Preschool and Kindergarten Lunch | Best Lunchbox for Kids | Healthy Snacks for Kids | Best Water Bottle for Kids | Best Vitamins for Kids | Best Probiotics for Kids | Best Melatonin for Kids | Best Thermometer for Kids | Best Deodorant for Kids | Best Sunscreen for Kids
Hydration is a key factor of health, and it is so often underappreciated. The human body is made up of 60 percent water, but some organs require well over 80 percent to function properly. Dehydration comes with some pretty not-fun side effects, so it's very important to stay hydrated and make sure your active kids do, too. Having a fun water bottle can help a kid remember to drink water throughout the day. In this article, you'll find all the top products to meet your hydration needs.
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The Best Water Bottles for Kids - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Water Bottle for Kids: Yeti Rambler Jr. 12 oz
- Best Stainless Steel Water Bottle for Kids: Simple Modern Marvel Kids Water Bottle
- Best Insulated Water Bottle for Kids: Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle
- Best Leak-Proof Water Bottle for Kids: WaterWeek Leak Proof Reusable Water Bottles
- Best Glass Water Bottle for Kids: Purifyou premium glass water bottle
- Best Water Bottle with Straw for Kids: Contigo Kids Water Bottle w/ Straw
- Best Portable Water Bottle for Kids: Amiter Water Bottle w/ handle
- Best Lightweight Water Bottle for Kids: Cambelbak Eddy+ 14oz Kids Water Bottle
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Best Budget Water Bottle for Kids: Zak Designs Kids Water Bottle
Best Overall - Yeti Rambler Jr. 12 oz.
SPECS
- Size: 3.0"W x 8.4"H
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 12 oz.
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Lid style: Straw cap
This might be the mightiest of the water bottles produced for your active little ones. This 18/8 stainless steel water bottle can be thrown off a small mountain and live to tell the tale; the BPA-free container will be fine—and maybe a bit more fun with a story of its own to tell.
This miniature version of the YETI you know and love will keep your child's hands dry with a no-sweat design. Reviewers love the leak-proof spout and how it keeps water cold for up to five hours. They also love how a child is able to operate this water bottle independently. The plastic handle will likely break after being dropped on concrete one too many times, but this water bottle really is built for the rambunctious child and can be dropped many, many times before cracking.
What We Like
- It's tough—this one can take a beating from the most rambunctious child
- Plenty of bright, fun colors to choose from
- YETI brand is known for being a high-quality, long-lasting product
- Dishwasher safe
What We Don't Like
- The handle is plastic and will likely crack eventually
- It can be heavy for younger kids
- Difficult to clean parts of the lid
Best Stainless Steel - Simple Modern Marvel Kids Water Bottle
SPECS
- Size(s): 2.9"W x 4.2"H (10 oz.), 2.9"W x 6"H (14 oz.), 2.9"W x 7.8"H (18 oz.)
- Weight: 5.7 oz. (10 oz.), 7.5 oz. (14 oz.), 9.3 oz. (18 oz.)
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 10, 14, or 18 oz.
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Lid style: Spout lid
Simple Modern Marvel kids' water bottle comes in several Marvel-related designs. Featured characters include Black Panther, Captain America, Hulk, and more. Feed (or hydrate) your child's imagination with a fun and durable, lifetime-guaranteed Marvel superhero bottle.
While it will keep water cold all day, this bottle is not recommended for hot or carbonated beverages. A few reviewers did mention that the design can scratch off easily, so this may not be the best bet for a particularly rambunctious child.
What We Like
- Fits in a standard cup holder
- Comes in 3 sizes
- Variety of fun designs
What We Don't Like
- The design may scratch off
- Spout occasionally dribbles
BUY: Simple Modern Marvel Kids Water Bottle
Best Insulated - Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle
SPECS
- Size(s): 3.04"W x 9"H
- Weight: 1.1 lbs.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 18 oz.
- Dishwasher safe: No
- Lid style: Spout lid
Takeya offers this bottle in a variety of bright and fun colors. A convenient feature is the removable silicone non-slip cover on the bottom of the bottle, as well as the wide loop handle and the lifetime warranty. Unfortunately, with that cover on it won't fit in a standard cup holder.
