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When it comes to ensuring that children remain adequately hydrated, parents embark on a quest to discover the best kids water bottles to facilitate consistent water consumption throughout the day. The search for a dependable water bottle is crucial for school, extracurricular activities, and family outings. The market is brimming with a multitude of options, each boasting its own array of advantages and disadvantages. Parents are faced with a plethora of decisions to make, ranging from bottles equipped with straws and insulation to varying sizes and materials.
But it’s not just about the bottle itself. Other important factors include how easy it is to clean, how long it lasts, and whether or not it leaks. Leaking and mold growth are regular problems with bottles, especially ones with complicated straw systems. So that this doesn’t happen, many bottles now come with built-in straws, different lids, and good ways to stop leaks. With so many choices, it’s never been easier to find the right water bottle for your child.
Best Kids Water Bottles Comparison Table
| Product Name | Capacity | Lid Type | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermos Funtainer Stainless Steel Water Bottle With Straw | 12 ounces | Straw lid | Stainless steel |
| Takeya Actives Kids Insulated Water Bottle With Straw Lid | 14 ounces | Straw lid | Insulated |
| Yeti Rambler Jr. Kids’ Bottle – Navy Blue | – | Screw-on lid | Stainless steel |
| Nalgene Kids On-the-Fly Lock-Top Sustain Water Bottle | – | Lock-top lid | Plastic |
| Simple Modern Summit Kids Water Bottle with Straw Lid | – | Straw lid | Stainless steel/Plastic |
Thermos Funtainer Stainless Steel Water Bottle With Straw (12 ounces)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 ounces |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Lid Type | Straw |
| Insulation | Double-wall vacuum insulation |
| Leak-Proof | Yes |
Our favorite water bottle for kids is the 12-ounce Thermos Funtainer Stainless Steel Water Bottle With Straw because it is the easiest to use. Our youngest testers were able to open and close the top on their own. The button-release cap keeps dirty fingers away from the straw, stops leaks, and makes it less likely that the straw will get dirty when the bottle is dropped, compared to other bottles we tried.
The Thermos Funtainer bottle has only four pieces, so it’s easy for adults to clean. The whole thing can go in the top rack of a machine. The vacuum insulation on the Funtainer bottle keeps drinks cold for up to 12 hours, and it generally costs much less than other insulated bottles. Also, if your straw runs out or gets too dirty, you can just buy a new one. You don’t have to buy a whole new bottle.
The Good
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Double-wall insulation keeps drinks hot or cold
- Leak-proof design for mess-free carrying
- Convenient straw for easy sipping
- Compact size perfect for kids
The Bad
- Smaller capacity may not be sufficient for longer trips
Takeya Actives Kids Insulated Water Bottle With Straw Lid (14 ounces)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 14 ounces |
| Material | BPA-free plastic with silicone sleeve |
| Lid Type | Straw |
| Insulation | Double-wall vacuum insulation |
| Leak-Proof | Yes |
The 14-ounce Takeya Actives Kids Insulated Water Bottle With Straw Lid has a hard folding spout that is linked to an internal straw and can be opened and closed safely by kids. The double-walled Takeya Actives Kids bottle keeps drinks cold for hours, just like the Thermos Funtainer bottle. It’s the easiest of our choices to take apart and put back together to clean, and both the bottle and the top can go in the washing.
Even though this bottle is usually more expensive than our other picks, its larger capacity (it also comes in even bigger sizes) and bright but not childish colors are likely to appeal to older kids as well as adults who want a smaller bottle. Note: If you don’t want to use a straw, you can take out the straw inside the bottle and tilt it back to drink, or you can buy this Takeya spout lid, which fits onto the same base.
