Arts & Crafts
Learn more
Reading & Writing
Learn more
Math & Logic
Learn more
Sports & Active
Learn more
Music & Dance
Learn more
Social & Community
Learn more
Mindful & Reflective
Learn more
Outdoor & Nature
Learn more
FOR AGES 2 YEARS TO 12 YEARS
Keeping your child hydrated is super important, especially in the summer months.
Drinking water is an essential part of our daily lives, helping us to stay healthy, improving our mood, and aiding our brain function. That's why it's so vital that our children drink enough, particularly at school.
But sometimes when kids are busy working or playing, taking time out to drink water is an activity too easily forgotten. We find that one of the best ways to encourage them is to provide kids with a fun reusable water bottle that they'll be proud to carry with them wherever they go. They'll be way more likely to drink more water and you'll be doing your bit for the environment (we're so over disposable plastic bottles - so wasteful!).
When it comes to finding the best children's water bottles, a few of the most well-known and reputable brands immediately spring to mind: Camelbak, Klean Kanteen, and the wildly popular Chilly's, to name but a few. But which is the best option for kids?
The different sizes and features of the bottles these companies provide are worth considering. A stainless steel water bottle keeps water cooler for much longer than a plastic one; perfect for holidays in hotter climates. Leak-proof bottles with a pull-up spout or sports lid are the ideal choice for the classroom, where it's imperative to avoid spillages on schoolwork. Stainless steel bottles are often deemed the healthier choice, free from harmful BPA chemicals found in some plastics (which can seep into our food and drink and affect our health).
We've gathered together the all the key information about the best water bottles for kids on the market right now; peruse the list and see which sounds best for your child.
Header image © iStock
This dinky little bottle from Klean Kanteen ticks all our boxes. It's child-size, spill-proof (the pop-up sports lid even has a dust cover) and comes with a handy loop so it can be attached to a school bag or travel rucksack. They retain the temperature of the liquid inside for hours at a time and the electropolished interior mean no nasty metallic taste or lingering flavours from previous drinks. The bottle coating is chip-resistant and super sturdy and the lid can be switched for a 'sippy' cap, if preferred, or a regular screw-top as your child gets older (or for another sports cap if this one gets chewed!), meaning you can keep it for years. The best stainless steel water bottle for kids.
Among the best water bottles for boys and girls (it comes in blue, pink, football and floral designs so there's something for every taste), the Thermos FUNtainer comes in at a close second. The vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 12 hours and the push button lid with pop-up straw make for a hygienic, leak-proof and easy-to-use bottle for little people, and perfect for the classroom. The stainless steel makes it super durable, the shape makes it easy to clean and if that weren't enough, it comes with a five-year guarantee.
If you're looking for a lightweight plastic bottle, the CamelBak Eddy Kids' water bottle is the way to go. The little spout is operated via a 'big bite valve' so that children have to bite down in order to drink. This means it's spill-proof and super easy to drink from, making it one of the best water bottles for toddlers (older toddlers, though, as the bottle states 3+), or a great option for school. It's BPA free and the bite valve is made from medical grade silicone, so you can be sure there are no nasties floating into your little one's drink, and at the end of the day, you can bung it all in the dishwasher.
The double-wall vacuum insulation of this Hydro Flask keeps liquids cool for an impressive 24 hours, making it one of the best insulating bottles on our list. The spout connected to a straw makes it super easy for young kids to drink from and the easy-grip powder coating with silicone boot prevent it from being dropped or slipping over on hard surfaces. It's available in a pretty 'frost' blue/green colour combo (our favourite), dark blue or a lovely sunny yellow; plenty of great options for kids to choose from. It's a bit on the pricy side, which is why it didn't rate higher, but it also, amazingly, comes with a lifetime warranty.
A trendy Chilly's bottle is a great choice for your teenager, who will love the sleek, stylish design, vacuum-insulating cooling powers and funky patterns, many of which are a result of collaborations with well-known artists and celebrities. Featuring a leak-free screw top, a narrow mouth that's easy to drink from and double-walled vacuum insulation that keeps cold drinks cool for 12 hours, and hot liquids warm for up to 12, it's also surprisingly lightweight.
A bit bigger than some of the other stainless steel models and featuring a slightly more mature design, this Takeya bottle is one of the best water bottles for kids that are a bit older. Another no-spill, easy-drinking spout/straw design (this one pops up and down), it's a great water bottle for school, and features insulated, sweat-resistant walls that keep drinks cool all day, plus a useful ring to hook onto school bags.
If you're looking for a bargain plastic bottle that does the job, the popular Contigo Trekker is the one for you. It's a good size, lightweight and features a button-operated valve for drinking that closes between sips, making it entirely spill and leak proof even when shaken around and held upside down. It also fits perfectly in car cup holders. Be sure to clean it thoroughly, or it can get mouldy.
S'well bottles are beautifully-designed, vacuum-insulated bottles that retain drinks' temperatures for up to 24 hours (though they're perhaps a little less sturdy than a Chilly's bottle). There's a huge range of snazzy prints on offer - we liked the cute little fish the best. The slim shape makes them ideal for older kids to slip into a rucksack when they're out and about; less suited for school given the open, screw top mouth, which could lead to spills. As with many of the painted bottles, they're hand wash only.
If you're looking for a kids' water bottle that doesn't take up too much space, why not try something collapsible? This Smiggle water bottle holds 500ml of liquid and then collapses down to 11cm tall when all the water's been drunk - ingenious! It comes with a handy carabiner clip, and its eye-catching rainbow colour scheme makes it one of the most fun water bottles for kids on our list.
Originally from Manchester, Olivia has spent the last couple of years living between Toronto and Vancouver. She now works as a freelance writer in London and loves literature, travel and eating anything sweet. Her love of spending time with children began when she worked as an au pair in Paris.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
Get inspiration for education!
Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more
·
September 06, 2021
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.
