easy to use and somewhat mess free

    I did not mind this product actually, though I had a problem with leakage, unsure whether this was a user fAult or the product. It was easy to wash and use and I did find it comfortable. The price was a little expensive but I do believe the product is worth it. Mine lasted me through 3 pregnancies.



  • Avent is the BEST!

    Love the Avent breast pump. I started with the manual one first to see if I was actually going to use it and it was fantastic. It turned out that I did need to express a lot more as I had a premie baby and so I upgraded to the electric which I love even more. For those women who don’t express much though the manual pump is just fine and of course a lot more affordable. I highly recommend this pump and the bottles.



  • Great product mostly

    I loved my advent manual pump!it was easy to use and worked well although my hand got quite sore!i used to keep this in my nappy bag and have my electric at home.unfortunately mine broke and lost suction so I didn’t get to use it for very long but overall very happy



  • Very happy: has lasted for all three children

    I purchased this breast pump whilst I was breast feeding my son, and it is still working well with bubs number three (3+ years later). All if the parts still work as good as new, and I haven’t yet had to replace anything. Tip: it works without the plastic dome thinggy that covers the valve mechanism, so that’s one less thing to wash! I also like that it is relatively inexpensive: while possibly not as efficient as an electric pump (I hired one once on leaving the hospital and yes, it was awesome), I still found I was able to express a whole feed on a single pumping session.



  • Comfy & effective

    This is the only pump that would work for me. I tried other manuals & expensive electric pumps but I just couldn’t get a good amount of milk down. Three babies later and I’m still using this pump! I can express 180mls in just a few mins!



  • Recommend

    I used this product with all three of my children! It’s brilliant! It never hurt me and was always effective. I recommended it to many of my friends and they loved it too. I have all the Avent items, from bottles to dummy’s, sterilisers to baby food blender. It’s a brand I love and trust!



  • My favourite by far

    I used this with my first child and I was so happy with its performance. I could mimic his sucking pattern and got a great deal of milk out. I recently bought a hospital grade electric pump costing $300 and it doesn’t live up to the avent manual pump. I’ve converted back to Philips for good



  • loved Ive

    Ive used avent since ive had kids and I swear by their breast pumps I had alot of problems with milk supply but the breast pump helped me breast feed just that little bit more so I was happy I will always buy Avent 🙂



  • Easy to use

    I used my avent manual breast pump for 16 months. It was easy to use, kept my milk supply up and got me through horrible mastitis. I like that you could buy the storage cups to pump into, instead of pumping into a bottle then swapping the milk to a bag/bottle to store in th freezer or fridge. I have now passed my breast pump on to my sister who is now using it and loves it!! Worth the money



  • Great and Easy to use.

    Iv always used the avent manual pump and found it so easy to use, it suctioned and pumped really well, was fast and very easy to pull apart and clean.



  • Easy. Convenient. Effective.

    As a first time mum I made a goal to breastfeed for at least 6 weeks even though I was unsure if I would struggle to breastfeed, so I decided to get a manual pump because they are not as expensive. I’m so glad I did because even though they are a little more work than an electric, I can control the pumping more which for me was more comfortable. I had used an electric one in hospital and it was great but considering I only pump once or twice a day elexteic was not worth the money. I love my avent manual comfort breast pump. easy tobuse…easy to clean and does its job!


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I fondly remember slow, summer afternoons with family and friends gathered around a table of delicious finger-food during my childhood – the adults chatting and laughing, the kids pretending they understood the jokes. My parents had continued their Mediterranean traditions long after settling in Australia – and the simple joy of an effortlessly elegant gathering was one of my favourites.

What I don’t remember is my parents ever being stressed about the gatherings. It all just seemed to ‘come together’. Ah, how times have changed!

There’s something about the Italian style of entertaining that’s still so alluring in our fast-paced family lives. The idea of La Dolce Vita: a sweet life surrounded by family, friends, food and minimal fuss. Which is why we’ve enlisted the help of the entertaining experts at Sandhurst to share easy tips for elegant, memorable summer get-togethers.

