Ever feel like you’re constantly chasing a runaway water bottle? You’re not alone! Those little hands and even smaller thirst levels can make keeping your child hydrated a real challenge. But guess what? There’s a solution! We’ve all been there, trying to find the perfect water bottles for kids that’s both fun and functional.
Well, you’re in luck! This guide explores some of the best water bottles on the market, designed to make staying hydrated a breeze for your little ones. Me and nationalparkshops.com will cover everything from spill-proof designs to cool colors and fun features that will keep them engaged and hydrated all day long. So, let’s ditch the plastic cups and discover the perfect water bottle to keep your child happy and healthy!
Contents
- 1 Best Overall: Yeti Rambler Jr. 12 oz Kids Bottle
- 2 Best Value: Hydro Flask Kids’ Wide Mouth
- 3 Best for Kids: Thermos Funtainer Water Bottle with Straw
- 4 Best Plastic Bottle: Nalgene Grip-N-Gulp Water Bottles for Kids
- 5 Best for Kid Girls: Camelbak Eddy
- 6 Best Insulated: Contigo Kids Autospout with Straw
- 7 Stainless Steel Bottle: Takeya 16oz Actives Kids Insulated Water Bottle
- 8 How to choose the Right water bottles for Kids?
- 9 How I tested the best water bottles for Kids?
- 10 FAQs
- 11 Conclusion
Best Overall: Yeti Rambler Jr. 12 oz Kids Bottle
- Capacity: 12 ounces
- Special Feature: Sweatproof, Leakproof, Dishwasher Safe, Double Wall
- Product Dimensions: 3″W x 8.25″H
- Recommended Uses For Product: Water
- Material: Stainless Steel
We are very fond of this child-sized Yeti Rambler. After more than 1 year of testing, it still looks and performs as well as when we first received it.
It’s tough for us to pinpoint everything we appreciate about these water bottles for kids. The insulation is excellent. It’s robust and withstands the dishwasher without issue. The handle allows children to carry it easily. Every component is simple to clean whether in the dishwasher or using a bottle brush.
This water bottle is incredibly durable. The chrome bottom absorbs most of the impact when dropped and also fits easily into cup holders and backpack pockets. The powder coat finish ensures that the bottle maintains its fresh appearance. Furthermore, it features an innovative straw design that stops straws from splitting – an important factor since a damaged straw renders a kids’ water bottle unusable until a replacement arrives.
Best Value: Hydro Flask Kids’ Wide Mouth
- Capacity: 354 Milliliters
- Special Feature: Dishwasher Safe, Cold 24 hour
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 2.87 x 2.87 x 7.09 inches
- Size: 12 Ounces
- Material: Steel
The Hydro Flask Kids’ Wide Mouth is one of the top-notch water bottles for kids, effectively keeping drinks cold throughout the day and resisting damage from bumps and drops without showing any wear.
Its loop handle is conveniently placed, making it simple to carry or attach to a backpack. The powder coating was also a nice touch, allowing for a secure grip even when hands are wet or dirty.
This bottle is both spill-proof and leak-proof; even after being turned upside down for 12 hours, it didn’t leak a single drop. With no small parts and all components being dishwasher-safe, it ranks as one of the easiest water bottles to clean that we evaluated.
Best for Kids: Thermos Funtainer Water Bottle with Straw
- Capacity: 12 ounces
- Special Feature: Hygienic Covered Straw, Sweatproof, Cold 12 Hours, Double Wall
- Product Dimensions: 2.7″W x 7.7″H
- Recommended Uses For Product: Water
- Material: Stainless Steel
The Thermos Funtainer is a widely used and budget-friendly bottle that keeps beverages cold, is reasonably priced, and is mostly safe for the dishwasher, although the brightly printed versions often fade in color and last longer with hand washing. However, it is one of the most leak-prone water bottles for kids options we tested. In another evaluation of the best water bottle with straw for toddlers, the Thermos Funtainer also proved to be very leaky.
