DaddiLife
  • Home
  • Family
    • Modern Fatherhood
    • Trying
    • Expecting
    • New Dad
    • Stay At Home Dad
    • Separation
    • Single Dads
    • Step Dads
  • Things To Do
    • Kids at Home
    • Newborn
    • Toddler
    • 5 – 10
    • 10+
  • Health
    • Dad Jokes
    • Fitness
    • Family Meal Recipes
    • Safety
    • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
    • Work / Life Balance
    • Money
    • Education
    • Sports
    • Gear
  • Book Squad
  • Reviews
    • Gift Ideas
    • Family Fun
    • Toys
  • Dads at Work
    • Guides for Dads at Work
    • Case Studies
    • Q&A
    • Mentoring Programme
  • Join
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Write With Us
  • Home
  • Family
    • Modern Fatherhood
    • Trying
    • Expecting
    • New Dad
    • Stay At Home Dad
    • Separation
    • Single Dads
    • Step Dads
  • Things To Do
    • Kids at Home
    • Newborn
    • Toddler
    • 5 – 10
    • 10+
  • Health
    • Dad Jokes
    • Fitness
    • Family Meal Recipes
    • Safety
    • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
    • Work / Life Balance
    • Money
    • Education
    • Sports
    • Gear
  • Book Squad
  • Reviews
    • Gift Ideas
    • Family Fun
    • Toys
  • Dads at Work
    • Guides for Dads at Work
    • Case Studies
    • Q&A
    • Mentoring Programme
  • Join

DaddiLife

The parenting website for dads

Family Fun

Best Kids Water Bottles

written by DaddiLife 27th November 2017
Kids water bottles, best water bottles for kids, toddler waterbottle

Water is an essential part of our children’s lives. Around 75% of the body is made up of it, so hydrating often and throughout the day is essential. Studies have shown how regular hydration helps children stay focused and become better learners.

As the daily adventures increase, a kids water bottle becomes a really important sidekick. So we've put this guide together so you know the important factors to consider, and our top picks.

Contents

What's in this guide
Best Kids Water Bottles - Our Top Picks
When Are They Ready For A Water Bottle?
What Makes A Great Water Bottle?
Our Picks - Detailed Reviews

Best Kids Water Bottles - The Top Picks

1. Camelbak Eddy Kids Bottle

Key Features

  • Great capacity at 400ml while only weighing 155g.
  • Patented "large bite valve" for faster flow.

Our Rating

4.7/5

An impressive bottle that stores a lot, while also easy to clean.


2. Nalgene OTF Everyday Bottle

Key Features

  • Very secure with two-part opening/closing system.
  • Good product design with the lid also serving as a hook.

Our Rating

4.5 / 5

One of the newer bottles on the market, and one that's great for everyday use and camping trips.


3. Mountop Bottle with Straw

Key Features

  • Made of Tritan plastic that can withstand temperatures all the way to 248 (F).
  • Clever silicone hook lets you clip the water bottle quickly.

Our Rating

4.5 / 5

The button push lid does particularly well at hiding the straw from dirt build up.


4. Avex Kids Auto Seal Freeride

Key Features

  • The most elegant of all the bottles.
  • Its flip lid has a leek proof spout, and is protected by the flip cover.

Our Rating

4.0/5

A beautiful bottle in a huge range of designs.


5. Contigo Striker Outdoor

Key Features

  • Large water storage carrying 414ml of water. 
  • It very much holds its own as an on-the-go water bottle for toddlers due to it's strength.

Our Rating

4.0/5

A very strong and sturdy bottle that will likely last a while.


6. Oxo Tot Twist Top Bottle

Key Features

  • Twist open lid protects from leaks.
  • Large opening is helpful for adding more in quickly.
  • Soft loop attachment makes for easier carrying.

Our Rating

4.0/5

A really good all round value bottle. 


**Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

When Are They Ready For A Water Bottle?

kids water bottles, best kids water bottles, water bottle for toddlers

When your child can drink from an open cup unaided, then they are ready to transition from sippy cup to fully fledged water bottle.

