A solid reusable water bottle is essential for everyone in the family—kids included.
Stainless steel water bottles have gained popularity as parents look to avoid the chemicals found in plastic bottles. Plus, insulated stainless steel bottles keep drinking water much cooler for hours on end. As some parents have embraced stainless steel water bottles, there are many plastic bottles that are also safe and sometimes more economical than metal. Make sure to check for plastics that are BPA (Bisphenol A) free, as BPA has been associated with some health risks.
These “kid-proof” water bottles are safe, leak- and spill-proof and will keep drinks cool for your next travel destination.
1. Klean Kanteen Kid Kanteen
The Klean Kanteen offers a Kid Kanteen version of their popular stainless steel water bottle with double-walled insulation that keeps juice or water cold and hot chocolate hot. The bottle comes with a leak proof cap (with loop), and is also compatible with their sport cap (not leak proof) and sippy lid (leak resistant) available separately. Klean Kanteen’s Kid Kanteen comes in multiple colors.
2. Nalgene’s On-The-Fly (OTF)
Nalgene’s On-The-Fly (OTF) 12-ounce water bottle for kids is a scaled down version of the classic bottle for adults. It features a one-handed opening, leak-proof design, and is odor resistant. The 12-ounce size is suited to smaller hands. The loop at the top serves as a handle or attaches to a clip. Made from 100 percent BPA-free plastic, Nalgene is available in multiple colors and designs including Marvel superheroes.
3. Contigo AUTOSEAL Trekker Kids
The Contigo AUTOSEAL Trekker was designed for little ones who have outgrown their sippy cups, but not necessarily their spills. The 14-ounce bottles come in a two-pack, making it a very affordable option. The plastic bottle is 100-percent BPA-free, and the one-touch AUTOSEAL lid completely closes between sips to prevent leaks and spills.
4. CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle
The CamelBak’s Chute Mag stainless steel water bottle features an innovative magnetic cap that keeps the top out of the way while drinking. The double-walled vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for multiple hours. It’s available in multiple sizes up to 40 ounces and 10 different colors or designs.
5. Zulu Athletic
Zulu Athletic wraps a silicon sleeve around its Torque Tritan kids water bottle. The clear Tritan plastic is BPA-free and has a futuristic, high-tech shape. The leak-proof lid has a one-button design to open, and includes a silicon, anti-microbial straw. Available in four different color combinations.
6. Thermos Funtainer
Thermos has provided lunchbox gear for generations, and the 12-ounce Funtainer series features an insulated stainless steel design, push button lid with pop-up straw, and an integrated carry handle. It’s available in several different colors, as well as a variety of kid-friendly designs and characters including unicorn, llama, superheroes, Disney, Star Wars, and more. This bottle is not recommended for hot liquids.
7. CamelBak eddy Kids
The CamelBak eddy Kid’s water bottle is made from BPA-free polypropylene, and is a little less expensive than their stainless steel Chute Mag. The big bite valve cap is made from medical grade silicone, and is a great option for kids graduating from sippy cups. Available in nearly 30 different kid-friendly designs including cats, dinosaurs, sharks, and unicorns, there’s bound to be one to fit your child’s hydration style.
8. Hydroflask
The Hydroflask features a double-walled insulated stainless steel bottle that keeps ice water cool from morning to afternoon. The 12-ounce wide mouth Hydroflask is sized for kids’ smaller hands with a slip-free grip in order to prevent drops and spills. Parents can choose from the easy sip straw lid or a flip lid for big gulps. Both versions are easy to clean and offer a lifetime warranty.
9. Simple Modern Summit Water Bottle
The Simple Modern Summit Water Bottle has a wide range of sizes (up to 84 ounces). The 14-ounce bottle works well for kid-sized hands and is not overly bulky or heavy in a school backpack. The double-walled, vacuum insulated design will keep iced drinks cold for 14 hours, and the leak proof chug-style lid prevents spills. Plenty of colors are available including sweet taffy pink to the blue ombre design. A straw lid is also available as an accessory with a flip nozzle for easy drinking.
10. Snug Flask
Snug has a collection of 12-ounce flasks that come in multiple fun themes including cute cats, robots, sea creatures, space exploration, and unicorns. The stainless steel design keeps drinks cold for hours without condensation. The kids’ flask features a push button lid that reveals a drinking straw inside.
Dave Parfitt lives in Rochester, New York, with his wife and two daughters. A runner with a PhD in neuroscience, he lived in numerous Northeastern and Midwestern U.S. cities before taking a college job in the Finger Lakes. He’s traveled worldwide, but a Walt Disney World trip with two budding princesses is the trip that elicited the family travel wanderlust. He shares his vacation tips and tricks on AdventuresbyDaddy.com.
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