The best water bottles for kids should be easy for small hands to manipulate and open independently, keep drinks cool for long periods of time, won’t spill in bags or on the go, and easily be cleaned in order to stay in tip-top shape over time. We found that the Yeti Rambler Jr. Bottle fit all of our criteria and is our number one choice.
Best Water Bottles For Kids
The YETI Rambler Jr. Bottle is a very durable 12 oz insulated water bottle but the durability and quality come with a higher price tag, while the MILTON Water Bottle is a 12 0z plastic, non insulated set of water bottles that come with a much smaller cost.
Yeti Rambler Jr. Bottle
The Yeti Jr. Bottle is part of the Rambler family and built to withstand just about anything. Made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, this water bottle is dent and rust-resistant.
Unlike other double-walled insulated water bottles, both the top and bottle are dishwasher safe, a huge plus for us parents! The Yeti Jr. Bottle will keep drinks cold all day, or hot for up to 12 hours. However, the straw lid is not recommended for use with hot drinks.
When the straw is tucked in this water bottle is leak-proof. It can hold 12 ounces of liquid and will fit into most standard-sized cup holders. The large carrying handle makes it convenient for kids to carry around with them, or pop into a backpack while on the go.
If you’re looking for a high-quality option that is built to last, Yeti will be at the top of your list. We love how easy it is to clean, and that it will hold up to the roughest of circumstances. A little higher on the price end, but we know you’ll get more than your money’s worth over the years.
Pros
- Double-walled and insulated, keeping drinks cold all-day
- All parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Leak-proof when the straw is tucked in can be thrown in a bag without worry
Cons
- On the smaller size, only holds 12 ounces of liquid
- Can be used to safely keep liquids hot, but the straw top should not be used
Contigo Autoseal Trekker Kids Water Bottle
The Contigo Autoseal Trekker Kids Water Bottle is a great spill and leak-proof everyday option for kids. It holds up to 14 ounces of cold liquid and is made from 100 percent BPA-free plastic.
The lid has a patented autoseal technology making it leak and spill-proof. Children just need to press a button as they drink to lift the seal. When the button is not pressed the spill-proof valve is in place giving you peace of mind that accidents will not happen. Pushing the button might be a little hard for really small kids, so we recommend starting at 3+ years for this specific water bottle.
The cup is dishwasher safe, and since there are no straws (top is similar to a flat sippy cup) you can be assured that they will be able to be kept nice and clean. The design of the water bottle will make it fit nicely into a child’s hand, and the bottom will fit into most standard cup holders.
We think this is a great option for everyday use and love that you can toss it into a bag or tip it over without worrying about spills or leaks. This particular package comes with two water bottles, and replacement parts can be purchased if needed.
Pros
- Spill and Leak-proof
- Dishwasher Safe for easy cleaning
- 100% BPA Plastic makes this lightweight for carrying around
Cons
- On the smaller size, holds 14 ounces of liquid
- Can only be used for cold liquid
- No insulation capabilities
bubba Flo Kids Water Bottle
The bubba Flo Kids Water Bottle is a great option for busy kids on the go! Holding up to 16 ounces of fluid, this water bottle has an outer silicone sleeve that will keep drinks colder for longer and makes it easy for little hands to grip onto. The silicone sleeve will also add extra protection for drops preventing potential damage from occurring.
The BPA-free Eastman Tritan construction makes this water bottle impact, stain, and odor resistant. It is a lightweight design made to withstand the toughest kids. The leak-proof lid has a cap to prevent accidental spills but is easy enough for kids to open with the push of a button.
Once opened, the “chug lid” design allows kids to hydrate quickly. Once finished they can close the spill-proof top with an easy snap, and use the convenient finger loop to carry their water bottle around. Parents will appreciate the capacity gauge so you can keep an eye on how much your child is drinking. This bubba Flo water bottle will fit into most standard cup holders.
Pros
- Silicone sleeve keeps drinks cooler for longer and makes it easy for kids to get a steady grip
- Dishwasher Safe for easy cleaning
- BPA-free Eastman Tritan construction is stain and odor resistant and lightweight for carrying around
Cons
- Can only be used for cold liquids
- Silicone sleeve needs to be removed every time you wash it
Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle with Straw
The Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle with Straw is a great stainless steel option that will keep kid’s drinks cold for hours inside its double-walled design. Coming in 7 different sizes and tons of different colors, there’s are options for everyone.
