General

Parents know that drinking plenty of water is vital to their children’s wellbeing. The logistics of getting them to drink that water, though, aren’t always as clear. Kids are much more eager to go for sugary juice boxes and sodas than for plain water.

One way to make hydration more exciting – not to mention, more feasible when you’re out and about – is to get your boy or girl their own special water bottle. Besides persuading children to drink more water, reusable water bottles are better for the environment and, ultimately, your wallet than buying an endless supply of plastic water bottles.

Quick Peek at the Top 3 Picks for Water Bottles for Kids

Contigo Autoseal Trekker

Thermos FUNtainer Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Lifefactory with Active Flip Cap

There’s a surprising amount of research needed to find the best water bottle for your kids. Not only do you have to consider individual needs – what size bottle is right for your child? Does it need to be insulated? Do you prefer they drink filtered water? Which kind of cap are they most comfortable drinking from?

There are also objective factors that can really make or break the quality of a water bottle. It’s these factors on which we based our ranking of the ten best kids water bottles.

The quality of the materials (because there’s been a lot of controversy about plastic water bottles) is of the utmost importance in a children’s water bottle, so it’s the first factor we considered. Water bottles are made from all different materials, ranging from stainless steel to kid’s plastic water bottles. There are even kid’s glass water bottles to consider. There are pros and cons of each option, but no matter which type of material a company uses, the quality should be outstanding.

The level of leak-proof resistance was another factor that mattered to us, because we know it matters to parents. Messes are inevitable when you have kids, but a kid’s drink water bottle that can minimize those messes makes all the difference. Many good water bottles for kids, whether specifically designed for children or adults, take steps to reduce leaks and spills.

Similarly, because parents already have so many messes to clean and so many responsibilities to worry about, we factored in the ease of cleaning these bottles. While some can go straight into the dishwasher, others must be hand-washed, and still, other kid’s water bottles require more elaborate care and cleaning practices. The easier a bottle is to clean, the more points we awarded it.

A water bottle isn’t just a water bottle. The most impressive offerings on the market have at least a few special features, like no-leak kid’s water bottles with lids that lock or seal automatically, one-handed sipping functionality, advanced insulation technology, or ultra-durable powder coating. You can even find water bottles that have filtered harmful contaminants out, infused flavors into, or track consumption of the contents through smart sensors.

We awarded points based on the features of these top-performing best water bottles for kids. Finally, we looked at cost, because we know how hard it can be for parents to make a budget stretch when the only highly ranked kids’ water bottles are upwards of $30.

Our list covers several price points, with cheap water bottles ranging from under $10 to well over $100, so there’s an option for every budget.

Check out our “Things to Consider” Section:

• What is the HEALTHIEST WATER BOTTLE to buy?
• What is the best LEAK-PROOF WATER BOTTLE for kids?
• What is the best WATER BOTTLE for SCHOOL?
• What is the best WATER BOTTLE for a TODDLER?

Choosing the right water bottle for your child can easily become overwhelming for parents with hectic schedules and a responsibility overload. We’ve done the research for you. Read on to find your child’s next favorite water bottle.

1. Contigo Autoseal Trekker

Among plastic water bottles, the Contigo AUTOSEAL Trekker stands out for its spill-proof one-touch lid and its affordable price point. BPA-free, easy to clean, and wildly popular among both authorities and Amazon reviewers, this 14-ounce bottle is recommended for kids as young as three.

Unlike most water bottles, it has neither straw nor a spout – which can lead to leaks and spills and make bottles harder to clean – and instead works with a button-operated valve.

Customers say the feature really works to prevent leaks and spills, even when held upside-down.

What We Love:

• The Contigo Trekker water bottle is made of a BPA-free plastic.
• The standout feature of this water bottle is its AUTOSEAL technology, which automatically seals the valve for better resistance to spills and leaks.
• Contigo offers a Limited Lifetime Guarantee on its water bottles and other products.
• Vibrant shades of red, blue, green, purple and orange appeal to kids without looking childish, so kids won’t outgrow the appearance of the water bottle.
• The cup and lid are both dishwasher-safe (top rack only).
• Sold in a two-pack that costs less than many single water bottles, Contigo’s most popular kids’ bottle is an affordable choice.
• The bottle is a good size – small enough to fit in standard cupholders and for children’s little hands but large enough to hold 12 ounces of liquid.
• The affordable price point makes the Contigo Trekker a reasonable choice for families on a budget.

