Best Water Bottles For Kids

Summer is on the way – and that means your kids are going to get THIRSTY!

Children are actively moving throughout the day, on the playground, running to sports activities, or playing with friends. Avoid dehydration by making sure your child has a bottle of water within arm’s reach.

When they become thirsty, drinking water is a healthier option than drinking sodas and other high sugar content drinks which may cause weight issues. By having the best kids water bottles readily available, you teach your children from an early age to drink water.

Although most kids can drink from cups or glass, they aren’t always at home to have a cup or glass of water. Water bottles are convenient solutions for quenching your child’s thirst; if they wait too long, they may become dehydrated.

Water bottles vary in size, materials, shapes, designs, and features. We compiled a list of the best water bottles for kids taking into consideration the essential features like ease of cleaning, when and where it is used, the tendency to leak and spill, and the type of material.

Best Kids Water Bottles Compared

Hydro Flask Water Bottle for Kids
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Contigo Autoseal Trekker Kids Water Bottle
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CamelBak Eddy Kids Water Bottle
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Nalgene Tritan Grip-N-Gulp Water Bottle
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Coleman FreeFlow Water Bottle
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Simple Modern Ascent Water Bottle
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Polar Insulated Water Bottle
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Platypus Collapsable SoftBottles With Closure Cap
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Best Water Bottle For Kids – Reviewed

Best Insulated Kids Water Bottle : Hydro Flask Water Bottle for Kids

Hydro Flask Water Bottle for Kids blue

The double-wall vacuum insulation of the Hydro Flask Kids Water Bottle keeps 12 oz of water cold for up to 24 hours in the bottle. It is one of the best water bottles for kids who like their cold beverages chilled and hot drink hot for an extended period. The Honeycomb insulation inside the lid gives additional temperature control to keep water cold for 24 hours and soup hot for 12 hours.

A silicone boot sleeve in four bright colors provides durability that prevents dents when bumped and provides extra traction on slippery surfaces. Kids can take their stainless steel water bottle everywhere with them, whether its to school, football or soccer practice, or having fun in the neighborhood.

The bottle comes with a straw spout lid and has a wide mouth for easy cleaning. The silicone spout drinking valve is comfortable to drink from.  The wide mouth allows for easy access to keep the inside of the water bottles clean from bacteria and mold. The large straw should help quench the thirst of any child.

Best Stainless Steel Kids Water Bottle: Thermos Funtainer 12 Ounce Water Bottle

Thermos Funtainer 12 Ounce Water Bottle blue and teal

The Thermos Funtainer stainless steel water bottle is the best water bottle to keep drinks cold for thirsty throats. The vacuum insulation technology ensures maximum temperature retention to keep water cold but is not designed for hot beverages. You may fill the thermos with water and ice cubes for chilled drinks. Insulation keeps the water chilled up to 12 hours, even if your child forgets the water bottle outside in the sun.

Children play, and their hands get dirty. When they become thirsty, they don’t always consider washing their hands first. This kids water bottle helps protect them from themselves.  A pop-up straw and the push-button lid are excellent hygienic features; it keeps dirty fingers away from the parts used for drinking. It’s a great spout cover.  The tight-fitting stainless steel lid protects the straw and water from sand and grime during play and avoids leakage.

The removable spout and silicone straw ensure efficient cleaning and removing dirt from inside parts of the insulated stainless steel water bottle. There aren’t any fissures or crevices that make it difficult to clean. Handwashing is recommended or place on the top rack of the dishwasher.

The Thermos Funtainer is one of the best kids stainless steel water bottles that little hands can handle.

Best Spill and Leakproof: Contigo Autoseal Trekker Kids Water Bottle

Contigo Autoseal Trekker Kids Water Bottle one dark blue and one yellow green water bottles

One of the best leak proof and spill-proof water bottles is the Contigo Autoseal Trekker Kids Water Bottle. It is an excellent water bottle for kids from three years and older. It is not only toddlers who spill; older kids do too. They also forget to keep the bottle upright, or it falls over in their backpack if not placed correctly. The leak proof water bottle and spill-proof features keep bags and backpack dry when the bottles fall over.

