Since kids have more body water and are less heat tolerant than adults, dehydration is a real risk during physical activities. That’s why a good water bottle is a small but mighty essential in your parenting toolkit.
But not all kids’ water bottles are up to the task. You want one that’s durable enough to withstand the rough and tumble of everyday life, but also practical for little hands to use. Leakproof design is equally important so that your child doesn’t come home with a drenched bookbag.
To save you the hassle of sifting through hundreds of options on Amazon, I’ve narrowed it down to the three best water bottles for kids. I personally tested them with my nephews and nieces, so you know they’re great!
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Water Bottle | Check Price |
|---|---|
 Best Overall Hydro Flask Kids’ Bottle | Final Score: 4.5/5 |
 Best Durability YETI Rambler Jr. | Final Score: 4.2/5 |
 Best on Budget CamelBak Eddy+ | Final Score: 4.0/5 |
Hydro Flask Kids’ Bottle
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Hydro Flask Kids Bottle grabs the first spot in our ranking. It keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours (it’s a Hydro Flask, after all) – perfect for keeping that apple juice cold during a long day at the park!
Key Features
One unique feature is the “flex boot” – a silicone sleeve that makes the bottle less slippery and helps to prevent damage when dropped.
Additionally, there is an easy-to-find name tag on the bottom of the boot. Unlike many other kids’ water bottles, this name tag is functional and obvious. Ideal for kids who tend to misplace their stuff!
The Hydro Flask Kids Bottle is mostly leakproof (although it’s advertised as “spill-proof” and “leak-free”). Sure, sometimes a bit of water remains in the straw or spout after folding it down and can drip out, but that’s the case with pretty much all water bottles for kids.
However, if the cap is tightly twisted and the sip-straw pushed down flat, it does not leak. Even when it ends up at the bottom of the backpack, it keeps everything else dry.
I’ve also noticed it’s way easier for kids to hold and carry this bottle. The loop handle is in just the right spot, making it simple to carry or hook onto a backpack. The powder coating adds a nice grip, which is super handy when their hands are wet or dirty.
Cleaning this bottle is straightforward. With only three main parts – the bottle, lid, and straw – plus the boot, it is very easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. Many other kid’s water bottles are overcomplicated, but the Hydro Flask keeps things simple.
Potential Pitfalls
The price is a bit high – $22 for the 12 oz. version and nearly $30 for the 20 oz. While it seems steep, the value is totally worth it. The quality and features of the bottle are so good that I quickly forgot about the cost.
Another minor issue is the silicone boot, which makes it harder to slip the bottle into the side pocket of a backpack and most cup holders.
Verdict
The Hydro Flask bottle offers great features and exceptional insulation performance. If you are looking for a reliable and durable water bottle for your child, this one is worth considering.
Hydro Flask Kids’ Bottle |
|---|
|
Best Overall |
YETI Rambler Jr.
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The YETI Rambler Jr. is my second best bottle bottle for kids, especially those who care about keeping their water just right. It performs almost as well as the standard Rambler for adults and can easily outlast several cheaper bottles over time with its bombproof durability.
Key Features
One of the coolest things about the YETI Rambler Jr. is its double-walled vacuum insulation. It keeps drinks cold for HOURS, which is perfect for school, sports, and travel. Even on a hot day, you can bet your bottom dollar there’ll still be ice in the bottle when you get home. No more “Mom, my water is too hot” complaints!
But here’s the catch: while it excels at keeping drinks cold, it doesn’t keep them hot overnight. If you need something to keep your kid’s tea or cocoa hot for the next morning, you might want to check out a Hydro Flask instead.
Another strong point is that the Rambler Jr. is leakproof. We never had an issue with spills, even though some reviews mention leaks when the bottle is laid on its side. The key is to make sure the straw is properly closed. This can be easy for kids to forget, but it’s important.
You want your kid to be obsessed with their new bottle, and that’s where the Rambler shines. With 18 colors to choose from, it’s super easy for kids to pick their favorite and avoid mix-ups if you’ve got more than one kiddo.
You can also take it up a notch by adding stickers or even monogramming their name on it. They won’t want to use anything but their beloved Rambler Jr.!
Potential Pitfalls
The Rambler Jr. is a chunky, sturdy bottle that’s built for kids, but there’s a catch. Its 3-inch diameter means it might not fit into all cup holders that usually handle bottles up to 3 inches. You might find yourself struggling to squeeze it in, depending on your cup holder.
Another issue is the weight. The Rambler Jr. is a bit hefty, weighing a little over a pound when empty. That’s about 10 ounces heavier than other kids’ bottles I own. If your kid likes to toss things around, this might literally cause some pain. Watch out for flying bottles!
Finally, the price is a significant factor. At $25 each, the Rambler Jr. is more expensive than your average kid’s water bottle. Losing one can be painful given the cost.
Verdict
The YETI Rambler Jr. is just awesome! It keeps drinks cold for hours, it’s tough enough to handle daily drops, and comes in fun colors that kids love. It’s not perfect, but it’s about as close as you can get.
