In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Need a kids' water bottle? To determine the best 13 products available today, we dove into the world of water bottles for kids, researched the market, then purchased more than 30 promising contenders for testing and side-by-side comparisons. Keeping your child hydrated while on the go is essential, and a water bottle will significantly help with this effort. With various bottle types available, some being more convenient and healthier than others, our testing focused on factors like kid-friendly usability, ease of cleaning, and eco-health. We are confident that a water bottle in our lineup will meet your needs and budget. So, take advantage of the insider details to make an informed decision.
At first glance, the YETI Rambler Jr. appears similar to other contenders, but this option jumped to the top with minor differences that give it an edge. YETI is known for its high quality and durability, and this contender is downright durable. We think this factor matters because kids frequently drop items (perhaps hundreds of times a day!). With powder-coated contenders or those with thinner material, falls onto hard surfaces can cause paint chips, scratches, dents, or even damage. Although nothing is bullet-proof, we think YETI's solid stainless steel base is noticeably strong among the lineup and most likely to survive falls and look fine. We appreciate that this insulated option helps keep contents cold so your child can enjoy a refreshing drink during the school day or while adventuring outside. One tot-tester remarked, “My water was still cold at the end of school.” The carry handle is more significant than others, making it easier to carry. We also appreciate that the vessel's mouth is slightly wider to ease the task of handwashing and inspection.
The flip-and-sip hard spout is a little stiff to open and close, hindering younger users' ability to use this bottle independently. But, older children will likely not find this to be an issue. Conversely, this could be a good feature for little ones who chew straw-style spouts as it isn't as pliable. The manufacturer says the vessel is dishwasher-safe; however, we suggest handwashing it to prolong the YETI's insulation quality. Also, you will need a small straw brush to clean the lid thoroughly, even if you use the dishwasher for the bottle body. The Yeti can be more expensive than other options, so if your budget is limited, the Thermos FUNtainer is a good alternative kids love. Overall, we think the Yeti will last years, and if it meets your needs, we highly recommend it.
Multiple options in our lineup offer insulation, like the YETI Rambler Jr., which has double-wall vacuum insulation to keep contents cold for a longer period of time.
The Thermos FUNtainer is a double-walled stainless steel insulated water bottle that combines a sleek design and convenience. The insulation does an excellent job of keeping drinks cold for up to 12 hours (not for hot liquids), and the slender design is just right for little hands and nearly all cup holders. The lid button is user-friendly for straw access and closes easily without much pressure. The bottle uses quality materials and feels durable enough to last several years. Our parent tester remarks, “It is so easy to close; my kids did it instinctively, cutting down on leaks, spills, and dirty straws.”
The FUNtainer's lid has multiple parts; you'll need to use a straw brush to clean them thoroughly. The task can be slightly time-consuming, but it isn't hard, and we appreciate some features that make it easier, such as fewer nooks and crannies inside the lid and a clear straw so you can make sure it is free of grime. Even though we like the quality of the container, the straw can wear out over time, especially if your little one has a habit of chewing. Fortunately, replacement straws are available. If you have a child who chews, the YETI Rambler Jr. straw top is less susceptible to being ruined. Also, while the Thermos does an excellent job preventing leaks with a closed lid, water can leak through the straw with the top open, so if the button is pushed accidentally while in a bag, you could end up with a wet mess and no one has time to deal with that. But, given its quality construction and ease of use with various optional kid-friendly graphics, this bottle is a popular budget-friendly choice.
The Thermos FUNtainer is easy to clean even though there are multiple parts.
The CamelBak Chute Mag is a vacuum-insulated stainless steel water bottle in various fun, bright colors. The twist-on lid is excellent for preventing leaks, and it recently experienced some upgrades with improvements to the threads for leak prevention. This water bottle also showcases an innovative feature that others in the competition do not have. A magnetic lid connects to the bottle, keeping it from flopping in your face while drinking, a practical design choice we appreciate. Kids remarked, “It was nice not to have the lid hitting me in the face or holding it out of the way.”
The lid for the Mag is dishwasher safe, but the bottle should be hand washed, and due to its shape and size, a top-ranked baby bottle brush is the best way to ensure it is thoroughly clean. While handwashing isn't a deal-breaker, and we suggest hand cleaning for all bottles, it can be a bothersome step for some parents who are crunched for time and appreciate a quicker fix. This bottle is one of the more expensive options we tested, making it a poor choice for budget-conscious parents. However, it should last for years, and the cost is more reasonable when considering the potential longevity of use. We were delighted with this water bottle's overall performance regarding this innovative lid design leak prevention. However, if your child is more likely to use a traditional straw, the Thermos FUNtainer could be a budget-friendly option that gets used more frequently.
