From long school days to sports practice to beach days, our teen always has a water bottle in her hand. And she doesn’t just need it because water bottles are on trend. “Good hydration is essential for a growing body, supporting temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and joint lubrication functions,” says Kristin Struble, MD, FAAP, of Camelback Pediatrics. Drinking water enhances concentration, energy levels, and overall health, while dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and reduced cognitive function. Given the health benefits, we set out to find the best water bottles for kids of all ages.
When you give your kid their own water bottle once they upgrade from a sippy cup, they’ll have hydrating beverages at the ready, and you won’t need to worry about whether they’ve had enough throughout the day.
We tested these at home with our own kids to help you sort the trends from the products that really work (although some popular brands did land on our list). “Forget the hype and focus on the essentials: safety, durability, and usability,” says Rich Razgaitis, CEO of FloWater, a water purification system. “You’re looking for a bottle that’s non-toxic, won’t leach chemicals, and can take a beating in a backpack or on the playground.” With those criteria in mind, we found the best water bottles for kids.
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Our Testing & Review Process
Over the course of a month, Parents tested 22 water bottles at home with our kids and continue to check in with our testers to ensure long-term durability. We asked the kids to use the water bottles two to four times each week during daily activities at home, in school, and on sports fields. They monitored whether the bottle leaked or spilled (even when shaken upside down), noted ease of use, and how well it maintained beverage temperatures.
We also spoke with the following experts to get the most up-to-date safety info:
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How Much Water Do Kids Need?
According to Dr. Klaas, the average child’s fluid needs vary based on age, activity level, and conditions. From age 1 to 3, they’ll need an average of 32 ounces, and that increases steadily until reaching the adult average of 64 ounces at about age 8.
But you don’t need to measure out their water every day. “It’s pretty rare for children to under- or over-consume fluids due to our natural survival mechanisms,” Dr. Struble says.
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Water Bottle Materials & Safety
It’s important to pay attention to what each water bottle is made of to ensure that the product is completely food-grade and safe.
- Stainless steel is durable, rust- and corrosion-resistant, and doesn’t leach chemicals. For water bottles, Razgaitis advises parents and caregivers to make sure the material is food-grade (like 18/8 stainless steel), not cheap or unregulated metal.
- Glass is completely clean and pure, but obviously isn’t ideal for younger kids or rough environments unless it’s silicone-sleeved or impact-resistant.
- Avoid aluminum bottles, says Razgaitis, unless you’re 100% sure they have a non-toxic liner. This is because historically, aluminum was lined with BPA epoxy, a known carcinogen.
- Be cautious with plastics, even those labeled BPA-free. “BPA replacements like BPS and BPF are showing similar hormone-disrupting effects in newer research,” Razgaitis warns. If you must use plastic, stick to high-quality Tritan, “but understand it’s still a synthetic material and not completely risk-free.”
Cons
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Small 12-ounce capacity
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Lid has small crevices
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A little heavy
Why We Like It
From a trusted name, the Yeti Rambler Jr. is a small but mighty water bottle choice for your little one. It checked all the boxes for our testing mom, who said she has owned a larger capacity version for a decade and it’s still good as new. The straw cap is leakproof while closed, so it won’t mess or spill when knocked over in the “open” position the way a spout container would (a few drops came out when tested in the open position, but not enough to be a dealbreaker). Because of the thick double-walled stainless steel, this water bottle will keep ice solid for several hours—definitely longer than others our tester has tried.
The kitchen-grade stainless steel bottle is dishwasher safe, but it’s also wide enough to make cleaning by hand pretty easy. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention how many colors and patterns it comes in, ensuring your child will be excited about filling up a bottle that’s in their favorite color.
What Parents Say
“The straw and leak prevention was my top priority, and this water bottle works so well when they’re younger. You don’t need to schlep a ton of water with you on different excursions.” —Ashleigh, mom of a 3- and 6-year-old
But Take Note
This water bottle is smaller, so it requires constant refilling for thirsty (and older) kids. While it fits in the standard car cupholders, our tester found it unable to fit into the car seat or booster seat cupholders. It was also really snug in some water bottle pockets, depending on how packed the bags were.