Score

• Materials: 92/100
• Level of leak-resistance: 98/100
• Ease of cleaning: 97/100
• Features: 98/100
• Cost: 99/100

Overall score: 96.8/100

Stay hydrated with the Contigo Autoseal Trekker Water Bottle.

2. Thermos FUNtainer Stainless Steel Water Bottles

The FUNtainer water bottle line by Thermos is a collection of stainless steel, vacuum-insulated bottles that are made to last. Available in numerous solid color, print and licensed franchise styles – including Star Wars, Frozen, Cars, and The Incredibles – these stylish water bottles keep cold drinks cool for 12 hours.

They come in 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes and in both spout-style and straw-style lids.

What We Love:

• The Thermos FUNtainer is constructed out of durable food-grade stainless steel, with a BPA-free polypropylene lid. Bottles that come with a straw consist of a silicone spout and a low-density polyethylene stem.
• A push-button lid allows for convenient operation and improved hygiene.
• FUNtainer bottles come in models that have pop-up straw as well as those with a drinking spout.
• The double-wall design incorporates vacuum insulation technology that keeps drinks cold for as long as 12 hours.
• In addition to being leakproof, the sweat-proof design prevents the bottle from making the user’s hands wet or leaving wet rings on tables and other surfaces.
• An integrated carry handle makes for added convenience.

Score

• Materials: 98/100
• Level of leak-resistance: 98/100
• Ease of cleaning: 87/100
• Features: 97/100
• Cost:  92/100

Overall score: 94.4/100

The Thermos FUNtainer Stainless Steel Water Bottle will keep your beverage cool for 12 hours! 

3. Lifefactory with Active Flip Cap

Plenty of people prefer to drink out of glass over plastic or stainless steel. The contents, especially water, tend to taste better and more refreshing, and there’s no need to worry about BPA and other chemicals like it leaching out of the bottle’s materials and into the beverage.

However, given kids’ propensity to drop (or even throw) a water bottle, choosing a glass water bottle like Lifefactory for a kid may seem like a questionable decision. Parents are divided on whether this bottle is too breakable for children – with some finding it surprisingly durable thanks to its colorful silicone sleeve and others disappointed with a messy fracture.

The bottle comes in four sizes, ranging from 12 ounces to 22 ounces, and in 16 different colors that will appeal to little ones. The wide-mouth straw cap is easy to use.

What We Love:

• The glass container allows for a purer and more pleasant taste, and parents don’t have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals in the material that could pass into the contents of the bottle.
• The non-slip silicone sleeve allows for easy, secure grip of the bottle and helps prevent it from breaking.
• If the glass bottle does break, replacement glass inserts are available from the company at no charge. The user only pays for the shipping cost.
• The wide-mouth straw cap allows for easy, no-tip sipping from an upright position to reduce spills.
• The bottle is dishwasher-safe, silicone sleeve and all, so you don’t need to remove the sleeve to clean the bottle.
• An integrated carry handle makes for added convenience.
• The bottle comes in a variety of colors for a stylish, but not childish, look.
• Lifefactory’s glass water bottle has a 3.8-star rating out of more than 1,100 reviews on Amazon.

Score

• Materials: 94/100
• Level of leak-resistance: 92/100
• Ease of cleaning: 99/100
• Features: 89/100
• Cost: 94/100

Overall score: 93.6/100

AMAZON PRIME will get this to you in two days AND with FREE SHIPPING!

4. Klean Kanteen Classic Single Wall Stainless Steel Bottle

Most kids’ water bottles are for children three years old or older, but what about toddlers? The Klean Kanteen Kid Classic Sippy is a water bottle suitable for the youngest kids. The sippy-style cap is easy to use for children as young as six months old and includes a dust cover to keep the mouthpiece clean and sanitary when you’re on-the-go.

Made with food-grade stainless steel and finished with a chip-resistant powder coat available in numerous fun colors and prints, the durable, BPA-materials give parents of babies and toddlers peace of mind. You might be hesitant to spend this much money on what amounts to a sippy cup, thinking your child will outgrow it within a few years, but the slim-fit 12-ounce cup the cup is compatible with the company’s other cap styles, allowing it to grow with your child.