The CamelBak Chute Mag is a vacuum insulated, stainless steel bottle that is available in a variety of colors.
Available in multiple bright colors and various sizes, the Lifefactory with Active Flip Cap is a glass bottle with a medical-grade silicone sleeve that adds a layer of protection to the bottle and helps prevent breakage from accidental drops. The silicone sleeve provides a gripable surface for young users. Our parent tester said, “My kids had no trouble keeping a grip on the sleeve, so they didn't drop it as often as I thought they would.” Glass containers are inert, so there are no worries about leaching chemicals or imparting flavor to the bottle's contents. It is also super easy to clean with the best bottle brush or dishwasher.
A few complaints about the Lifefactory have been primarily related to lid issues. Over time, the lid struggles to stay closed, and the cap can be easily nudged open in a bag, resulting in leakage. Also, this water bottle is one of the heftiest in the group. Some younger users could find carrying or lugging in a backpack challenging. The Thermos FUNtainer is more lightweight than the Lifefactory, and the steel is also a good alternative to plastic. But, if you are looking for an eco-friendly inert bottle, the glass Lifefactory is a quality option.
The Lifefactory is with Active Flip Cap is a glass option with an easy-to-use lid.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Test Kids' Water Bottles
Finding the perfect kids' water bottle took over 80 hours of research and testing. We used three key metrics in our evaluation during our extensive hands-on testing and side-by-side comparison. Our review team assessed each product for weight, durability, ease of use, cleaning, etc. Besides hands-on testing, we performed side-by-side comparisons to find the best performer. Our kid testers used each bottle over time and weighed in on their favorite options, which just didn't make the kid-friendly cut.
Why Trust GearLab
Leading our roundup is founder, Dr. Juliet Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and a mother of two. This Mom-in-Chief uses her background, education, and experience to guide product selection and develop BabyGearLab's safety and testing standards. Senior Review Editor, Wendy Schmitz plays a significant role in our water bottle review. Wendy is a mother of two and holds a degree in biology with a concentration in chemistry. Her education provides a unique perspective on water bottle materials and potential concerns over plastics and associated endocrine disrupters. Wendy has been involved in our sippy cup and water bottle testing since our first water bottle review in 2014, contributing to the beginning stages of our testing development and review process. Since the beginning, Wendy has researched and reported on numerous cups and water bottles. She regularly researches plastic use in products, particularly those containing food and liquid for human consumption. It is safe to say Wendy's education, background, and Mom time influence product selection for testing with ease of use and eco-health in mind. Also contributing to our review is Senior Review Editor, Molly Bradac. Molly's 15-year career as a professional Nanny brings invaluable perspective. Over the years, she has extensively traveled and managed day-to-day life with the children under her care. Without a doubt, Molly is well-accustomed to the world of water bottles and can easily identify options that will make your life easier and earn a spot in your kitchen. So, whether you need the perfect water bottle for your child's school day or a travel-friendly product that's ready to roll, Molly can help lead the way.
Finding the best bottle for your needs and your kids wants doesn't have to be challenging.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How to Pick the Best Kids' Watter Bottle
Choosing a water bottle for your child largely depends on what bottle they are willing to use. As kids age, their opinions abound, and no matter what bottle you think is cool, having their buy-in can help. Below, we discuss key considerations from a parent's point of view, but don't forget that your kiddo will likely have the final say.
Plastic water bottles are often less expensive and easier to pack.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Choose a Body Material
We prefer materials other than plastics. However, plastic is often lightweight and cheaper, making it potentially a good choice for packing in a backpack or going to camp. But stainless steel is the better option if you want to avoid plastic.
The type of spout you want can vary per kid or according to what kind of activity the bottle will be used for.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Pick a Spout
Active kids using bottles while running should use soft spouts or straws to avoid mouth injuries. Alternatively, if the bottle is used primarily sitting still, a hard spout might be less of a concern.
Insulated bottles can keep water cool for sports activities and hot days.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Choose Insulated or Non-Insulated
Insulated bottles often weigh more than non-insulated bottles. However, if you hope to keep the contents cooler for longer, you will need an insulated option. Kids heading off to all-day camp or outdoor activities will likely enjoy a cold drink of water over a warm one.
The lid of the CamelBak Chute Mag was easy enough for little hands to untwist.
The Klean Kanteen Classic and Polar Bottle Sport Insulated feature pull-up tops; unfortunately, the Klean Kanteen's lid was stiffer and harder to operate, making us question if it was fully open or closed.
Analysis and Test Results
Our analysis began with extensive research of over 60 kids' water bottles, and we narrowed down the selection to the top contenders for our review. They include ease of use, level of difficulty cleaning the product, and eco-health. We have been testing kids' water bottles since 2014 and use our extensive knowledge to choose the best, most kid-liked options.
What's the Best Value?