YETI Rambler Jr. |
|---|
|
Best Durability |
CamelBak Eddy+
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Maybe you don’t mind sacrificing a bit on insulation and are looking for something affordable, durable, and fun that encourages your kids to drink more water. Or perhaps stainless steel bottles are too heavy for your child, and you want something lighter.
In this case, the CamelBak Eddy+ Renew should be on top of your list. At $15, it’s a budget-friendly bottle that your kids will love.
Key Features
The bottle has a special bite-down straw that kids need to bite down on to sip. This makes spills less likely compared to regular bottles that need to be tipped. Plus, kids can drink without straining their necks or having to hold the bottle at a tricky angle.
The Camelbak Eddy+ is also completely leakproof when the spout is closed, so it’s the ideal kids’ bottle for travel.
It’s super light, weighing only 6 ounces, way lighter than stainless steel bottles. My niece carries it around easily with its slim design and comfy, easy-to-grip handle. Plus, it fits into most backpack pockets and cup holders.
Potential Pitfalls
Cleaning the CamelBak Eddy+ Kids Bottle can take a little extra effort because the flip straw lid and screw tops need some extra attention. Luckily, you can just throw all the parts in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Verdict
The CamelBak Eddy+ Renew is a fun plastic bottle that will encourage your child to drink more water. While I’m not a big fan of plastic, this bottle is made from BPA-free and super durable Tritan that can handle anything your kid throws at it.
If you’re okay with giving up some insulation for a more affordable option and still want something high-quality, this bottle ticks all the boxes.
CamelBak Eddy+ |
|---|
|
Best on Budget |
What Is the Best Material for a Child’s Water Bottle?
When choosing the best material for a child’s water bottle, stainless steel stands out as my top pick. It’s a dream come true for picky drinkers as it doesn’t impart any strange odors or tastes to the water.
But the biggest advantage of this material is its unmatched insulation performance. My YETI and Hydro Flask bottles keep cold drinks cool for up to 24 hours and hot drinks warm for up to 12 hours. This feature is perfect if your child needs their drink to stay at the right temperature throughout the day.
However, stainless steel bottles can be a bit heavy. You need to consider your child’s size and strength. Will they be able to carry it around easily? This is something only you can judge.
Are Stainless Steel Bottles Safe for Kids?
Yes, stainless steel bottles are very safe for kids. In fact, I believe they are one of the safest options out there. You don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals because stainless steel contains none.
It’s also incredibly durable. This means it won’t crack or break if dropped, which is a lifesaver with energetic children.
Conclusion
Children should aim to drink about six to eight glasses of fluid every day. But let’s face it, when you’re constantly on the move, keeping those water levels topped up can be a challenge.
As a responsible uncle who cares about the hydration of my nephews and nieces, the Hydro Flask is my top choice. They can’t seem to go anywhere without it, and given its sturdiness, I have peace of mind knowing it won’t let us down.
However, each child has unique needs, and that’s why I’ve offered two other fantastic options in this guide. Each one brings something special to the table, depending on what you need. Get one for your child and see how it makes them smile every time they take a sip!
Jeremiah Kowalski
Hey there! I’m Jeremiah, the guy behind WaterBottleAdvisor.com. I used to have a bad habit of guzzling sodas while working remotely, but thanks to reusable water bottles, I’ve turned my hydration game around. After testing over 50 bottles, I’m here to help you find the perfect one to make staying hydrated a joy, not a chore. When I’m not reviewing bottles, you’ll likely find me scaling steep trails around the world, trusty water bottle in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are YETI Bottles Good for Kids?
Yes, YETI bottles are good for kids. These bottles are super durable and keep drinks at the right temperature for a long time. You don’t have to worry about them breaking easily or leaking in your child’s bag.
However, they are designed for kids aged 3 and up because their straw lids aren’t ideal for younger children who are still teething.
Babies and toddlers under 3 might face issues with their teeth alignment because sucking through straws can affect their developing teeth and palate. The amount of sucking required for the YETI straw lid could be too much for the little ones.
That said, if your child is over 3, I highly recommend the YETI Jr. It’s perfect for active kids who need a sturdy, reliable bottle.
Is a Silicone Water Bottle Good for Kids?
Silicone is another popular material often considered by parents looking for plastic alternatives. Kids’ water bottles made from silicone are a good option as they are flexible and lightweight, making them easy for little hands to hold and carry.
You won’t have to worry about them dropping it and causing it to break. Plus, silicone bottles can be folded or rolled up when empty, saving space in your child’s bag.
One thing to think about: silicone bottles might not keep drinks cold or hot for long periods. If this isn’t a big deal for you, silicone could be a great choice.
Is Silicone Safer than Plastic Bottles?
Silicone is generally safer than plastic bottles as it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates, which you can still find in some cheap plastic bottles.
Silicone is also very durable. It won’t break or crack easily, unlike some plastic bottles. You don’t have to replace it as often, which can actually save you money in the long run.