The top is a leak-proof straw lid that is dishwasher safe. Kids can easily flip the straw open for drinking, and close it for a leak-proof seal. The straw extends inside the bottle so there is no need to tip the water bottle and risk leaking while drinking.
The water bottle itself is made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel that is FDA-approved and resistant to rust. While the top and straw are dishwasher safe, it is recommended that you hand wash the bottle. The 14, 18, and 22 oz. bottles will fit into most standard cup holders, while the larger sizes do not.
These Simple Modern water bottles are coated in a durable finish meaning they will hold up well to dings, drops, and scratches. These are a great option for kids on the go or sports practices since your beverages will stay cold all day long.
Pros
- Comes in 7 different sizes and a ton of color/pattern options
- Double-wall insulation will keep drinks cold for hours
- Durable finish make these a sturdy option
Cons
- Only the top is dishwasher safe, the bottle must be hand washed
- Stainless steel can be heavier for having to carry around all-day
Milton Kids Reusable Plastic Water Bottle
The Milton Kids Reusable Plastic Water Bottle is a lightweight and durable option for anywhere. The unique contoured shape makes it easy to hold.
This BPA-free plastic bottle holds 25 ounces of water and comes with four colorful bottles in each pack. That’s a steal for this price. The convenient carrying strap and 100% leakproof guarantee make it a great option for when you’re kids are on the go.
If you have multiple children having 4 water bottles makes sharing extra easy. Or keep one for school, one in the car, and one for a sports bag. Because it’s fully dishwasher safe you don’t need to worry about the extra dishes.
Even though it holds a full 25 ounces, this water bottle still fits in standard-sized cup holders, making it a win in our book!
Pros
- Comes with 4 bottles, a super affordable option
- Fully dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning
- Easy to open top and carry strap make them child accessible
Cons
- Bottle sweats if a cold drink is inside
- No insulation capabilities
Takeya Kids Insulated Water Bottle
The Takeya Kids Insulated Water Bottle is the first water bottle on our list designed for hot or cold liquids. The double-wall design will keep drinks hot for up to 12 hours and drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Perfect for any of your on-the-go needs.
Made from BPA-free stainless steel this water bottle has vacuum insulation which will keep the bottle itself cool to the touch and sweat-free despite the contents. The extra powder coating makes it durable and in great shape even with active kids.
Extra features include a large mouth opening convenient for adding ice and cleaning, a grippy silicone band at the top for easy opening even with wet hands, and a removable silicone bumper at the bottom for added durability. The extra-large carrying handle makes this an easy bottle to tote around while on the go.
The Takeya Kids Insulated Water Bottle comes in 14 or 16-ounce options and has an easy-to-use straw lid. It’s recommended that you hand wash both the bottle and the straw lid for the best results. It’s best to have a straw brush on hand to make sure you can fully clean out any residue.
Pros
- Designed to keep liquids hot for up to 12 hours, or cold for up to 24 hours
- Comes in two different size options, 14 or 16 ounces
- Large mouth opening for adding ice and easy cleaning
Cons
- Hand wash only recommended
- Not 100% leak-proof if tipped upside down
CamelBak Eddy Kids Water Bottle
The CamelBak Eddy Kids Water Bottle is a high-quality, lightweight everyday option. This water bottle is leak-proof when closed, and spill-proof when open, both important qualities when it comes to kids and drinks. The top combines the patented Camelbak bite valve with a stem tube and shut-off valve. All kids need to do is flip the straw open, bite down, and drink.
All parts are easily removable for cleaning and are dishwasher safe. There are over 30 fun graphics to choose from, which are sure to make your child smile. The easy carrying handle makes it perfect for small hands to tote around from place to place.
We think that this is a great, simple, everyday option that will serve kids well. Whether at school or on the counter at home, kids can enjoy staying hydrated with this easy-to-use option.
Pros
- Leak-proof when closed, spill-proof when open
- Dishwasher Safe for easy cleaning
- Made from Tritan plastic that is BPA-free, lightweight, and easy to carry around
- Lots of fun graphics to choose from
Cons
- On the smaller size, holds 12 ounces of liquid
- Can only be used for cold liquid
- No insulation capabilities
Snug Flask for Kids
The Snug Flask for Kids is an affordable insulated straw water bottle for kids. Coming in 12 or 17-ounce options you can pick the right size for your child. Both sizes are the same thin design, so they will easily fit into a backpack side pocket or standard-sized cup holder.