The Thermos FUNtainer not only ranks high overall, but it is affordable and kid-friendly. This option will likely last years, and it is much easier to clean than some other contenders. However, suppose you're able to stretch your budget slightly more. The YETI Rambler Jr. appears very similar to the Hydro Flask Kids Wide Mouth. It has a few characteristics that make it more user-friendly and has outstanding durability, increasing its chances of being used by multiple children. These features make it well worth the investment. We believe there can be value in a well-made product that lasts for years, as opposed to a product that doesn't last more than a season.
The Contigo AUTOSEAL Trekker is super lightweight but can be challenging for younger users or children with weaker hands.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The water bottle you decide to purchase should be easy to use. While some younger testers preferred bottles in their favorite colors, the products that were easy to drink from eventually won their hearts. Those challenging to operate will likely be wasteful purchases and take up space in your kitchen cupboard. Factors we consider influencing usability include a bottle's weight, durability, and a lid's difficulty level to operate. Also impacting our ranks is insulation. Those that offer this feature scored higher than those that do not.
Our highest-scoring contender in this metric is the YETI Rambler Jr.. What helped it reach a top score is a combination of user-friendly features, such as double-wall vacuum insulation, a more oversized carry handle that makes it easier to hold, and outstanding durability. Typically, a bottle's base is the landing zone for most fall incidences, and the YETI's base feels solid. Although no product is bullet-proof, we think this contender has the greatest chance of enduring falls onto hard surfaces yet still walk away looking fine. In contrast, powder-coated contenders may experience chipped paint or scratches.
The Simple Modern Summit did not score well in our sub-metric durability. While hand washing, we noticed chipped paint on the vessel, which disappointed us since we hadn't used it yet. This issue alone significantly lowered its score.
The Contigo AUTOSEAL Trekker has an all-plastic option that makes it lightweight, but the operating system requires coordination.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our lowest-scoring product is the Contigo AUTOSEAL Trekker due to its material, lack of insulation, and spout system that requires a child to push a button on the lid's back to open and release the liquid to drink. Although this design means no accidents or spills from a top that isn't screwed back on or leaking from a straw, it can pose a challenge for younger kids or those with smaller or weaker hands. The Klean Kanteen Classic also scores low in this metric due to a stiff, hard-to-use lid that made us question if it was open and closed.
The CamelBak Chute Mag is stainless steel and offers insulation.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight
Weight is a factor to consider, and it is often related to a bottle's material and whether or not it offers insulation. We suggest determining how you plan to use your kid's water bottle, and your child's abilities will change how much “weight” you place on the importance of a bottle's total weight. Some questions to ask yourself: Is the water bottle going to school in a backpack already full of heavy books? Or will it mainly serve as a spill-proof solution around the house? Is it primarily for sports practice?
The glass Lifefactory with Active Flip Cap and stainless steel YETI Rambler Jr. are two of the heftiest options in our lineup and more troublesome to carry when full of water, which could potentially increase their chance of getting dropped. Especially by younger or weaker users. But, to justify the weight, the YETI provides insulation, whereas the Lifefactory doesn't, which may be a deal-breaker for those who don't mind the extra weight in exchange for insulation.
If weight matters, but you don't want to compromise on material, the Klean Kanteen is stainless steel and worth considering.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Lightweight contenders tend to have plastic construction, such as the Contigo AUTOSEAL Trekker and Pogo Plastic Water Bottle. We are not big fans of plastic for eco-health reasons, but we realize plastic is lightweight and can come in handy when weight matters. But, if you don't want to compromise on material, the Klean Kanteen Classic is worth considering. This single-wall product is lighter but not insulated, so it won't keep contents cold and it can “sweat.”
The YETI Rambler Jr. is one of the heaviest contenders in our lineup; however, it has outstanding durability and offers insulation.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Important:
We recommend that you take damaged bottles away from children and dispose of them properly as a precaution against lead exposure and other hazards. While we try to choose durable products, regular use can damage all bottles. Parents should inspect all water bottle components for wear and tear, chewed parts, chipped paint, and other signs of damage during each cleaning. Some items, such as straws and mouthpieces, might be replaceable depending on the manufacturer, so you may want to check before recycling them. Some bottles are made with a soder point under a bottom cap that can be exposed if the bottom cap becomes damaged or falls off.
The Takeya Actives isn't difficult to clean as long as you use a bottle brush, but the silicone o-ring is challenging to replace inside the lid.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Cleaning
The level of convenience of cleaning your kid's water bottle is a big deal. If it is time-consuming or requires too many specialized tools, you will not use it as often, or you might feel tempted to skip washing altogether. Therefore, we assessed the overall cleaning task, keeping notes of any hard-to-reach nooks and crannies that cause worry of mold growth and if products are easy to assemble and disassemble.