The lightweight water-bottle is not too heavy for a little one to hold. It is also shaped for little hands to grip. They should be able to hold the bottle in one hand when sipping from the bottle. A large button on the side of the bottle is easy to find. When pressed, it releases the cap. Young toddlers and kids with weaker hands may struggle initially to squeeze and drink simultaneously.

It is made from 100% BPA-free material for safe usage by kids. The bottle and twist cap are dishwasher safe. The two-pack water bottles come in exciting color combinations that should appeal to kids young and older.

Best Kids Water Bottle with an Innovative Lid: CamelBak Eddy Kids Water Bottle

CamelBak Eddy Kids Water Bottle with hippopotamus and bird on back water scene

The 12-ounce CamelBak Eddy Kids waterbottle is leakproof even when kids tip it over with the spout open. When drinking from the bottle, the child needs to bite on the valve to release the water, which means the water won’t cipher out with the container lying on its side.

Another benefit of the bite valve is that your child can control the amount of water they drink at a time. Water doesn’t flow freely, like a cup that the water continues to flow when held upside down. The moment the child releases the valve, the water flow stops.  Less mess for you earns this Camelback an entry among the best kids water bottles.

The kid water bottle is user-friendly. It is comfortable for small hands to hold. Even toddlers can flip open the wide spout and use the bite valve feature of the water-bottle. To avoid leakage, the user should flip the spout down using the lever.

Kids, however, tend to use their fingers, which aren’t always clean, and when pushing down on the straw with their fingers instead of the lever, may move it out of place, causing the bottle to leak. Chewing on the silicon spout may also damage it after a while, causing the bottle to leak.

The BPA-, BPS-, and BPF-free Tritan polypropylene bottle looks like glass but is durable plastic. The bite valve is made from medical-grade silicone that is child safe. The plastic water bottle material is stain-resistant, taste-free, and should not leave odors behind of previous beverages that were in the bottle. It is designed to withstand active kids who drop their water bottle and carry it upside down. The kid water bottle is also made for carrying and drinking using only one hand. The colorful graphics provide over 50 different designs to choose from. The child-safe straw and stem are removable for cleaning purposes. The water bottle is dishwasher safe.

Great Kids Sippy Cup Alternative: Nalgene Tritan Grip-N-Gulp Water Bottle

Nalgene Tritan Grip-N-Gulp Water Bottle blue with seahorse

The Nalgene Tritan Grip-N-Gulp water bottle is the best as an alternative to help transition your toddler from sippy cups to drinking from a regular bottle. Your one-year-old may adjust easily in using the sippy cup water bottle. It is designed like a sippy cup but can hold 12 ounces of liquid (or 14 ounces if filled to the brim). The larger volume is convenient for longer trips.

Nalgene has been making reusable water bottles for 70 years. Their products are BPA-free, BPS-free, and phthalates-free, which makes it safe for kids. The plastic is also exceptionally durable and may even withstand when dropped down a flight of stairs. The odor-free water bottle is easy to clean and is also dishwasher safe when placed on the top rack in the dishwasher.

Best Water Bottle For Toddlers: Klean Kanteen Kid Stainless Steel Sport Bottle

Klean Kanteen Kid Stainless Steel Sport Bottle red

The Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel water bottles for kids are ideal alternatives to non-toxic plastic bottles. If your kids are transitioning from a sippy cup and like sports or are generally active kids, the Classic Sports 12-ounce water bottle could be the perfect pick.

With a Klean Coat powder coating finish, the water bottles are chip-resistant, durable, and safe to use. The water bottle is made from durable food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, and the Sport Cap 3.0 is constructed from polypropylene – safe for children of all ages. Kids three years and older who are cutting new teeth may appreciate the silicone tip design that is soft against the teeth and tender gums.

A single layer of stainless steel ensures a lightweight product that is easy to grip by young kids. Drinks stay chilled in the fridge or cooler. The non-insulation contributes to keeping the water bottles lightweight, but the water won’t stay fresh for the same amount of time as it would in an insulated water bottle. The mouth is wide enough to add ice cubes for a chilled drink or to keep the beverage longer cool.

Rounded corners and smooth finishes make the water bottle easy to clean. Hand washing is recommended for the bottles designed with colors. The electropolished interior cleans easily and is safe, non-toxic, and odorless.