With an easy push of a button, the straw is revealed. Even small kids will be able to click their lid closed when done to prevent accidental spills or dirt and germs from getting inside. These water bottles come in 10 different patterns which kids are sure to love.
Unfortunately, these are hand wash only, and we recommend you have a straw brush to make sure you can fully clean between uses. Otherwise, it’s a great lightweight option perfect for a school lunch box.
Pros
- Well insulated for both hot and cold liquids
- Comes in two different sizes and multiple pattern options, both sizes fit a standard size cup holder
- Easy for kids to open and close
Cons
- No carrying handle
- Hand wash only
Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle
The Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle is a super solid versatile choice when it comes to water bottles. Not designed specifically for kids, but it comes in sizes as small as 14 ounces which is just about right.
One of the biggest features of these water bottles is that each one comes with three different lids. You can choose from a screw-top stainless steel lid, a carabiner straw lid, or a flip lid. Each situation calls for something different, so it’s nice to have available options.
While the 14-ounce size might be just right for smaller kids, you also have five other options, up to a 64-ounce size. A benefit to the different tops is that this water bottle can support hot or cold beverages. You don’t want to use a straw top with a hot beverage, but switch out the top and you’re good to go.
The double-wall insulation not only prevents sweat from happening, but it means your drinks will stay hot for 12 hours or cold for up to 24 hours. The wide mouth is perfect for adding ice to a cold drink.
Made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, this water bottle will not rust or retain any odors or tastes. However, you will need to hand-wash all parts for the best results. We think this is a great option, and the three lids are a selling feature for sure.
Pros
- Each bottle comes with three different lids, a straw top, flip lid, or screw-top.
- Comes in six different sizes, 14 ounces all the way to 64 ounces
- Keeps drinks hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 hours
Cons
- Hand-wash only
ZORRI Sports Water Bottle
The ZORRI Sports Water Bottle is a shatter-resistant Tritan plastic option that is great for kids. The leak-proof design has a lockable pop open top with a fast-flowing drinking spout for easy and quick hydration. With one click the top will flip open making drinking with one had easy to do.
An added feature is the removable filter that can be placed at the top. Whether adding ice or infusing your water with fruit, the filter will prevent bigger pieces from coming into the drinking spout. This water bottle conveniently comes in 4 different sizes and various color options.
Made from BPA-free Tritan plastic, it is dishwasher safe and will not retain stains or odors. The ZORRI sports water bottle can hold hot or cold liquids. It has a removable silicone sleeve for a comfortable anti-slip feel in your hands. The attached carrying lanyard makes this a great choice for sports games.
Pros
- Leak-proof design with lockable top
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning also comes with an included foam bottle brush
- Removable filter to prevent ice or fruit from coming into the spout
- 4 different sizes and multiple color options available
Cons
- No insulation capabilities
Thermos Straw Water Bottle
The Thermos Kids Straw Water Bottle is the perfect lunch box companion. The thermos vacuum insulation technology will help keep liquids cold for up to 12 hours.
With the easy push of a button, a straw is revealed. The lid is easy for kids to click closed when they are finished, keeping their straw clean and hygienic, and preventing any accidental spills from happening. An integrated carrying loop can be popped up for easy transport. This water bottle is small enough to fit into standard-sized cup holders.
Even though this is stainless steel, it is a lightweight option even when filled. It comes in a variety of solid colors as well as popular characters which your kids are definitely going to love. We would recommend this as an easy lunchbox addition or everyday casual water bottle.
Pros
- Dishwasher Safe for easy cleaning
- Replacement straws available for separate purchase
Cons
- On the smaller size, holding 12 ounces
- Only for use with cold liquids
Polar Sports Insulated Bottle
The Polar Sports Insulated Bottle is a great choice for athletes or kids on the go. They are the original, 100% BPA-free sports insulated water bottle.
The soft plastic makes squeezing a drink a breeze. Just pull the cap for a nice drink, and then press it back into place for leak-proof protection. Three layers of insulation will keep drinks cold twice as long, so you can toss it into a sports bag and know it will be ready during practice.
This water bottle is easy to take apart and is totally dishwasher safe. We love how easy it is to clean, even the kids can do it! The dash handle makes this easy to grab and transport between activities. The Polar Sports Insulated Bottles are designed to last but come with a lifetime guarantee as a perfect backup.
