The Best Kids’ Water Bottles of 2024
Keeping children hydrated is a primary concern for parents, especially during physical activities or hot weather. The right kids' water bottle can make it a lot easier! We've rigorously researched the market, considering factors such as usability, durability, insulation capacity, and leak-proof design. After thorough evaluation, the Zak Designs Unicorn Water Bottle emerged as our top pick, excelling in all the key features we looked at. This article will guide you through our selection of the best water bottles for kids that not only serve the purpose of hydration but also engage your child to sip more often.
Buying Guide: Kids’ Water Bottles
Essential Features of Kids’ Water Bottles
When you have a rough idea of what you are looking for, making a purchase becomes much easier. We’ve highlighted some essential features that we believe every kids’ water bottle should have.
Durable material
Kids’ water bottles come in different materials. If you are looking for a regular bottle that does not maintain temperature, you should consider a plastic bottle — just make sure it’s free from toxic materials like BPA.
Some manufacturers make glass bottles, but due to the fragile (and potentially dangerous) nature of this material, we do not recommend them for children. If you want your kid’s bottle to keep their drinks cold, look for an insulated bottle. These are most commonly made of stainless steel, which tends to be very durable.
Convenient handling
When you are buying a water bottle for kids, make sure that it’s convenient enough for them to handle independently. They should be able to open and close the cap easily and drink from the bottle without needing any assistance.
Straw lids are usually the most ideal option, as they make it easy for kids to sip their drinks. Keep in mind that, if the bottle is too complicated for your child, there is a high chance that they will drink less water. Your goal is to find a bottle that will motivate your children to drink more water.
Compact, appealing design
A kids’ water bottle needs to be compact enough so that it can be easily carried to school, the playground, or their daycare. Make sure that it is lightweight and that your children are happy to take it everywhere they go. Additionally, the design and pattern can have a huge impact on whether your child likes the bottle or not, so always purchase one that matches their interests.
Cleaning a Kids’ Water Bottle Correctly
Some companies only recommend using the dishwasher when necessary, and others only suggest washing a water bottle by hand. If the manufacturer recommends washing your kid’s water bottle in the dishwasher, you have nothing to worry about as that is the most convenient option.
When handwashing, use warm water and dishwashing liquid to give the bottle a thorough cleaning. Using a sponge, scrub all the nooks and crannies of the water bottle. As for the straw or the drinking spout, use a fine brush that can scrub the insides efficiently. Once fully clean, allow the water bottle and all its parts to air dry fully before using it again.
Zak Designs Unicorn Water Bottle
Best Overall
Keeping children hydrated can be a struggle, but it doesn’t have to be with the Zak Designs Sage Water Bottle. This 16oz durable plastic water bottle is not just functional but also fun, featuring a fanciful unicorn design that children are sure to love. What sets it apart is the leak-proof pop-up spout cover and handle, making it perfect for school or travel.
The Zak Designs water bottle delivers on two key aspects – it’s leak-proof and easy to use. The bottle pops open with ease, ensuring even the littlest hands can handle it. The leak-proof feature guarantees that even if the bottle gets tossed around in a backpack, no water will escape, keeping your child’s belongings safe from water damage. Whether it’s for school or travel, this water bottle could be the answer to your child’s hydration needs. The bottle’s durability, ease of use, and leak-proof qualities make it our best overall choice.
Greens Steel Kids Water Bottle
Double-Insulation
The Greens Steel Kids Water Bottle is an attractive option for any parent looking to keep their children’s drinks cold and safe. With its superior double wall insulation and airtight lid, this bottle keeps drinks cool and mess-free. The leak-proof lid has a convenient handle making it easy to carry the bottle, or clip it on with ease. The cap also releases the perfect flow of water for kids, making it suitable for all aged children.
To make things even better, the durable color coating will stand the test of time without rust and stains. It comes in a range of colors to choose from, so you can always find the perfect option for your family. The kids water bottle is made of food-grade stainless steel, making it safe and free from BPA. This durable material ensures that no metal taste or odours will transfer into your drinks keeping them fresh and enjoyable. Because this bottle is top-rack dishwasher safe, it’s easy to clean and reuse, making it the best overall on this list for home, school lunch boxes, sports, and traveling.
Iron Flask Kids’ Water Bottle
Best DesignMade with efficiency in mind, the Iron Flask Kids’ Water Bottle comes with double-walled insulation to keep water cold for about 14 hours. It is constructed using 18/8 stainless steel, which makes it extremely durable, and the materials are non-toxic and BPA-free so the bottle is completely safe for your children. Additionally, the straw lid is leak-proof and comes with an easy-to-carry handle for your kid’s convenience.