The water bottle has a lifetime guarantee and is available in various bright and colorful designs. It is a convenient size and shape to fit in cupholders comfortably.

Top Teen Water Bottle: Coleman FreeFlow Water Bottle

Coleman FreeFlow Water Bottle dark purple

The sleek look of the Coleman FreeFlow bottle may appeal to teenagers. Its ability to keep fluids cold up to 31 hours may benefit teenagers who like hiking, sports, or drinking chilled water throughout the day. The double-walled vacuum insulated 18/8 stainless steel bottle will also keep hot drinks, like soup for lunch, warm for up to 11 hours. The 24-ounce bottle ensures that your kids may carry enough fluid with them to stay hydrated during walks, hiking, sports, and other activities.

The spill-proof feature may save your kids from being embarrassed if they have a clumsy accident. You must push the button at the back of the bottle to release the fluid. A slide lock protects the button from being pushed accidentally. The high flow spout makes drinking easy at a consistent flow and keeps dirt and dust from entering the mouthpieces.

A dropdown lip feature and the removable lid are easy to clean. It is recommended to handwash the stainless steel body, but the removable cap is washed on the top rack of the dishwasher.  When you are looking for a kid-friendly double wall vacuum insulated water bottle that little ones can handle, this is a great choice.

Best Trendy: Simple Modern Ascent Water Bottle

Simple Modern Ascent Water Bottle in various colors

The trendy, sleek look of theModern Ascent water bottle may inspire your teenager to have it handy whenever they are thirsty. The variety in colors, styles, sizes, and features make it one of the best water bottles for kids of all ages. Your kid may find the design they like and bottle size that fits their hydration need and lifestyle.

Simple Modern premium 18/8 stainless steel bottles have double wall insulation to keep beverages hot or cold for hours. The vacuum insulation technology keeps the drink chilled or warm without the exterior sweating and leaving wet rings on surfaces. The narrow mouth is wide enough for easy drinking but also narrow to maximize insulation. A premium copper insulation layer reduces the transfer of temperature to improve insulation further.

Kids don’t have to tilt the bottle to drink and accidentally spill the content. The straw connects to the bottom of the straw lid; it extends into the bottle for easy drinking.  It’s a great feature that propels these sleek vessels into the ranks of the best kids water bottles in 2024.

The bottles are rust-resistant and won’t retain flavors. The high-quality food-grade stainless steel makes it safe for kids and adults alike and will last for years.

Best Sports: Polar Insulated Water Bottle

Polar Insulated Water Bottle blue and white bottle

The Polar Insulated water bottle was created in 1994 in a garage and is still around today. It was the first insulated sports bottle in the world. Thanks to their great innovative design, moms can pack lunchboxes with hot and chilled beverages for their kids. The small 12-ounce size is the best-sized bottle for active kids on family outings or kids who enjoy sports or energetic adventures. Larger volumes sizes are available for thirsty teens and adults. There is a bottle big enough for whatever water needs your children may have.

The ultimate thermal protection is designed with a foil layer between the inner and outer plastic bottle layers.  The foil reflects solar rays resulting in additional thermal protection. The plastic layers create air barriers that keep beverages chilled twice as long. With a wide mouth, you can add ice cubes for ice-cold drinks.

Lightweight, FDA food-grade approved and made from BPA-free and phthalate-free material; the Polar bottle is safe for kids to use. Kids can take it anywhere, and everywhere they go.

Best Packable: Platypus Collapsable SoftBottles With Closure Cap

Platypus Collapsable SoftBottles With Closure Cap white

If your kids love to throw everything into their backpack, like kids often do, then the collapsible Platypus SoftBottles is an excellent pick. The bottles are designed for saving space; it flattens and rolls up when empty. Highly packable, the bottle takes up less space empty than when full, leaving space for other items that your child also needs to get back into the bag.

The bottles are designed for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. It is also an excellent solution for traveling and storage areas with limited space. Weighing only 1.2 ounces, it doesn’t add much weight to the luggage. When filled, the base expands so that it stands upright. The bottles come with closure caps or with a push-pull cap.