Pros
- Easy to disassemble and fully dishwasher safe
- Three layers of insulation to keep drinks cooler twice as long
- Leak-proof seal
Cons
- Insulated, but doesn’t keep drinks as cold as a metal water bottle
Purifyou Glass Water Bottle
The Purifyou Glass Water Bottle is a 100% recyclable option for families looking for something more stylish and unique. This glass is entirely BPA, Phthalate, PVC, lead, and cadmium-free, giving you peace of mind that your child will be totally safe.
A food-grade silicone sleeve is included for drop protection. While it’s not a guarantee that glass won’t break, it does provide high impact resistance against drops. The silicone sleeve will also provide some insulation to keep drinks warm or cold. It is not removable, so you do not need to worry about fitting it snuggly back onto the bottle.
This glass water bottle comes in 3 different styles and a number of fun colors. The top is a screw top, and the opening is big enough for ice, but not too wide for kids to drink from. It’s a leakproof option, so you don’t have to worry about spills happening in your bag.
This is the only water bottle on our list that is not only dishwasher safe, but microwave safe as well. However, make sure not to place the cap into the microwave. The cap has a stainless steel interior so that water doesn’t touch the outer plastic.
Not only is this a stylish and unique water bottle, but the company is committed to helping save the world. A portion of each sale will go towards building water wells for impoverished communities in Africa.
Pros
- 100% recyclable glass with no chemicals
- Food grade silicone sleeve for drop protection, easy handling, and some insulation
- Dishwasher and Microwave safe
- A portion of all sales goes towards building water wells in Africa
Cons
- Silicone is not designed to be removed, even for cleaning
ZULU Torque Plastic Water Bottle
This ZULU Torque Plastic Water Bottle is a 16 ounce plastic water bottle perfect for little athletes.
It is made from durable Eastman Tritan plastic which is BPA-free and completely safe for use by kids. A silicone sleeve protects the bottles from slips and drops and adds an extra layer for easy grip-ability, especially if the kid’s hands are sweaty from play. The lid opens with the press of one button, making it easy for a drink on the go. Kids can then click it closed just as easy to protect the straw and prevent spills.
All parts of this bottle are dishwasher safe, and you don’t need to worry about removing the silicone sleeve when washing. When the lid is closed the bottle is leakproof, making it a good option for tossing into a sports bag without worry. When opened you drink from a straw, so spills are unlikely. The easy carrying strap on the back will make this quick and easy to grab as you’re running out the door.
Pros
- Fully dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- The silicone sleeve helps prevent damage and makes it easy to grip when hands are sweaty
Cons
- No insulation capabilities
- Only designed for holding cold liquids
50 Strong BPA-Free Kids Water Bottle
This 50 Strong BPA-Free Kids Water Bottle is perfect for kids who need reminders to drink their water. The side of the water bottle has colorful timed reminders for suggested water intake throughout the day. Once they get to the bottom there is a convenient refill reminder. Typical water intake would equal two of these bottles a day, each bottle holds 24 ounces of water.
The slim design of these water bottles allows them to easily fit into a backpack pouch or a standard-sized cup holder. The top screws off for a large opening allowing you to fit in ice or fruit for special flavored water. The top is a flip-top, that has a built-in ice guard. The chug-style top allows a nice intake of water, without the worry of ice or fruit flowing through the spout.
No need to worry about spills happening in a school bag since this water bottle is leak-proof. A convenient two-finger soft carrying strap is included, freeing up the rest of your hand for other things. Sadly, this water bottle is hand-wash only, but we still think it’s a great option for busy kids.
Pros
- Slim design fits in standard size cup holders and side pockets of backpacks
- Exclusive ice guard chug cap to prevent ice or fruit from coming into the spout while drinking
- Hourly time markings on the side to encourage kids to meet drinking goals and stay hydrated
Cons
- Hand-washing recommended for best results
- Smaller children may find the snap top difficult to open
Zak Designs Kids Water Bottle Set
TheseZak Designs Kids Water Bottles are a fun plastic set if your kids love Star Wars. Each water bottle comes with a different Star Wars inspired piece of artwork.
Each water bottle holds 16 ounces of liquid and is made from BPA-free plastic. The screw-top lid is leak-proof when in place, and a comfortable silicone straw is released with a push of a button. When not in use the straw can be pushed down to keep it clean and keep inadvertent spills to a minimum.