Each contender requires some effort to clean. Still, the highest-ranking product in this metric is the Lifefactory with Active Flip Cap, as it has a dishwasher-safe glass vessel and lid with minimal nooks and crannies, making inspecting and handwashing easier.
Besides Lifefactory's glass vessel, we recommend handwashing most contenders, such as stainless steel containers with groovy paint or graphics, like the CamelBak eddy+ Stainless, to prevent peeling, plus plastic parts, which we believe minimizes potential plastic degradation and lessens the possibility of chemicals leaching into contents.
Most lids in our review require straw brushes to reach nooks and crannies to thoroughly clean.
A thin straw brush will be needed to clean straws.
We also encourage you to hand wash insulated containers. Their double-walled structure could trap water, making the insulation ineffective and increasing the opportunity for microbial growth.
The design of the Contigo's lid is challenging to clean.
The Pogo has a silicone mouthpiece that is incredibly challenging to replace inside the lid.
Some low-scoring options in this metric include the Contigo AUTOSEAL Trekker and Pogo Plastic Water Bottle. The Contigo's lid has openings that you can't easily access or inspect, and no finger gymnastics will clean it thoroughly. The Pogo has a silicone mouthpiece that is incredibly difficult to replace inside its lid, costing us frustration and time. This issue alone made us want to walk away and leave this product to collect dust in our kitchen cabinet.
Our review includes multiple options that vary in material.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Eco-Health
We believe materials matter, especially as your child will frequently use this product. Therefore, we evaluated each contender's material makeup, paying particular attention to the vessel and mouthpiece.
In general, we are not fans of plastic. Given the potential of this material to leach chemicals into its contents, we consider it less desirable than stainless steel or glass. Also, given a choice, we prefer silicone over plastic, as silicone is generally considered a healthier material option. Therefore, we took all of this into consideration when evaluating our lineup.
The Hydroflask has a stainless steel vessel with a hard plastic straw.
The CamelBak eddy+ Stainless also received a high score given the amount of non-concerning materials.
We gave credit to stainless steel construction and bonus points to those with silicone mouthpieces. Some high-scoring products that meet this profile include the CamelBak eddy+ Stainless and the Thermos FUNtainer. The YETI Rambler Jr., Klean Kanteen Classic, and Hydro Flask Kids Wide Mouth also ranked above average in this metric but didn't score higher due to plastic mouthpieces. We prefer to steer clear of plastic whenever possible.
Unfortunately, Simple Modern did not score as high due to chipped paint. Although we don't think exterior chipped paint will enter the vessel, we worry about kids consuming paint chips from holding the bottle and eating food.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Unfortunately, our lowest-scoring product is the Simple Modern Summit due to exterior paint chips. Although we believe the paint chips will unlikely come into contact with the water bottle's contents, we worry there's a chance that a kid holding the bottle and eating food could potentially consume paint chips. For this reason, we wouldn't recommend giving a product with chipping paint to a child. It is crucial to remove any damaged product from use.
Hydro Flask capped the bottom of their water bottle to cover the solder spot, while Simple Modern painted over the center solder spot.
The lead test on the left (yellow) shows a negative lead result, while the right (red) shows a positive outcome. None of the products in our lineup tested positive for lead.
Lead Concerns
We know that some parents have discovered lead in several stainless steel water bottles after performing tests on the bottles with at-home test kits. You should know that these results do not representall stainless steel bottles, as steel does not contain lead. The problem appears to stem from a small solder spot on the bottom of some bottles that can become exposed due to the destruction of the bottle's parts (loose bottoms, chipping paint). While manufacturers paint or cap the bottles' bottom to prevent this spot from being accessible, children can potentially be exposed to lead if the base is displaced or the paint chips. As a result of these concerns, we tested all contenders in our review for lead. None of the exposed parts of the bottles tested positive for lead, and we did not remove the bottom caps or paint to test underneath.
It is important to help your children learn safe habits while drinking from their water bottles.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Safety Tip:
Since injuries related to leak-proof cups and bottles can occur, here are some best practices according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the ADA:
To avoid potential issues with decay and dentition formation, limit water bottles for outings only
Parents should always provide a real cup when it is convenient
The CamelBak eddy Kids didn't score high overall, but it is a product worth considering if weight and usability is of importance.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
With so many kid's water bottles to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to find the right one for your child or activity type. Finding the best one to meet your needs or goals, especially if you aren't sure what those are, can be frustrating. Luckily, we've done the hard work, sipping our way through the details and completing hands-on testing of impressive competitors to find the best. Our extensive review can streamline your decision-making process so you can return to more important matters, like family time, coordinating activities, or finding the best convertible car seat. Our lineup has kid-approved water bottles that match your needs and lifestyle.