With over 20 years of experience of hydration solutions and designing water bottles, the Platypus products are safe for kids to use. It is made from BPA-free, phthalate-free, and BPS-free food-grade polyethylene liner that doesn’t maintain odors or taste from the previous content in the bottle.

Best Plastic Straw: Zulu Torque Water Bottle With Silicone Sleeve

Zulu Torque Water Bottle With Silicone Sleeve purple and pink

The Zulu Torgue Water Bottle is a durable plastic bottle with soft straw. It is an excellent choice for kids who want a straw but don’t want a stainless steel bottle. The locking one-touch flip top with straw is easy for little hands to handle.  Kids need to be mindful of not tipping the bottle with the lip open; the water will spill and flow freely.

Staying hydrated is easy with this sturdy bottle. Designed with a silicone sleeve, the bottle is protected against impact, which makes it exceptionally durable for active kids. It also gives the bottom of the bottle better grip when placed on a slippery surface. The BPA-free, phthalate-free Eastman Tritan plastic won’t crack, is odorless, and doesn’t stain.

All parts are dishwasher safe and can be taken apart for thorough cleaning. The 16-ounce volume makes it an excellent choice for thirsty older kids.

What is the healthiest water bottle?

Refilling single-use plastic bottles bought in the store, aren’t the healthiest option. It may seem a cheaper alternative than buying a water bottle, but it isn’t always the healthiest option. These bottles aren’t made for reuse, and the narrow mouths are challenging to clean. Chances of having bacteria growing in these battles are much higher than reusable bottles.

Refill bottles vary in the types of material used. BPA-free, BPS-free, and phthalate-free materials are generally safer and healthier. The amount of leakage of BPA from polycarbonate bottles is minimal, according to the FDA. Polycarbonate is the rigid plastic used to manufacture plastic bottles. In the USA, plastics containing BPA aren’t used for baby bottles and baby formula packaging.

Food-grade stainless steel bottles are generally BPA-free, BPS-free, and phthalate-free, which makes them safer to use. These bottles are also shatter-resistant and generally dishwasher-safe. Glass bottles are also a good alternative but not very practical with kids who tend to push things over; the glass will break if accidentally dropped. Aluminum bottles require a BPA-free and phthalate-free resin for the lining. Aluminum is costly but can be recycled.

What’s the best water bottle to buy?

The best water bottle to buy is the one that suits the need of the person who is going to use it. Kids, especially younger kids, may prefer a 12-ounce bottle to larger bottles. Although they do need plenty of fluid to stay hydrated, they don’t need the same amount that adults would drink.

The 12-ounce water bottles are designed for kids. It is smaller and easier to carry. The bottles contain enough fluids to sustain younger children who require less water per day than active teenagers who partake in sports.

Water bottles vary in shapes, sizes, materials, and designs. Generally, a water bottle that doesn’t leak or spill is a top bottle to buy. Other features like the volume it can hold, where it is used, and for what purposes, should also be considered. For example, if it is for a hiking trip, the volume must be sufficient to keep your child hydrated, but the bottle should also be light in weight to carry. In a lunchbox, however, it should be small enough to fit in the backpack or lunchbox. If your child prefers soup for lunch, the bottle should have insolation to maintain the soup temperature.

How many water bottles should kids drink?

A child of 4-8 years should drink 4-5 cups of water per day, according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. The consumption includes water contained in food and fruits. They recommend 7-8 cups per day for 9-13 years old kids and 8-11 cups of water per day for 14-18-year old teenagers.

In simplistic terms, that means 8 ounces of water times their age up to a maximum of 64 ounces for kids eight years and older.

Most water bottles manufactured for kids are 12 ounces, which means one or two bottles should be more than enough to keep your child hydrated during the day. You should also take into consideration the fluids your child may need during sports and other activities. Generally, people tend to drink fluids when thirsty; a water bottle may teach your child to opt for water, the healthier drink, than sodas that contain sugars and may contribute to weight issues.

Where to buy water bottles

You can buy water bottles at physical stores, but often it is faster and more convenient to buy online. We have selected the top water bottles for kids with links to purchase online.

One Comment

  1. The added information at the end of the article helped a lot. I often get confused as to how many cups of water should children really drink, but now I know! Very informative. Thanks for this.

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