All in all, the Klean Kanteen Sippy is a durable and popular choice, especially for parents of young children.

What We Love:

• The sippy lid, complete with dust cover, allows children six months old to successfully drink from the water bottle, making it one of the few water bottles on the market intended for babies this young.
• Food-grade stainless steel and a sustainably made Klean Coat powder coat make for a bottle that is durable, BPA-free and chip- and scratch-resistant.
• The single-wall cup is at once lightweight and surprisingly sturdy.
• A swing-away metal loop allows for convenient clipping of the cup to bags, strollers and other gear for hands-free carrying, and the slim design fits standard cupholders with ease.
• Cap compatibility gives the bottle more longevity because parents can replace the sippy lid with a lid appropriate for older children (including spill-proof options).
• The high-quality materials resist retaining flavors of the bottle’s previous contents.
• Although the manufacturer does not advertise the cup with its included sippy cap as being leak-proof, many parents were pleasantly surprised at how leak-proof and spill-proof it was due to the internal valve.
• The dozen different colors available, thanks to the vibrant powder coating, make the water bottles fun for kids.
• Klean Kanteen offers a Strong as Steel lifetime guarantee on its water bottles.
• The bottle has a 4.4-star rating out of more than 680 customer reviews on Amazon

Score

• Materials: 98/100
• Level of leak-resistance: 91/100
• Ease of cleaning: 92/100
• Features: 95/100
• Cost: 91/100

Overall score: 93.4/100

What?!?… A water bottle/sippy cup combination?

5. Infusion Pro Premium Fruit Infused Water Bottle

The Infusion Pro Premium Fruit Infused Water Bottle is the perfect solution for kids who despise the taste (or lack thereof) of plain water. Just add some clean, fresh-cut fruit to the removable fruit chamber, and let it add natural and delicious flavors to the water without dumping in extra sugar or chemicals.

Made of Eastman Tritan plastic, the 24-ounce bottle is durable and sweatproof, with an included insulated neoprene sleeve.

What We Love:

• A removable fruit chamber allows you to infuse your child’s water with the natural flavors of fresh fruit using bottom infuser technology for more effective flavor infusion. You can also use the bottle without the fruit chamber for a traditional bottle with a larger fluid capacity.
• The thermoplastic Eastman Tritan copolyester material that makes up the bottle is free of BPA and other bisphenols that have been linked to serious health concerns.
• In the wake of fears over potential dangers lingering even in non-BPA plastic products, Eastman asserts that its Tritan material has undergone testing by four different third-party laboratories and that the results illustrate that Tritan is free of estrogenic and androgenic activity, which researchers again fear could pose health risks.
• For easier cleaning, the bottle has both top and bottom closures, with both screw-top lids having attached rubber rings for better leak resistance.
• An integrated carry handle makes for added convenience.
• Infusion Pro offers a Lifetime Guarantee on its water bottles and other products.
• The product has garnered a 4.4-star rating out of more than 2,100 customer reviews on Amazon.

Score

• Materials: 92/100
• Level of leak-resistance: 93/100
• Ease of cleaning: 93/100
• Features: 95/100
• Cost: 92/100

Overall score: 93.0/100

The Infusion Pro Premium Fruit Infused Water Bottle can add interest to your child’s water consumption… and it’s healthy!

 6. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle

Some water bottles just do more. Among the most practical options, especially for outdoor enthusiasts, is the 22-ounce LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle. This self-filtering bottle removes everything from bacteria and parasites to chlorine and pesticides from its contents, making every sip safer and better tasting.

Although LifeStraw isn’t the only water filter bottle on the market, it’s certainly among the most popular and, we think, the best. Unlike competitors, whose filters may need to be replaced as often as every six months, this bottle comes with a microbiological filter that lasts up to five years.

Although it’s a bit pricy for a water bottle – particularly one for kids, who often will misplace a bottle or two over time – it’s a worthwhile investment for families who do a lot of camping and outdoor activities, or for parents who worry about the quality of the water in their home or at their child’s school.