Since this water bottle is 18 ounces, it probably isn't the best option for preschoolers; while the bottle is relatively light on its own, it can get pretty heavy when filled. Due to the double-wall vacuum insulation, this water bottle can keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours. It can also keep drinks hot for up to 12 hours, which is a nice bonus in cold weather.
What We Like
- Offered in a variety of fun colors
- Keeps drinks cold all day
- Removable silicone cover on the bottom
- Easy to carry with ring handle
What We Don't Like
- Too large and heavy for younger kids
- Hand wash only
BUY: Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle
Best Leak-Proof - WaterWeek Leak Proof Reusable Water Bottles
SPECS
- Size: 14.5"W x 3"H
- Weight: N/A
- Material: BPA-free Plastic
- Capacity: 14 oz.
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Lid style: Twist on
This unique idea by REDUCE aims to reduce one-time-use plastic water bottles by replacing them with these five-bottle sets, one for each weekday. These bottles are BPA-free and dishwasher safe and fit in most cup holders. The four fun design options each come with a handy fridge tray to keep the party together, making it easy and convenient to pack in your kid's lunch each day of the week.
The screw-on lids make them more leak-proof than straw or spout-lid options, so you can rest easy when you toss them in your kid's lunch box or backpack.
What We Like
- Leak-proof
- Comes with a fridge tray
- Selection of bright, fun designs
What We Don't Like
- Some places mistakenly advertise these as made of glass
- Possible plastic smell and taste—wash it in the dishwasher before use
BUY: WaterWeek Leak Proof Tritan
Best Glass - Purifyou Premium Glass Water Bottle
SPECS
- Size: 7.5" x 2.5"
- Weight: 8.2 oz.
- Material: Borosilicate glass with silicone sleeves and aluminum cap
- Capacity: 12 oz.
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Lid style: Twist off
A glass water bottle is non-toxic, easy to clean, and a time-tested way to be more eco-conscious with your water consumption. When compared to other glass products, the Purifyou bottle is surprisingly lightweight, and while it does come in larger sizes, the 12-ounce bottle is the perfect size for kids.
The downside of glass is that it does break more easily than other materials, but Purifyou offers to replace any bottles that do for up to a year after purchase. They also come with a full-coverage silicone sleeve that provides a non-slip grip and protection if the bottle gets dropped.
What We Like
- Environmentally-friendly
- Easy to clean
- 1-year free glass replacement
- No-leak caps
- Shockingly lightweight
What We Don't Like
- Glass is more breakable than other materials
- Small handle may be harder for kids to use
BUY: Purifyou Premium Glass Water Bottle
Best with Straw - Contigo Kids Water Bottle w/ Straw
SPECS
- Size: 8.15" x 4.21" x 7.13"
- Weight: 12 oz.
- Material: Plastic
- Capacity: 14 oz.
- Dishwasher safe: Yes (top rack)
- Lid style: Straw Lid
Contigo as a brand is widely known and recognized for its high-quality water bottles. When these things go on sale at Costco, the news rips through the Facebook mommy groups so fast you would think HBO Max was announcing another season of Friends. These cups are both durable and spill-proof, something any toddler parent is looking for. They are also (top rack) dishwasher safe, so when your precious child lovingly hands it to you right after a backyard mud pie adventure, it can be good as new in a short amount of time.
What We Like
- Spill-proof, even when the valve is open
- Dishwasher-safe
- Durable
- Lots of fun patterns and colors
What We Don't Like
- The lid is not as resilient as the bottle
- Lid may still be difficult to clean
BUY: Contigo Kids Water Bottle w/ Straw
Best Portable - Amiter Water Bottle w/ Handle (22 oz.)
SPECS
- Size: 12.05" x 4.06" x 4.06"
- Weight: 1.2 lbs.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 22 oz.
- Dishwasher safe: No
- Lid style: Spout lid and straw lid
These bottles by Amiter are so much fun. They are colorful and come with braided handles that secretly provide a compass, flintstone, cutter blade, whistle, carabiner, and military grade paracord. This water bottle is also unique in that it comes with two lid options: both spout and straw. Amiter says that ice will stay icy for 6 hours and cold drinks will remain cold for 24 hours.
This water bottle is perfect for summer camps or hiking adventures for older kids, but younger kids will have a difficult time with the weight of a filled bottle. Another concern is that the bottle comes with a flintstone and cutter blade—not the best option for school lunches!