The Details:
- Type: Straw
- Materials: 18/8 stainless steel
- Available sizes: 12 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Why We Like It
Your munchkin will love this Flip & Go water bottle that can withstand anything they throw at it (and being thrown—it’s very durable!). It flips open with the touch of a button to reveal a soft silicone straw. Thanks to the valve-free design, kids can guzzle as much as their thirsty heart desires. Our testing mom loved how the bottle fit into her kid’s little hands as they used it in the house, during soccer, and at school, but she would have liked better grips on the smooth surface to make it easier to hold. The bottle also fits into car cup holders for trips.
Our tester loved that even though the water bottle had many parts, they were all dishwasher safe and easy to clean. The cap is spill-proof, and the water bottle didn’t leak when tipped over or hauled around in the pocket of a backpack, though it did lose a little water when shaken upside down.
What Parents Say
“Overall I like the design of the water bottle. It’s light and modern looking. It’s easy to see how much is in it, and it isn’t too heavy for a kiddo to carry around.” —Katy, mom of a 2-year-old
But Take Note
There are several parts to this water bottle, so you’ll need to keep track of them to have it function properly. Since the bottle isn’t insulated, it doesn’t keep liquids at a consistent temp for long periods of time.
The Details:
- Type: Straw
- Materials: Tritan plastic
- Available sizes: 12 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Top rack only
Pros
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Spout design makes for easy cleaning
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Comes in fun colors and patterns
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Lid locks to prevent spills
Why We Like It
The Thermos brand’s long-trusted vacuum technology delivers once again with a bottle that keeps drinks cold for up to 12 hours. The size and shape are the big winners, with our tester noting that it’s skinnier than most and fits well into car and booster seat cupholders and backpack water bottle pockets. It also has a top carrying handle that moves up and down. High-quality 18/8 stainless steel construction is built to handle drops, dings, and assorted roughhousing, and the bottle is lightweight and compact with a push-button lid.
The locking lid and seal impressed our tester, even after she vigorously shook it completely upside down for a solid 15 seconds. The covered spout also helps keep germs away, and it’s a “breeze to clean,” she said.
What Parents Say
“I love that all of these pieces are easy to clean and, since it’s not a straw, I’m not concerned about mold building up in any tight spaces.” —Ashleigh, mom of a 3- and 6-year-old
But Take Note
The double wall isn’t quite as thick as others, so ice doesn’t stay frozen nearly as long. However, water does stay cold for at least five hours, which is plenty long enough for both of our tester’s kids.
The Details:
- Type: Spout
- Materials: 18/8 stainless steel
- Available sizes: 10, 12, and 16 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Why We Like It
Lugging this bottle around wasn’t a problem for our tester’s three kids, who each took it for a spin during the school week. It was lightweight and easy for them to fill independently. The FreeSip spout and push-button lid with lock fulfilled its leakproof promise, even on the bumpiest of backpack rides. Owala’s unique drinking mechanism means you can sip from the internal straw upright or tilt the bottle back for a swig like a drinking glass.
Everything on this bottle does double duty. The protective push-to-open lid keeps the spout clean, and the convenient carry loop doubles as a lock. The double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and the wide opening is great for cleaning and adding ice.
What Parents Say
“All of my children used this water bottle without even thinking about it, which tells me it’s an easy, clean, intuitive design. It’s the perfect smaller-sized water bottle.” —Ashley, mom of three
But Take Note
This is considered a smaller water bottle, so you might need a larger size for kids who have sporting events and practices.
The Details:
- Type: Spout-straw
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Available sizes: 16, 24, 32, and 40 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Hand-wash cup, dishwasher-safe lid
Pros
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Lifetime warranty
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Very durable
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Large capacity
Why We Like It
The hype on this popular brand is there for a reason. This large water bottle can hold 30 ounces of your kid’s thirst-quenching beverage to power them through their longest days. Our tester’s 15-year-old, who used it at school and while running weekend errands, liked how much water she got from the IceFlow flip straw, which made her drink more water without realizing it. Because of its flip-down nature, it’s truly leak resistant when closed, even when knocked over or on its side.
Thanks to the double-wall vacuum insulation, it keeps drinks chilled all day (although our tester didn’t agree with the two-day ice claim the brand makes). The ergonomic, rotating handle is a nice detail, and our testing teen noted it fit comfortably in most car cup holders and most exercise machines during her trip to the gym. As a busy parent, you’ll love the wide mouth, which makes it very easy to clean and fill, but our tester mentioned that the small crevices can extend drying time.
What Parents Say
“This water bottle is able to hold more than others, while also fitting into both car cup holders and backpack pockets, which is rare for a water bottle.” —Hildara, mom of three
But Take Note
The drinking mechanism is kind of hard to open at first. It’s also heavier than most bottles, but the large handle makes it easy to carry despite its weight.