What We Love:

• This water bottle integrates an advanced two-stage microbiological filter that extracts such unwanted materials as parasites, bacteria, pesticides, herbicides, chlorine, and microplastic. The filter has been lab-tested around the world and shown to be effective at removing these hazardous components from stream water or tap water.
• LifeStraw’s Go Water Filter Bottle is made of durable and lightweight BPA-free plastic, with a silicone mouthpiece.
• The filter is replaceable but, with a capacity of 1,000 gallons, can last as long as five years.
• The bottle – but not the filter – is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
• For each bottle sold, LifeStraw’s Follow the Liters program provides a water-filtering bottle to a child in a developing nation for an entire school year, making this purchase one parents can feel good about.
• The exceptionally popular water bottle has a 4.0-star rating out of more than 2,360 customer reviews on Amazon.

Score

• Materials: 92/100
• Level of leak-resistance: 88/100
• Ease of cleaning: 97/100
• Features: 99/100
• Cost: 88/100

Overall score: 92.8/100

If water quality is of the utmost importance to you… this is an excellent choice.

 7. CamelBak Eddy Kids .4L Bottle

The CamelBak Eddy Kids .4L Bottle is a great plastic water bottle for kids as young as three. Made of BPA-free Eastman Tritan copolyester, the transparent material looks like glass but holds up like a thermoplastic. A durable spout made of medical-grade silicone makes it easy to drink without spilling.

Designed with little ones in mind, the Eddy Kids water bottle line comes in more than a dozen fun patterns, ranging from sharks to rainbows.

What We Love:

• The thermoplastic Eastman Tritan copolyester material that makes up the bottle is free of BPA and other bisphenols that have been linked to serious health concerns.
• In the wake of fears over potential dangers lingering even in non-BPA plastic products, Eastman asserts that its Tritan material has undergone testing by four different third- party laboratories and that the results illustrate that Tritan is free of estrogenic and androgenic activity, which researchers again fear could pose health risks.
• Sturdier and more difficult to break than glass, the CamelBak water bottle is better able to handle strain put on it by active children.
• The materials are taste-free and stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry that using the cup for juice or another beverage will leave it with permanent odors, leftover aftertastes or unsightly stains.
• The CamelBak Big Bite Valve feature with built-in, securely fastened straw is intended to allow for spill-proof, one-hand functionality and easy, comfortable drinking.
• An integrated carry handle makes for added convenience.
• Fun designs will make this water bottle a favorite with kids and even endear it to adults, too.
• CamelBak offers a Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee on its water bottles and other products.

Score

• Materials: 91/100
• Level of leak-resistance: 89/100
• Ease of cleaning: 93/100
• Features: 95/100
• Cost: 94/100

Overall score: 92.4/100

With numerous color and design choices, buy it today! What are you waiting for?!?

 8. Hydro Flask Kids Wide Mouth

Superior insulation is what makes the Hydro Flask stand out the most. This 12-ounce bottle keeps cold liquids cold for up to 24 hours with its TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation technology. Made with professional food-grade stainless steel and covered with a non-slip powder coat, plus a silicone flex boot to prevent slipping across a flat surface, this water bottle is free of BPA and phthalates.

What We Love:

• The powder-coated stainless steel water bottle is easy to grip and free of chemicals like BPA.
• The powder coat makes the cup easy to grip and a silicone boot prevents it from slipping and sliding on tables and other flat surfaces – so, whether in your child’s hand or on the table, it’s not going anywhere.
• The double-wall TempShield vacuum insulation is so effective at keeping cold drinks cold that ice will remain in the cup hours later, and icy cold drinks will still be cool 24 hours later.
• The wide-mouth straw cap is made with a hard exterior spout – perfect for kids who have a tendency to bite their straws – and an internal easy-slip straw.
• Vibrant color combinations of powder coat and silicone flex boots make these water bottles appealing to kids (and even adults).
• Hydro Flask offers a Lifetime Warranty on its water bottles.
• The water bottle has a 4.4-star rating out of more than 300 reviews on Amazon.

Score

• Materials: 97/100
• Level of leak-resistance: 83/100
• Ease of cleaning: 91/100
• Features: 98/100
• Cost: 88/100

Overall score: 91.4/100

The awesome insulation on this one keeps things cold for up to 24 hours!