Best Plastic Bottle: Nalgene Grip-N-Gulp Water Bottles for Kids
- Capacity: 12 ounces
- Special Feature: Break Resistant, leak proof, freezer safe, leak proof
- Usage: Cold Drinks, Hot Drinks
- Item Weight: 4.2 ounces
- Included Components: Lid, bottle, cap cover
When buying things for their kids, especially outdoor gear, parents tend to expect that they might get lost or damaged. So, while they like to carry sturdy water bottles, they don’t want to buy expensive insulated ones. With this in mind, I’m going to introduce you to one of the best water bottles for kids that solves all of these problems – Nalgene Grip-N-Gulp Bottle
Similar to Nalgene’s popular bottles for adults, the Grip-N-Gulp is constructed from lightweight yet tough BPA-free plastic. It features a screw-on lid with a fixed sippy-style spout and a simple silicone valve that fits into the bottom of the cap to prevent leaks (unless significant effort is made to cause one). At the end of the day, I can place the valve in my dishwasher’s silverware basket and put the bottle and lid on the top rack.
After substantial use, including falls at the playground, on the sidewalk, and a couple of spills from the car—the Grip-N-Gulp shows signs of wear. However, considering it costs around $15 (and can often be found for less), I don’t mind the scratches and marks.
>> Read More: Round Water Bottles
Best for Kid Girls: Camelbak Eddy
- Capacity: 13.53 Fluid Ounces
- Special Feature: Carrying Loop, Straw
- Product Dimensions: 7.5″W x 2.88″H
- Recommended Uses For Product: Travel, School
- Material Type Free: Bisphenol A (BPA) Free
The Camelbak Eddy+ is one of the water bottles for kids that keeps beverages chilled, the bite valve encourages children to hydrate without feeling overwhelmed, and the containers showcase vibrant, fun designs that kids enjoy.
Although the cap, straw, and bite valve can be cleaned in the top rack of a dishwasher, it is advisable to occasionally take out the bite valve for a thorough cleaning, which is manageable. However, we found that this deep cleaning should ideally happen weekly.
Some users have reported that the bite valve may leak after being removed. In our experience after a year of use, we did not encounter this issue, but it’s something to consider.
Best Insulated: Contigo Kids Autospout with Straw
- Capacity: 13 ounces
- Special Feature: Easy-Clean Lid, Spill-proof Valve
- Product Dimensions: 3.82″W x 7.09″H
- Recommended Uses For Product: School
- Material: Stainless Steel
The Contigo Kids Autospout Insulated bottle features a button to open the spout, which is convenient for younger children and helps keep dirty hands away from the mouthpiece. However, although it is designed to avoid leaks, the straw’s construction seems overly complex. Cleaning it requires twisting and snapping parts together, which can be cumbersome.
I also have concerns about the soft spout. Although Contigo has made some minor design updates to their water bottles for kids, the complicated straw and soft spouts make this product an easy choice to skip.
Stainless Steel Bottle: Takeya 16oz Actives Kids Insulated Water Bottle
- Capacity: 16 ounces
- Special Feature: Cold 24 Hours, Sweatproof, Leakproof, Dishwasher Safe, Double Wall
- Product Dimensions: 3.04″W x 8.4″H
- Recommended Uses For Product: Water
- Material: Plastic
We believed that these water bottles for kids would be the best choice this year. The Takeya kids’ water bottle is both lightweight and well-insulated, with a design that makes it unique.
The large, flexible handle provides a comfortable grip, and the screw top cap features a silicone rim that enhances grip, making it easier to open and close even with wet hands. The straw lid can be easily operated with your teeth, eliminating any hand-related contamination.
Unfortunately, just 10 days after starting to use this water bottle, the straw cracked at the top and required replacement. After replacing it, the new straw also split again. We found that this issue is frequently mentioned on the Takeya website, and replacement straws appear to have similar problems. Although the price of this kids’ water bottle is reasonable, this ongoing issue is quite annoying. Nevertheless, if you are able to find a durable straw that fits, the Takeya kids’ water bottle has many positive attributes.