According to the National Health Service, once your baby is able to hold the milk bottle on their own, usually around the 6-9 month mark, they’re ready for their own starter water bottle. 

Sippy cups are a great solution at the starter stage as the water flow from the cup is slower so they can control the water intake better.

Once they hit toddler stage, they’re ready to get out exploring even more. At this stage they are ready for a better water bottle with faster drink flow.

So as soon as your toddler is ready, encourage them by using an open cup or a free-flow cup without a valve. This will help your child learn to sip their drink rather than suck, and that’s better for their teeth too.

What Makes A Great Water Bottle?

BPA FREE 

BPA stands for bisphenol A, and is an industrial chemical that is found typically in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which is often used to make cheaper water bottles.  Research has shown that BPA can seep into beverages with adverse effects on the brain, blood pressure and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children.

LEAK PROOF


​No one wants to grab the child's bag, reach inside for the water bottle, and just feel a puddle. It not only wastes the water but will get on everything inside your bag, which will probably include that change of clothes, and any other essential items for the day.

GOOD STORAGE 


A great kids water bottle has got to hold enough water to last a good proportion of the day, and should be portable enough to hold an amount that doesn't need a refill straightaway.

EASY TO CLEAN


In some bottles, certain parts, like a folded straw or cap, means stagnant water can build up. In time, this can lead to mould build up. Water bottles need to be cleaned regularly, but some are better than others in allowing for an easy clean.

FUN


Last but not least, a little bit of fun with the bottle design is always a good thing for the kids!

Our Picks - Detailed Reviews

1. CAMELBAK - EDDY KIDS INSULATED WATER BOTTLE
LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON ➡


Key features we liked:

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Great capacity
  • Large bite valve for faster flow

The Camelbak is BPA free, weighs around 155 grams, and can carry 400 ml of water. Its key feature is a patented ‘big bite valve’ system, which is a combination of both spout and straw that will only allow an outflow of water if your child is able to bite onto the straw-spout. As such it scores great leak-proof points alongside its other benefits. It's also very easy to attach to a backpack or rucksack, making it ideal for outdoor play.

PROS

  • check
    Simple to use, alongside being strong and durable.
  • check
    Comes in a huge (and we mean HUGE) range of fun themes and designs.
  • check
    Very easy to clean and is even Dishwasher safe.  

CONS

  • The bottle is insulated in such a way so cold drinks don’t tend to stay cold past a few hours.
  • close
    The sprout itself can be exposed to dirt quite easily if it becomes loose.
2. NALGENE - OTF EVERYDAY KIDS WATER BOTTLE
LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON ➡


Key features we liked:

  • One hand opening/closing system
  • Multi-functional lid which also serves as a hook
  • Very easy to wash with no ‘difficult to reach’ parts

The Nalgene bottle holds 350ml comfortably is a relatively new product on the market and has a brilliantly simple yet effect design. If you’re looking for an everyday type of bottle – good for in-home and out of home adventures - this one may well be for you. Instead of a separate hook that sticks out of the bottle, the lid itself is the hook as well as the lid. It has a wide spout making it great for drink flow.  You’ll just want to make sure your toddler can drink out of a cup on their own before being ready for this.

PROS

  • check
    Leak Proof and then some! It’s got a 2 close system plus a metal catche to seal. Very secure.
  • check
    Ease to take apart and clean. The bottle comes in just 2 parts – the multi-functional lid, and body, which you just need to unscrew to clean.
  • check
    Holds a good amount of water, enough for a day out.  

CONS

  • The clasp can be tricky to open, especially for younger toddlers. It’s better for children 3 or 4 +.
3. Mountop Kids Bottle with Straw and Handle
LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON ➡


Key features we liked:

  • Push button lid to open up the straw
  • Easy to hold and measure exact quantities
  • Clever silicone hook that lets you clip the water bottle quickly

The Mountop bottle is 100% BPA free and holds around 395 grams. They have focussed a lot of attention on the real weather conditions that can affect the water inside the bottle. It’s made of tritan plastic so can withstand temperatures between 4 degrees (F) all the way to 248 (F)! It has a push button lid which works particularly well if you’re looking for that quick drinking feature, while protecting the straw from dirt.