The Details:
- Type: Straw
- Materials: 18/8 stainless steel
- Available sizes: 20, 30, and 40 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Why We Like It
Not only is insulation a big deal when it comes to maintaining your beverage’s temperature over time, it also decreases condensation. Translation? The exterior of a water bottle shouldn’t “sweat,” so it’s easier to carry and won’t get nearby items soaked. With double-wall insulation, the Simple Modern Summit Water Bottle does a great job of keeping water where it belongs—inside the bottle. A long-time fan of the Simple Modern water bottles, our tester parent also noted the water bottle kept the water at the right temperature throughout the day, ideal for her picky high school athlete.
The water bottle is lightweight, but the 22-ounce size is taller, which means it might not fit in all lunch boxes. It does fit in the side pockets of backpacks and in the cupholders of cars. It’s leakproof, and the Summit includes both a straw and a chug lid for drinking preference.
What Parents Say
“This water bottle doesn’t sweat, which is a big issue for teachers in his school, where kids are allowed to have a water bottle at their desk as long as it doesn’t make a mess.” —Hildara, mom of three
But Take Note
While leak-free under normal circumstances (real-world jostling in a backpack), the straw lid did show accumulation of water that caused small spills only during refills. The bottle is mostly hand wash only (although you can wash the straw lid in the dishwasher).
The Details:
- Type: Straw and spout
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Available sizes: 18, 22, 30, 32, and 40 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? No
Pros
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Removable protective bumper
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Powder coated for non-slip
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Works for hot or cold liquids
Why We Like It
Water is boring. Why not make it fun with a water bottle that glows in the dark? This bottle has two elements that glow when the lights go out. Our tester’s 4-year-old took it everywhere, and despite his young age, he was able to open and shut the spout by himself via a kid-friendly tab. The water flowed very smoothly, whether it was a quick sip or a thirsty guzzle. It’s also powder-coated, so your kid won’t drop the bottle when their hands are sweaty from play. This water bottle keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours.
The lid’s loop handle is very sturdy and moves up or down, which our parent tester liked for quick grabs. She was also pleasantly surprised that it fit into cupholders, given the size of the bumper. Its dishwasher-safe materials are a bonus too.
What Parents Say
“The glow-in-the-dark feature is a fun addition to this bottle that I think encourages kids to hydrate. We light it with our flashlight sometimes, and it’s incredibly bright, like a glow stick. If it sits in the sun, it still looks bright.” —Katrina, mom of a 4-year-old
But Take Note
It scratches easily without the silicone boot on, so always keep it on to protect it as much as possible. The lid secures very well, but our tester’s 4-year-old son needed help opening the lid to refill it.
The Details:
- Type: Spout/straw
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Available sizes: 14, 16, and 18 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Why We Like It
Double the handles means double the grip for unsure hands. The Hydrapeak Insulated Tumbler fits in small hands, with both a large top handle that can be opened and closed, as well as a side handle for easy carrying. The bottle is made of high-quality 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, which makes it sturdy and durable. It keeps drinks cold for more than 24 hours (a claim supported by our tester) and hot for up to 12 hours.
The water bottle is lightweight and easy to store in a backpack or lunch box. The spill-proof lid makes this tumbler ultra-portable. When the mouthpiece is closed, our tester found there were no leaks, even when the bottle was turned upside down. She also found it’s very easy for a toddler to open the mouthpiece without any help and to drink from it without spilling. The water flows smoothly—neither too slow nor too fast.
What Parents Say
“Using the water bottle has made it easier to stay hydrated. They now drink more water, especially since they can grab the bottle whenever they’re thirsty.” —Irianna, mom of a 2- and 8-year-old
But Take Note
There is some argument as to whether the mouthpiece is tough to clean (some say yes, some say it’s fine). The coating also isn’t chip-resistant so a tumble might cause a scuff or two. The two handles, which add to ease of use, can also make it a tad cumbersome when lugging it around.