The Good
- Generous 14-ounce capacity
- Durable and BPA-free construction
- Double-wall insulation for temperature retention
- Leak-proof design for worry-free transportation
- Protective silicone sleeve for added durability
The Bad
- Plastic material may not be as durable as stainless steel
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Varies |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Lid Type | Straw |
| Insulation | Double-wall vacuum insulation |
| Leak-Proof | Yes |
Dr. Dana March Palmer, a New York parent of a 3-year-old, appreciates the Yeti Rambler Jr., an insulated metal container that “keeps liquids cold or warm for a long time, is easy to clean, doesn’t leak, and comes in some great colors.” The bottle’s smart handle shape makes it easy to hold and less likely to drop, according to parents. This one stands out because its wide mouth and squatter shape make washing easy, and both the canister and the flip-and-sip straw are dishwasher safe.
These bottles are substantial for their size, proving their indestructibility. Erin Gleeson, a cookbook author, says her three kids have worn down Yeti bottles, but their strong steel design makes them sturdy. Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang sends her daughter to school, camp, and play dates with the Yeti Rambler Jr., her favorite of the half-dozen bottles her family uses, including the Thermos Funtainer and Takeya on this list, for its durability and dishwasher-friendliness.
The Good
- High-quality stainless steel construction
- Double-wall insulation keeps drinks hot or cold
- Leak-proof design for mess-free carrying
- Available in various sizes
- Easy-to-use straw for convenient drinking
The Bad
- Price may be higher compared to other options
Nalgene Kids On-the-Fly Lock-Top Sustain Water Bottle – Purple
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Varies |
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Lid Type | Lock-Top |
| Insulation | None |
| Leak-Proof | Yes |
“Water has a lot of weight!” “The first thing you want in a kids’ water bottle is that it not be a giant weight in their backpack so that they will actually carry their own water,” says Alexandra Lange, a design critic based in Brooklyn who is also the parent of a 12- and 15-year-old child. “The second thing you want in a kids’ water bottle is that it not be a giant weight in their backpack.” The Kids On-the-Fly Sustain Bottle from Nalgene was highly recommended by her.
According to Hofmann, the numerous families who participate in her program in mid-coastal Maine find great use in this bottle. The drinking spout can be opened with one hand, and the “lock top is easy and fun for kids to use on their own,” she explains further. It also includes an easy-to-use locking mechanism to prevent leaks, and, according to Lange, it is “always very clear when the lid is closed.” This may be just as crucial as the former feature.
The Good
- BPA-free and durable plastic construction
- Secure lock-top lid to prevent leaks
- Wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning
- Suitable for older kids and teenagers
- Available in various sizes and colors
The Bad
- Lacks insulation, so drinks may not stay hot or cold for long periods
Simple Modern Summit Kids Water Bottle with Straw Lid
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Varies |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Lid Type | Straw |
| Insulation | Double-wall vacuum insulation |
| Leak-Proof | Yes |
You are sure to discover a bottle that will pique your child’s interest in staying hydrated with the wide variety of patterns available, ranging from Disney and Star Wars-themed styles for infants and toddlers to cool color ombre types for older children who have more refined preferences. We found that sizes as high as 18 ounces fit in a variety of car seat cup holders, which is great news for parents of older children who are still required to use booster seats. These bottles are easy to clean and come in a broad variety of sizes, ranging from 12 ounces to 64 ounces.
Throughout our testing, the bottles from Simple Modern have never failed to please us. They have an incredible pricing point, a wide variety of patterns that are appealing to older as well as younger children, and they are far simpler to clean than the majority of their rivals’ products.
The Good
- Premium stainless steel construction
- Double-wall insulation for temperature control
- Leak-proof straw lid for easy drinking
- Wide range of sizes and designs available
- Durable and long-lasting
The Bad
- Some users may find the straw lid less convenient to clean compared to other options
Questions and Answers
For kids to stay hydrated throughout the day, they need to use a water bottle. It gets them to drink water often, which is important for their health and well-being as a whole.
When picking a water bottle for your child, think about how long it will last, what kind of material it is made of (BPA-free is best), its size and capacity, whether it leaks, how easy it is to clean, and whether it has a design that kids will like.
Most water bottles are good for kids of all ages, but you might find some that are made just for babies or older kids. Check the manufacturer’s suggested age range to make sure the bottle is right for your child.