9. Thermoflask Stainless Steel Kids 14oz Straw Bottle 2pk

ThermoFlask for Kids isn’t your typical water bottle. It’s more than you’d ever imagined a water bottle would be. The water bottle acts as a cold insulator, keeping your child’s drink cold for 24 hours! It has double-walled 18/8 food-grade stainless steel inside, is BPA-free, as well as toxin-free. Worried about rust? Don’t be… this one is rust-free, too!

As a water bottle for your little one’s hand, they will enjoy the handy clip or finger hold while playing on the playground. No-tilt drinking with an easy to open close straw allows for easy fluid flow. Help your children develop healthy habits they will hopefully carry with them into adulthood.

What We Love:

• Easy to use by little hands.
• The bottle is made of a surprisingly durable BPA-free plastic.
• Offered in several color options.
• For easier cleaning, the spout is detachable.

Score

• Materials: 93/100
• Level of leak-resistance: 96/100
• Ease of cleaning: 92/100
• Features: 99/100
• Cost: 75/100

Overall score: 91.0/100

10. Platypus SoftBottle

For families looking for space-saving options, the collapsible Platypus SoftBottle won’t clutter up your kitchen. Made from a durable plastic free of BPA, BPS, polycarbonate, and phthalates, and with a food-grade lining of polyethylene to prevent the bottle from retaining flavors, this bottle can be rolled up small enough to fit into a pocket when empty. This bottle comes in numerous options, allowing purchasers to choose the color, size – 0.5 liter or 1.0 liter – and cap style. A larger, stable base and tapered middle allow the bottle to stand upright when filled and make it easy for even small hands to grip.

What We Love:

• The soft, ultralight BPA-free plastic is easy to fold or roll up when not in use, collapsing down to a small, space-saving size for convenience at home and on-the-go.
• The availability of both a screw-on closure cap and a push-pull cap allows you to choose the drinking mechanism your child most prefers.
• The food-grade lining prevents the plastic taste users experience with some water bottles – especially in the first uses – and keeps the bottle from retaining the tastes of its previous contents.
• The water bottle has a 4.3-star rating out of more than 480 reviews on Amazon.
• The affordable price point makes the Platypus SoftBottle a reasonable choice for families on a budget.

Score

• Materials: 92/100
• Level of leak-resistance: 84/100
• Ease of cleaning: 83/100
• Features: 96/100
• Cost: 98/100

Overall score: 90.6/100

It’s COLLAPSIBLE!

Things to Consider

What is the healthiest water bottle to buy?

The Klean Kanteen Insulated Reflect Water Bottle is our choice for the healthiest water bottle as it is made from only three materials, such as Food Grade 18/8 Stainless Steel, a Food Grade Silicone Seal, and the cap is constructed of Stainless Steel and sustainably harvested Bamboo. This option makes it the best Stainless Steel water bottle for kids.

What is the best leak-proof water bottle for kids?

As a very important feature, a “leak-proof” and cheap kid’s water bottle is on every parent’s mind, especially when looking for the best kid’s water bottle for school. In addition, one that is suitable as a kid’s spill-proof water bottle is important as well. The Contigo AUTOSEAL Trekker, which is #1 on our list, is a great choice, as it seals between sips, is leak-free, and very reasonably priced. 

What is the best water bottle for school?

As you send your children off to school, providing an ice-cold beverage ALL through the day is important. The YETI Rambler 18 oz. Bottle, Vacuum Insulated, Stainless Steel Water Bottle has a large capacity and has easy access with its convenient Chug Cap. Because the Yeti is considered one of the best-insulated water bottles for kids, it is great to take along on day trips as well. Check out all of the great colors it comes in, too!

What is the best water bottle for a toddler?

For toddlers, of course, you are looking for kid-size water bottles that fit their little sweet hands comfortably. We think that the Tommee Tippee Insulated Sportee Toddler Water Bottle with Handle is great as our choice for the “best toddler water bottle.” Why do you ask? Check out these features… It has a handle for toting, it’s spill-proof, well-insulated, bite-resistant, baby-safe for 12 months and up, and is easy to clean. Also, it comes in several great colors; blue, orange, pink, and mint; all suitable for your little girl or boy. Do you need a cheap option as well? These are very reasonably priced!