The Details:
- Type: Straw
- Materials: 18/8 stainless steel
- Available sizes: 18, 32, and 40 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Pros
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Leak- and spill-proof
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Sturdy silicone straw
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Lightweight
Why We Like It
When experts suggest steering clear of plastic to be safe, Contigo says, “Hold my water bottle.” Designed to help kids sip on the go with just one hand, the lightweight Aubrey bottle is a safe choice free of BPA, BPS, BPB, BPF, and BPAF, i.e., the usual nasties in plastic. When your toddler has outgrown their sippy cup, this is a great mid-size replacement choice. The sturdy handle is comfy for little hands to carry, and the pop-up straw closes securely for leakproof travel. The bottle was upside down, dropped, and thrown across the room many times, and our tester never saw a drop of water escape.
Our tester’s 20-month-old easily pushed the front button to pop out the sturdy silicone straw, adding an independent excitement to drinking “wa-wa.” The water flowed smoothly for comfortable drinking, even for young ones. When the day is done, the bottle is easy to disassemble for popping into the top dishwasher tray, and the lid hinges open for thorough cleaning.
What Parents Say
“My favorite thing is how much my daughter enjoyed drinking out of it. She loved hitting the button to pop up the spout, and then close it with the latch.” —Nicole, mom of a 20-month-old
But Take Note
While it’s dishwasher safe, there are a few nooks and crannies in the cap that need special care when hand washing. Our tester also noted the bottle doesn’t go down all the way into a convertible car seat cup holder. It’s also not insulated.
The Details:
- Type: Spout
- Materials: BPA-free plastic
- Available sizes: 14 and 20 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Top rack only
Other Notable Water Bottles for Kids
The extremely durable bottle is a bit heavy, but it can take a beating.
This slim, lightweight bottle keeps drinks cold, and our tester kid liked it so much she asked to put her chocolate milk in it.
This bottle is better for older kids because it’s a little harder to open than others and has a wide pour opening.
This bottle’s larger size is a win, and it keeps water and ice chilled for hours. But the straw separates from the cap easily.
Smaller kids might have trouble with the twistable lid, but the drinking flow is smooth, and it has a chip-resistant base.
A basic option for older kids. They also can tell when it’s time to refill thanks to the clear design.
Water stays cold, and the top stays closed tightly for leak protection. But it’s heavy, difficult to open, and awkward.
The straw and opening are sized just right for a child, and the bottle has a durable outer shell, but it’s small.
This lidless bottle is extremely sturdy and won’t spill or leak, but it is hard for smaller kids to drink from.
Factors to Consider When Buying Kids’ Water Bottles
- Ease of Use: According to Dr. Struble, regular open-mouth bottles are suitable for children around 3 to 4 years old and up with better motor control. Bottles with straws are ideal for toddlers up to 3 years, as they provide a spill-proof option and aid in the transition to open cups. When choosing a bottle, look for an easy-open mechanism and a kid-friendly size that small hands can open and close to fill. Consider insulation for keeping liquids hot and cold.
- Leak Prevention: “Don’t underestimate the importance of a leakproof lid—especially if you’ve ever had one explode inside a school bag full of books, snacks, and electronics,” warns Razgaitis. Leakproof lids (often with rubber rings) and fold-down straws are great for preventing spills. Rubber rings should be removable for cleaning.
- Size & Weight: Look for a size that encourages more water intake but isn’t too heavy for a kid to carry around.
- Ease of Cleaning: A dishwasher-safe bottle is preferable, but also look for pieces that come apart so you can reach into the crevices to avoid mold and buildup. The easiest bottle to clean is one that has very few nooks and crannies to store bacteria.
- Durability: A water bottle should not only withstand daily wear but also drops. Look for a bottle with a handle, so your kid can keep hold of it, as well as thick walls and well-secured lids in case they drop it.
Water Bottle Cleaning & Maintenance
Bacteria build-up is a real issue, especially with straws, valves, and lids with hidden parts, so Razgaitis suggests avoiding overly complicated and hard-to-clean bottles. He also notes a good water bottle should be dishwasher-safe or, at the very least, easy to hand wash thoroughly.
To keep your water bottle bacteria-free, wash it daily on the hottest setting in the dishwasher or hand wash with hot, soapy water and a bottle brush. Soaking in white vinegar or a baking soda solution overnight is great for a weekly deep clean. Be sure to dry the bottle and its parts thoroughly before storing, and promptly replace broken straws or chewed-up spouts.
Who We Are
Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based writer for Parents who has enjoyed a 30-year career of writing for national magazines and popular websites. While she doesn’t think she drank a sip of water until she was 25 (it wasn’t a “thing” back then), Cheryl now keeps a huge Stanley on her desk and hands an Owala to her daughter as she walks out the door every morning.
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