PROS

  • check
    Push button lid makes for quick and easy water consumption.  
  • check
    Made with Tritan plastic so can withstand extreme temperatures very well.
  • check
    Easy to clean in the main.  

CONS

  • Watch out for the very top of the straw.  If left in the bottle for any significant period of time the mould builds up, and can be hidden from view by the lid.
  • close
    The silicone hook of the bottle can became a little loose and you/ your child may trap a finger if not careful.
4. AVEX KID'S AUTO SEAL FREERIDE WATER BOTTLE
LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON ➡


Key features we liked:

  • Beautiful and elegant design
  • No straw and easy close lid
  • The hook folds away

When it comes to elegance there are not many bottle better than the Avex. You can get it in two variants – the sip lid, or flip lid.  The flip lid has a leek proof spout, protected by the flip cover, while the sip lid keeps things simple with doesn’t have a straw or special spout technology, but a very secure clip lid.

PROS

  • check
    Possibly the most elegant of all the bottles. Simple, sleek and classy. Available in a range of different elegant themes.
  • check
    At 16 ounces, it also has a larger than average water capacity – great for longer outdoor play.
  • check
    The foldaway hook at the lid is also very very useful for fitting into tighter spaces.
  • check
    Dishwasher safe and BPA free.

CONS

  • The flip lid can be tricker for the younger toddlers to open. Ideal for 3 – 4 + .
5. Contigo STRIKER OUTDOOR WATER Bottle
LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON ➡


Key features we liked:

  • Cleaver ‘push to drink’ valve
  • Very portable and great water storage capacity
  • Strong and very secure

The Contigo Autosprout bottle is 100% BPA free and carries 414ml of water. It very much holds its own as an on-the-go water bottle for toddlers.  The bottle itself is made in such a way that it feels double insulated, and despite being dropped a number of times it hasn’t yet cracked once for us. The only watch out is that your child needs to hold down a part of the bottle in order to release the water valve – which may take a bit of time to get used to. Ideal for children aged 3 +.

PROS

  • check
    Very very strong. You feel like you could drop this thing from a mountain top and it wouldn’t break!
  • check
    Top Rack Dishwasher safe.

CONS

  • It’s an insulated bottle so cold drinks don’t tend to stay cold past a few hours.
  • close
    Could be easier to clean. The body of the bottle is easy, but the lid has a couple of difficult areas to reach because of the ‘’hold button down’ mechanism to release the water.
6. OXO TOT TWIST TOP WATER BOTTLE
LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON ➡


Key features we liked:

  • Twist open lid protects from leaks
  • Large opening is helpful for adding more in quickly
  • Soft loop attachment makes for easier carrying

Never judge a book by its cover. That’s what we learned when trying the Oxo Tot Twist Bottle. The bottle isn’t necessarily as fun as some of the other bottle designs on this guide, but has a number of very well designed features that other bottles don’t. Take for instance a slight divit in the actual bottle allowing for easier one handed control. Smart. Or the tight twist to straw lid which not only makes the bottle far more portable, it also protects the straw from any dirt.

PROS

  • check
    A well balanced water bottle, lightweight and lots of little useful features.
  • check
    Cloth strap is very useful for everyday attachment.  

CONS

  • Holds 300ml, which for a toddler water bottle is smaller capacity than average.  
  • close
    The straw is a little more insulated than other bottles, but the chances of stagnant water building to mould increase at the very twist part of the straw if left for too long.
7.  MUNCHKIN MIRACLE 360 DEGREE TRAINER CUP
LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON ➡


Key features we liked:

  • Perfect Toddler Starter Bottle/Cup.
  • Ergonomic design that means your toddler needs to bite to get water.​

The Munchkin is the only bottle that serves as well for both early and mid year toddlers. It is the ideal starter water bottle and holds 207ml of water. It has a super smart lid that only lets out water if enough bite and force is used by your child, which makes it very leak proof and also long lasting. The handles are useful for holding positions, but don’t stick enough to make fitting into a bag or ruck sack problematic.