We also asked our community of mums to share their tried and true, easy summer entertaining ideas, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Euro-Inspired Entertaining

Sandhurst

Before we dive into the delicious world of sumptuous, simple summer entertaining, it helps to know a little about the inspiration behind our guide. And that’s the concept of Italian entertaining – where time is taken to lovingly grow ingredients, before enjoying them with those you love.

Established in 1988, Sandhurst was born from the time-honoured traditions of generations of the family behind the brand – a proud Italian Australian family passionate about quality produce sourced from world’s best growers.

At the helm of Sandhurst are brothers Mimmo and Ray Lubrano, who live and breathe the impeccable ingredients that become the centrepiece of so many gatherings in Australian family homes.

“Tradition is what we stand for. We’re custodians of Italian values,” explained Mimmo. “When we go to Italy we see it in our grandparents, our parents came from Italy in the 50s. The tradition is a set of values: honesty, teamwork, participation, family – all the things you would associate with Italian family are the values.”

And it’s these beautiful values that make summer gatherings in Australia an extension of the European table.

Easy Summer Entertaining Starts With … Time Saving Secrets!

Sandhurst

A sweet summer of entertaining doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, it shouldn’t be. It’s a chance to spend time with loved ones. To press pause on life and make memories. And it can be simple! So here are some really easy tips for making your home the place where everyone wants to gather this summer.

Create An Entertaining Kit

Whether it’s pre-planned or you’ve had friends or family drop-in, having a few things ready to go immediately melts away any stress. Here are some things to include in a summer entertaining kit:

  • A red table cloth: It instantly says festive!
  • Some platters and serving dishes
  • Candles
  • Some quality antipasto ingredients that simply need to be decanted and enjoyed!

Many Hands Make Light Work

As mums, we tend to be our own worst enemy when it comes to delegating tasks. But remember, a summer of entertaining is about creating memories – not perfection. So let the kids help, and accept offers from your guests who’d like to bring something along to share.

“It can be overwhelming, so just delegate, and prepare. I do one dish prep per day and pop them in the freezer. Then they just need to be heated up. Let the kids do the decorating for you – plus keeps them busy!” – MoM Member Kirsty

Decorate With Happiness

There’s no need to pull out your finest crystal to pull off an elegant get together. Take a look around your home and garden to see what will bring your table to life. A bowl of lemons is a gorgeous addition, as is a bunch of gum leaves. Keep it simple and understated.

Sandhurst

Finger Food For The Win

Nothing says simple summer elegance more than a charcuterie board (or three!). When my friends and our families get together, it’s our go-to – every family is asked to ‘bring a board’. Some do savoury and some sweet, so we’re covered for a long afternoon of catching up.

“Food wise, I keep it simple by doing cold deli meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies.” – MoM Member

But just because boards are easy to put together, doesn’t mean they can’t ooze elegance. And that comes down to including quality ingredients. Choosing Sandhurst products is the easiest way to guarantee the highest quality ends up on your table. We love the premise behind the brand: from our family to yours – it invokes that nostalgic feeling of shared stories, history, gatherings and family.

How To Put Together A Charcuterie Board 

Sandhurst article image

There are no right or wrong ways to create a charcuterie board, but to ensure a balance of textures and flavours try to include:

La Dolce Vita!

A summer of sophisticated entertaining doesn’t have to be hours and hours of work. We don’t want it to be! By grabbing some beautiful ingredients to fill your pantry next time you’re shopping, you’ll know that at a moment’s notice you’ll have everything you need for a Euro-inspired gathering. No fuss, but plenty of substance and style!

Sandhurst

Ready to host your own summer gathering? Choose Sandhurst’s quality produce and look for the red lid.

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Sandhurst to bring you this article.

  • I’ve really needed some inspiration this year for Christmas and this is great! I Love a good charcuterie board and I think I may do one this year for the family as well as all the regular Christmas trimmings. I have 6 kids and all the extended family coming to entertain and feed!