>> Read More: Top 11 Best Rated Reusable Water Bottles for the Consumer
How to choose the Right water bottles for Kids?
Choosing the right water bottles for kids can be a daunting task, but by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect water bottle for your kids:
- Material: Look for bottles made from safe, durable materials such as stainless steel or BPA-free plastic. Stainless steel bottles are often more durable and insulated, while plastic bottles are lightweight and available in various designs.
- Size: Consider the size of the bottle based on your child’s age and hydration needs. Smaller bottles (12-16 ounces) are ideal for younger children, while larger bottles (20-24 ounces) may be more suitable for older kids.
- Insulation: If you want to keep drinks cold for longer periods, consider an insulated bottle. Double-wall vacuum insulation is the most effective option for maintaining temperature.
- Ease of Use: Look for bottles with features that make them easy for kids to use, such as built-in straws, flip-top lids, or one-handed operation. This will encourage them to drink more water throughout the day.
- Leak-Proof Design: A leak-proof bottle is essential for preventing spills in backpacks or lunchboxes. Check for reviews that mention the bottle’s leak-proof capabilities.
- Cleaning: Consider how easy the bottle is to clean. Bottles with wide mouths are generally easier to clean, and dishwasher-safe options can save time.
- Fun Designs: Kids are more likely to use a bottle that they find visually appealing. Look for bottles with fun colors, patterns, or characters that your child will love.
How I tested the best water bottles for Kids?
Prior to testing, we carried out informal surveys in various online parenting communities and received around 30 responses, where we asked participants to identify the essential features they desire in the water bottles for kids. A significant majority of parents prioritized bottles that are easy to clean, with all respondents indicating a preference for dishwasher-safe options.
Parents also sought bottles with strong insulation, leak-proof designs, durability against cleaning, drops, and occasional chewing on the straw, in addition to being easy to transport. While these bottles underwent extensive testing, we focused primarily on these key aspects when evaluating them.
Each kid’s water bottle featured in this list has been tested for at least one complete year.
We thoroughly examined consumer feedback to assess each water bottle’s advantages and disadvantages, followed by repeated testing over the course of a year. These are our clear recommendations for children’s water bottles that you will appreciate from day one and continue to enjoy for many years.
FAQs
How much water should kids drink in a day?
The amount of water kids should drink varies by age. A general guideline is that children should consume the number of 8-ounce cups of water equal to their age, with a minimum of 64 ounces for children over the age of 8. For example, a 6-year-old should drink about 6 cups (48 ounces) of water daily. It’s important to note that these recommendations do not include other beverages like milk or juice.
>> Read More: How Many Water Bottles Is a Gallon?
How to clean the water bottles for kids?
The most effective method for cleaning water bottles for kids is using a dishwasher, but not all water bottles are safe to clean this way. The high heat in a dishwasher eliminates bacteria, so if the bottle is suitable for it, we suggest using that option.
An alternative method to clean water bottles for kids involves warm water and dish soap. Before starting, ensure you detach any removable parts of the bottle. Clean the exterior with a sponge or cloth and use a bottle brush for the interior.
If the bottle requires more thorough cleaning, baking soda or white vinegar can be very effective. Soak the water bottle in baking soda or white vinegar for at least an hour or overnight, then rinse it thoroughly. Ensure the bottle is dry before reassembling its parts and placing it back in storage.
What size water bottle for a 7 year old?
For a 7-year-old, a water bottle with a capacity of 12 to 20 ounces is generally ideal. This size is manageable for little hands while providing enough hydration for school or outdoor activities. It’s essential to choose a bottle that is lightweight and easy for them to carry.
Conclusion
Above are all the water bottles for kids that my team has tested. In general, the 7 bottles above are all highly rated and have high purchase rates on Amazon. So if you are looking for a suitable product for your baby, you can refer to our team’s review. Don’t forget to check out more reviews on our website!
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