How to Assemble and Disassemble Your Elvie Stride 2 Connect Kit: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To assemble your Elvie Stride 2 Connect Kit, attach the breast shields to the milk containers, connect the tubing to the pump hub, and secure the hub to your bra. For disassembly, reverse the steps, then wash every part that touches milk or your skin. Replacing worn parts like seals regularly keeps performance hospital-grade and hygienic.

The Elvie Stride 2 Connect Kit is designed to let you pump hands-free almost anywhere, but it only works well if you put it together correctly. Whether you're a first-time user or need a refresher, this guide walks you through every step of assembling and disassembling your pump—so you can spend less time fiddling with parts and more time moving through your day.

We’ll also point out common mistakes that can cause leaks, poor suction, or hygiene issues, and when you might need to replace parts like breast shields or seals.

Know Your Elvie Stride 2 Connect Kit Parts

Before you start assembling, get familiar with the parts that make up the Elvie Stride 2 Connect Kit. The main components are the pump hub, breast shields (also called flanges), milk containers, tubing, and the collection cups that connect to the hub. Depending on your kit, you may also have spare valves and seals.

The Elvie Stride 2 is a smart, soft-silicone double electric breast pump that weighs only 5 oz per side, and it’s designed to fit 99% of nipples right out of the box, so you don't need to do a lot of fitting adjustments. Understanding what each part does will make assembly and disassembly feel much more intuitive.

• Pump hub: the motor and battery unit that creates suction and attaches to your bra.
• Breast shields: silicone flanges that sit against your breast and guide the nipple.
• Milk containers: collect the expressed milk and attach to the breast shield or tubing.
• Tubing: connects the hub to the milk collection system (in the Stride 2 design, you may not have separate tubing—check your kit).

Step-by-Step Assembly

Start by washing your hands and ensuring all parts are clean and completely dry. Check that the breast shields are correctly oriented—the flange opening should face your nipple, and the nipple alignment guide should be centered. Attach the breast shield to the milk container by pressing the two pieces together until you hear a soft click.

Next, connect the pump hub to the milk container or the shield, depending on your kit's design. The hub should fit snugly; if you feel resistance, realign the pieces instead of forcing them. Finally, place the assembled pump inside your nursing bra, making sure the shield is centered and the hub sits comfortably against your body.

• Always double-check that the sealing rings or gaskets are in place to avoid leaks.
• If you’re using extra washable parts, have a complete set on hand so you can swap them out quickly.

Step-by-Step Disassembly and Cleaning

To disassemble, remove the pump from your bra and press the release buttons or gently pull the hub from the milk container. Then detach the breast shield from the container. Do this over a clean surface or sink to avoid spilling any remaining milk.

Rinse every part that touched milk under cool water immediately to prevent milk residue from drying. Then wash with warm, soapy water and a dedicated bottle brush. Pop the parts in the dishwasher if they're dishwasher-safe (check your manual), or sterilize according to your usual routine. Let all parts air-dry completely before reassembling to prevent bacteria growth.

• Pay special attention to the small valves and seals—clean them with a soft brush to remove milk film.
• Never boil or use harsh chemicals on silicone parts unless explicitly stated as safe.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

One of the most frequent assembly mistakes is misaligning the breast shield, which can reduce suction and cause discomfort. Another is under-tightening the parts, leading to leaks, or over-tightening, which may cause cracks. Always follow the 'click fit' guidance—if it doesn't click easily, it's not aligned.

If you notice reduced suction or visible wear on your breast shields, it may be time to replace them. The Elvie Stride Breast Shields are sold as a 2-pack, and they’re designed exclusively for Elvie Stride (note that Stride accessories are not compatible with Stride 2—but the Stride 2 ships with its own fit-first shields). Seals and diaphragms should also be checked regularly; they can wear out and affect the closed system's hygiene.

• If your pump seems to lose suction, check the seal around the breast shield and the valve seating.
• Keep a spare set of washable parts on hand to avoid downtime during busy days.

Quick Assembly Checklist

1. Clean and Dry: Wash your hands and ensure all parts are spotless and dry before you start. Any moisture can affect suction and hygiene. Checkpoint: Touch each part. If it feels damp, wait a bit longer.
2. Attach Shield to Container: Align the breast shield with the milk container and press until you hear a click. Don't force it—if it doesn't click, realign. Checkpoint: A secure click means you have a leak-proof seal.
3. Connect the Hub: Snap the pump hub onto the assembly, ensuring it sits flush. It should feel snug against your chest when worn. Checkpoint: Give the hub a slight tug—it shouldn't come apart easily.
4. Wear and Adjust: Place the assembled pump in your nursing bra, adjusting for comfort and proper nipple alignment. The hub should sit flat, not tilted. Checkpoint: Look in a mirror—if it's obviously visible through a t-shirt, adjust the fit.
5. Disassemble and Rinse: Remove the pump, detach the hub, then separate the shield and container. Rinse all parts under cool water within 30 minutes of use. Checkpoint: No dried milk residue should remain on any part.

Parts and Accessories That Help

• Elvie Stride Breast Shields (2 pack): Breast shields (flanges) to fit Elvie Stride. For use exclusively with Elvie Stride. 2 pack of Elvie Stride Breast Shields. Elvie Stride Breast Shield's unique design and nipple alignment guidance ensure effective suction and comfort when using Elvie Stride. If you're using the Elvie Stride (the original model), having a spare set of shields means you can rotate them while one set dries, and the alignment guidance helps you get a comfortable fit that supports effective suction.
• Elvie Stride 2: Hospital-Grade Suction Breast Pump: Better fit. Better feel. Better flow. Smart, soft-silicone double electric breast pump (5 oz, 150 ml). Meet our first-ever electric breast pump that caters to 99% of nipples, right from the box. Help maximize your milk output with a better fit and hospital-grade suction. If you're just starting with a wearable pump, this hospital-grade suction and the fit-first shield design mean you're less likely to struggle with alignment issues—a common problem that leads to discomfort and lower output.
• Elvie Stride and Extra Set of Washable Parts: Elvie Stride - Hands-free, hospital-grade performance electric breast pump (5 oz). Hospital-grade performance (a whopping -300 mmHg*) that’s portable. Plus, an extra set of washable parts because when life gets busy. Getting an extra set of washable parts means you always have a clean set ready for the next pump session, which is especially helpful when you're assembling and disassembling multiple times a day. This bundle saves time and reduces stress.

Assembling and disassembling your Elvie Stride 2 Connect Kit is straightforward once you know the order and where to press. Keep your parts clean, replace worn shields and seals, and you'll get reliable, discreet pumping every time. For more help, check the Elvie app for guided support.