These water bottles are fully dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean. If your child is more of a Frozen fan, Zak Designs has that set too! These come in a ton of different kid-friendly designs if you’re looking for something specific. All designs come with built-in carrying handles, so they are great for little kids to tote around.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Comfortable silicone straw that can be released with a push of a button, or folded down to keep clean and prevent spills
- Holds 16 ounces of cold fluid
- Comes in a ton of fun character friendly designs
Cons
- Can only be used with cold liquids
Water Bottles for Kids Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Thermos Straw Water Bottle | 8.8 | 9.6 | 30.00 |
| Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle | 9.9 | 9.6 | 26.95 |
| Yeti Rambler Jr. Bottle | 9.9 | 9.8 | 25.00 |
| Takeya Kids Insulated Water Bottle | 9.3 | 9.4 | 21.38 |
| Snug Flask for Kids | 9.8 | 9.4 | 19.99 |
| Purifyou Glass Water Bottle | 9.8 | 8.8 | 19.97 |
| 50 Strong BPA-Free Kids Water Bottle | 9.5 | - | 16.99 |
| Milton Kids Reusable Plastic Water Bottle | 8.9 | 9.0 | 16.99 |
| Contigo Autoseal Trekker Kids Water Bottle | 9.9 | 9.2 | 15.13 |
| Polar Sports Insulated Bottle | 9.9 | 9.2 | 14.00 |
| Zak Designs Kids Water Bottle Set | 9.9 | 9.6 | 12.53 |
| ZULU Torque Plastic Water Bottle | 9.8 | 9.2 | 10.99 |
| ZORRI Sports Water Bottle | 9.7 | 9.0 | 10.99 |
| CamelBak Eddy Kids Water Bottle | 9.9 | 9.2 | 10.50 |
| bubba Flo Kids Water Bottle | 9.9 | 9.4 | 9.99 |
| Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle with Straw | 3.9 | 9.6 | - |
Buying Criteria
Leak-Proof and/or Spill-Proof
When searching for the best water bottles for kids, one of the top features we wanted to find were options that were leak and/or spill-proof, because let’s be honest, kids are messy. Whether running around the house, jumping up on the furniture, or grabbing a drink on the go in the car, keeping spills to a minimum is important.
The added benefit of a leak-proof water bottle is that you can toss it into a backpack or purse and not worry about potential damage. Obviously, when water bottles are open it’s harder to guarantee no spills, but we gathered options that would give the best predictability for kids and parents alike.
Ease of Use
Keeping younger kids in mind, we wanted to find water bottles that were functional and easy to use. Straws that easily flip out and tops that open with just the push of one button found their way to the top of our list. If you only have a few minutes on the sidelines of a sports game you don’t want the hassle of unscrewing a bottle top when you could instead flip one open, take a gulp, and toss it back with your belongings.
Ease of Cleaning
As parents, the last thing we want is more dishes to clean. Water bottles that have small intricate parts will quickly find themselves shoved in the back of the cabinets. So instead, we looked for options that were either dishwasher safe or had wide openings to make cleaning a breeze. Now the trick is teaching our kids how to do their own dishes!
FAQs – Water Bottles For Kids
How can you properly clean kid’s water bottles?
Take apart every part of the water bottle that you are able to and then follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for washing. Some water bottles are top-rack dishwasher safe, others need to be hand-washed.
If you have a water bottle with a straw, we recommend a straw brush as well to make sure you are able to get into small crevices. After washing with warm water and soap or the dishwasher, the key is to let each piece fully dry before reassembling to avoid allowing mold to grow.
What is the safest material for a water bottle?
The most common materials you’ll find water bottles made out of are plastic, glass, or stainless steel.
When choosing a water bottle, it’s important to look for BPA-free or food-grade materials for the utmost safety.
No one material is safer than the other if they meet those criteria, but we would recommend staying away from glass water bottles for very little kids.
How long should a water bottle last?
With proper care, a water bottle should be able to last for years.
Stainless steel options might be the sturdiest option if you’re expecting them to really take a beating.
In the long run, taking care of a reusable water bottle that will last several years will make a financial impact over purchasing disposable single-use bottles, and will make an even bigger lasting impact on our environment.
At what age should kids start using water bottles?
This answer will vary from kid to kid, but typically they should be able to independently use a water bottle around age 3.
Most water bottles do not have small parts, but if they are tipped upside down they may leak, or they may involve buttons and latches that are tricky for younger kids to navigate on their own.
If a child can drink out of a straw, starting younger might make sense. But we anticipate that by age 3 a child can independently most of the water bottles on this list.