This kids’ water bottle is ideal for carrying to school, and the colorful design options range from mermaids and unicorns to dinosaurs and space heroes, meaning that you can definitely find one that your child will love. Additionally, it is available in 10 and 14-ounce sizes, so you can make a choice based on how much water your child drinks throughout the day.
YETI Kids’ Water Bottle
Most Minimalistic DesignIf you’re looking for a plain water bottle that has a very minimalistic look, the YETI Kids’ Water Bottle is ideal. It is made using 18/8 stainless steel, which makes it extremely durable and resistant to dents and accidental drops. All the materials used are free from toxic materials like BPA, which makes it extremely safe for your children.
Best of all, this kids’ water bottle provides excellent insulation, which not only maintains the temperature of the drink, but also keeps your children’s hands dry. Meanwhile, the straw cap is convenient to drink from and is leak-proof and shatter-resistant. A handle is also included to make the bottle easy to carry for little hands. And, as the cherry on top, you can safely throw this bottle in the dishwasher for hassle-free cleaning.
Simple Modern Kids’ Water Bottle
Most SizesThe Simple Modern Kids’ Water Bottle is another one of our favorites because it’s designed with double-walled insulation that can keep drinks cold for several hours. The tight seal can prevent accidental spills and leaks, which is ideal if your child tends to handle their belongings roughly.
Even better, the straw lid is made from BPA-free plastic and the bottle is dishwasher-safe as long as you place it on the top rack.
Additionally, the design is compact enough to fit in most cup holders and the overall sizes range from 14 ounces to 40 ounces — this means that you can even get a matching bottle for yourself! Just keep in mind that the company does not recommend using this kids’ water bottle for hot or carbonated beverages, so make sure you only use it for water or juice.
CamelBak Kids’ Water Bottle
Lifetime WarrantyWhat makes the CamelBak Kids’ Water Bottle stand out from the others is that the company provides a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects and workmanship. This means that you can purchase this product with the utmost confidence that, if you face any issues, they will be taken care of.
Unlike other products on this list, this bottle is made using Tritan plastic, which is 100% free from BPA. The stem tube comes with a shut-off valve that will keep the drinking tip clean for your kids. Even more, the different parts are easy to detach and dishwasher-safe, which makes this bottle convenient to clean. Best of all, this kids’ water bottle comes in 15 different colorful designs that your children are sure to love.
THERMOS Kids’ Water Bottle
Most DesignsThe THERMOS Kids’ Water Bottle is equipped with vacuum insulation technology that is designed to keep drinks cold for about 12 hours. The 18/8 stainless steel construction means that it is extremely durable and will last for several years. Most importantly, the design is kid-friendly and the straw is covered to maintain hygiene. The pop-up straw is removable as well, meaning that it can be cleaned efficiently.
Additionally, the compact design of this kids’ water bottle makes it lightweight, and the ergonomic carry handle lets your child take it on the go. And, with a staggering 42 design options — ranging from plain colors to cartoon characters — you’re sure to find something your little one will love
People Also Asked
A: If your child uses their water bottle daily, it should be washed daily. Scrubbing with soap is unnecessary as long as you remove the different parts and run them under water. Thorough cleaning with a brush and a sponge should be done weekly. If you prefer to wash the bottle in a dishwasher, ensure you only do so once a week.
A: The amount of water needed by kids will depend on their age and activity level. On average, children between the ages of 1 to 3 need about four cups of water, while those between 7 to 8 need about seven cups daily. Between the ages of 9 to 12, make sure that children are consuming at least nine glasses.
A: When it comes to water bottles for kids, the most common sizes range between 12 to 16 ounces. The minimum is 12 ounces, and any bottle with a capacity less than this won’t be able to meet the daily needs of your child. If your kid likes to play sports and is engaged in a lot of physical activity, look for a 16 or 18-ounce bottle that can meet their daily needs. Just make sure that it is lightweight enough to be carried by your child on a daily basis.
A: Generally, kids' water bottles are designed for children who are at least old enough to go to school. If you want to purchase a water bottle for your toddler, make sure that it does not come with small parts that can be a choking hazard. Keep an eye out for twist-off caps or other small items that can easily be pulled off. Also, the materials used in their construction should be free from toxic substances like BPA.
A: If you feel like your kids are not drinking enough water despite your efforts, you can take a few steps to motivate them. Try adding fruits or flavored powders like Tang — experiment with different flavors until your child likes one. Just make sure that you are not adding carbonated drinks, especially to stainless steel bottles, as they can be harmful to your child. Most kids prefer drinking cold water, especially when the weather is hot, so we recommend purchasing insulated bottles.