PROS

  • check
    Lightweight while still holding a good amount of water.  
  • check
    Long lasting, like really long lasting.
  • check
    Leak proof as long as the lid is 100% secure.

CONS

  • Doesn't hold as much as the other water bottles but for on-home or a quick trip out it’s works well.
  • close
    As your child need to bite to release the water, after a while you will see little bite marks on the rubber lid. Little bits of stagnant water that run into those turn into mould which makes it tricky to clean, longer term.
8. Mountop Stainless Steel Double Walled bottle
LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON ➡


Key features we liked:

  • Stainless steel sturdiness
  • Keeps drinks hot or cold for over 12 hours​​​​​​
  • Very portable and easy to clean

At 480ml, the Mountop water bottle is one of the larger capacity bottles and unlike the other re-usable bottles this is one of a select few that can retain the preferred temperature of your preferred liquid inside. It is double wall vacuum insulated and can be used by all the family.

PROS

  • check
    Ideal for situations where you want to put hot and cold liquids in the bottle.
  • check
    Sleek shape makes it ideal to fit in any given rucksack.
  • check
    Double Wall vacuum insulated.

CONS

  • Not dishwasher safe.
  • close
    Not the most 'fun' for Toddlers, and maybe even more suited to older children. 
Best Kids Water Bottles was last modified: August 25th, 2021 by DaddiLife

Related

best kids water bottlesbest water bottles for toddlerskids water bottles
3 comments
0
Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
DaddiLife

Dads matter
previous post
DaddiLifeForce: Why dads matter
beco 8, beco 8 review
next post
A Dad’s Review of the Beco 8 Baby Carrier

You may also like

The 10 Best Family Tents (2023 Buying...

9th August 2020

The 5 Best Small Bouncy Castles For...

3rd March 2019

Best Children’s Playhouse (2023 Guide For Parents)

28th June 2018

The Best Toddler Climbing Toys (2023 Buying...

3rd December 2021

A dad’s review of the Keen Kids...

13th July 2021

The 12 Best Baby Carriers for Dads...

17th January 2021

The 10 Best Toddler Swings (2023 Reviews)

7th March 2021

The 8 Best Car Seats (2023 Buying...

5th October 2018

The Labebe Push Panda Walker Review

10th August 2023

A dad’s review of the Sunday Afternoons...

2nd August 2021

3 comments

10 Things to do in Manchester with Kids - Yorkshire Wonders 6th February 2018 at 7:12 pm

[…] If you fancy getting away from the madding crowd for a while Manchester boasts excellent parks a short ride from the city centre. Heaton Park is the largest park in the north west and boasts a huge amount to do and see, from row boats and a garden centre to animals and historic trams. Heaton Park also runs a calendar of special events. On the other side of the city, Fletcher Moss Gardens in Didsbury is a delightful oasis in the middle of Manchester’s bustling southern suburbs. Just make sure you pack plenty of snacks and the kids water bottles. […]

Reply
The New Dad’s Survival Guide - A roundup for dads, by dads - DaddiLife 9th March 2018 at 1:10 pm

[…] is essential, and especially as they get older you'll want to pack a kids water bottle that doesn't leak, can hold a good amount, and can set you up for the day […]

Reply
Crystal Beverage Co. 15th August 2018 at 1:02 am

My son will start going to school next week. I think that Oxo Tot Twist Top Bottle is really great for him. I will surely purchase one of these soon.

Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Audiobooks for Dads

Get the latest dad news




Popular Things to Do

  • A Parent’s Guide To Tuff Trays

  • DaddiLifeForce – The Power of Lego

  • DaddiLifeForce – New Years 2017

  • DaddiLifeForce – Chinese New Year

  • Tuff Tray Ideas: Some great ideas for creative tuff trays

Writers Community

Write for DaddiLife


  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube

© 2017 - DaddiLife. All Right Reserved. DaddiLife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.


Back To Top