What We Like
- Amazing features for a water bottle—it comes with a safety whistle!
- Beautiful colors
- Easy-to-grip, flexible handle
What We Don't Like
- It's big and heavy for small kids
- Hand wash only!
BUY: Amiter Water Bottle w/ Handle
Best Lightweight - Camelbak Eddy+ 14 oz. Kids Water Bottle
SPECS
- Size: 7.09" x 4.34" x 3.12"
- Weight: 0.33 lbs.
- Material: Tritan Renew Plastic
- Capacity: 14 oz.
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Lid style: Straw lid
The Eddy+ is another in a long history of reliable water bottles from Camelbak. The Eddy+ is unique because it uses Tritan Renew plastic, a product that is 50 percent recycled. Tritan takes one-time-use plastic, like disposable water bottles, and turns them into a durable long-time-use product that's also free of BPA and BPS, is dishwasher safe, impact-resistant, and lightweight. There are 28 creative design options on Amazon. (The sloth on a rocket caught my eye.)
The super leak-proof function of this design depends largely on a unique feature of the straw—you have to bite down in order to get liquid. For smaller kids, or older ones who just find this annoying, this might not be the best option.
What We Like
- Environmentally-conscious product
- Seriously leak-proof
- Durable and lightweight
What We Don't Like
- The child has to bite down on the straw to get liquid
- Some reports of warping in the dishwasher
BUY: Camelbak Eddy+ 14 oz. Kids Water Bottle
Best Budget - Zak Designs Kids Water Bottle
SPECS
- Size: 2.75" x 2.75" x 4.23"
- Weight: 0.6 lbs.
- Material: Plastic
- Capacity: 16 oz.
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Lid style: Straw lid
Amazon currently carries 15 design options for these affordable water bottle two-packs. Yes, that's right: Two bottles for less than the price of many single bottles on this list. One for each little fist. Or, more likely, one for now and one for when this one gets accidentally misplaced. They are made of BPA-free, food-grade, high-impact plastic, and though some reviewers report their products breaking after only minor use, the vast majority have had good luck with their Zak Designs purchases. These water bottles are sturdy, easy to clean, and easy to hold, as well.
What We Like
- Lower price than comparable products
- Leak-proof design
- Designed to fit in a child's hand
What We Don't Like
- Lid may crack when dropped
BUY: Zak Designs Kids Water Bottle
FAQs About Kids' Water Bottles
Which type of water bottle is best for kids?
The answer to this comes down to what is most important to you and your current needs. Do you value durability most? Eco-friendliness? Cost? How old is your child? Do they tend to break or lose things?
When you consider your own goals along with your child's personality, the answer may be clear. As a dietitian, I'll say that the best type of water bottle for your child is the one they will use—and then bring home and use it again.
What water bottle is best for school?
This answer depends on the factors of the school and how sensitive your child is. For example, if there are a lot of water fountains at the school, you can likely choose a smaller and easier-to-carry water bottle. But if you live somewhere hot, or your child plays after-school sports, it might be best to get a larger bottle that will carry them through the day.
Are glass or stainless steel water bottles better?
Both materials are good eco-friendly options, but stainless steel is probably going to be the best choice for kids since it's less breakable. Stainless steel is easy to clean, lightweight and can come in many fun designs. Look for bottles that are made of food-grade stainless steel, so your beverage will taste like a drink, not like metal.
Are stainless steel bottles better than plastic?
From an environmental perspective, yes. Even most recycled plastic is still using 50% recycled material and 50% new plastic. Stainless steel will never leach harmful chemicals into your food or drink, even when heated. They also dent rather than crack, so they can be used for a much longer amount of time.
How long can you keep water in a stainless steel bottle?
Water that is kept in a clean and sealed stainless steel water bottle is safe for up to a week. Beyond that time, it's best to dump the water and clean the water bottle well before using it again.
Preschool and Kindergarten Lunch | Best Lunchbox for Kids | Healthy Snacks for Kids | Best Water Bottle for Kids | Best Vitamins for Kids | Best Probiotics for Kids | Best Melatonin for Kids | Best Thermometer for Kids | Best Deodorant for Kids | Best Sunscreen for Kids
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