    Reply

  • I’m loving all the ideas here in the comments and pictures above! I love to be able to just look at what others have done and straight up copy it. Takes all the thinking energy out of entertaining!
    Such a good and trusted brand to purchase over the silly season! You know you are faring great quality and value!

    Reply

  • We often have homemade pizza nights aka fakeaway night! And my pizza is always on a low carb Pizza base with roasted and sundried tomato and capsicum. My fav combo with grilled chicken and a swirl of peri peri mayonnaise! Making our own is always better than takeaway versions and healthier!

    Reply

  • Sandhurst products are my go to for great healthy and tasty snacks, especially after school.

    Reply

  • Great information! Loved it. You can see https://reminiiapp.com/

    Reply

  • Looked so good I couldn’t wait – Dove in off the end of my bread baton and swirled around in a couple of cheesy dips only to finish up at the Sandhurst stackers and sun-dried olives, who needs a Holiday when there is one in the kitchen, I can take any day.

    Reply

  • I have been buying Sandhurst Kalamata Olives, Sandhurst Semi-Dried Tomatoes, Sandhurst Baby Capers, Sandhurst Sicilian Green Olives for years as our kitchen staple adding that extra flavours to our dishes. I buy Sandhurst products for Gift Baskets as presents for family and friends and they love this idea as I add a chopping board and a knife and crackers and cheese for a celebration of flavours.

    Reply

  • Great ideas for entertaining guests and love that brand I buy it all the time

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  • i buy this for family they love the brand and the taste of sandhurst and the different flavors and range to choose from and i find it great value for money, i re-use the jars when im done with for small items in the house.

    Reply

  • I have been a purchaser of Sandhurst goods ever since they first appeared on supermarket shelves and still buy it to this day. The Sandhurst brand is the best without a doubt. This year I have not been able to find the Sandhurst cheese stuffed baby capsicums anywhere. I have tried to get on the Sandhurst site, but no luck with what they make. Help – these are such a wonderful addition to a salad.

    Reply

  • Fantastic Article

    Reply

  • I Love a good charcuterie board. I Love all the different options all on the one board. I love to do a chocolate board when we have guests over, it’s a fun way to do dessert after dinner. The kids love seeing everything layed out so they can pick and choose.

    Reply

  • This is great for the grandchildren they love them as they use them as finger food and make up their own meal and use plenty of ingredients including meat and cheese on the dips and crackers. We keep it simple with the Sandhurst’s products as it is a meal in every jar and the kids love them.

    Reply

  • This looks like the perfect relaxed way to have a picnic! I am loving the idea of this! Just bring along lots of fillings and plenty of cheeses and breads and of course a little alcohol and you’re all set. This sounds like the perfect way to catch up with friends!

    Reply

  • I hate being taken to a third party page to enter comps.

    Reply

  • Certainly most welcome for summer, and would be wonderful for the festive season. I can see this platter on the table Christmas Eve, when we get together with our neighbours.

    Reply

  • Love the look of the olive on creamy fetta

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  • This is timely and helpful, thanks – I aspire to entertain more and tips to make it less stressful are very welcome.

    Reply

  • Charcuterie boards are the absolute best! We do these so often in the warmer months because there’s something for the whole family. People pick and choose what they like and there’s no complaints because there’s so many different options to choose from, everyone is happy. It’s such a simple stressful way to make dinner.

    Reply

  • I absolutely adore finger food and this style of feeding people when we have family and friends at our home; or when we go out for a picnic, bbq or get together. These types of food are so easy to source and to buy and to prepare and to happily eat.


    • Yes I agree, finger foods are easy and yummie ! And you can assemble a healthy enough plate (certainly when you add salads, cheeses, nuts, fruits, boiled eggs, olives and rustic breads) that it can certainly can replace a meal (either lunch or dinner). Everyone happy and no hours of preparation in the kitchen 🙂



      • Also; the other bonus is less mess to clean up when cutlery is not needed. Finger food is the best for laid back and relaxed get togethers. There is always such a clam and relaxed feel to a finger food meal without the need for any fancy and stuffy table settings.

    Reply

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