The Best Kids’ Water Bottles

Our editors' picks for water bottles that are durable, leakproof, eco-friendly and easy to clean.

July 15, 2022

By: Sara Levine

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Photo By: Daren Minetti (Klean Kanteen)

Perfect for Back to School

We’ve been searching for years for the perfect kids’ water bottle that doesn’t have to be tossed after a few months of daily use. It’s gotta be durable, but not too heavy. Leakproof and easy for little ones to drink from, but with a spout that’s not easy to chew and destroy. Not too many parts to clean. Resistant to mold. Ideally, it’s also eco-friendly and keeps water cold all day. And last but not least, not too pricey, because as with anything sent to school with your child, there’s always the possibility that it gets left behind in the cafeteria or on the bus (labels help a lot, though!). Here are the bottles that make the grade for our editors and their discerning littles. Click through to upgrade for back to school.

Simple Modern Summit

Simple Modern’s stainless steel kids’ bottles come in fun designs and in two sizes (10oz and 14oz) that are perfect for preschoolers and elementary school kids, respectively. With a durable coating that keeps your kid’s beloved truck or mermaid design intact through dishwasher cycles and a leakproof lid and spout, this is a favorite pick of both kids and parents.

BUY IT: Amazon, 14oz, $17.99

Klean Kanteen Kid Kanteen

We love these lightweight single-wall stainless bottles, especially now that they come in a new narrow model that’s perfect for both little hands and cup holders. The kid-friendly designs — including strawberries, tigers and planets — couldn’t be cuter, and they’re compatible with a sippy cap (best for kids under 4) and a sport cap, both leakproof.

BUY IT: Klean Kanteen, 12oz, $19.95

Camelbak Eddy Kids

The classic Camelbak Eddy comes in kids’ sizes in both plastic and stainless steel. We love the single-wall, vacuum sealed stainless steel options for a lightweight bottle that still keeps water cold. We wish the spout was a bit more chew-resistant, but it’s easy to drink from, spill-proof when the spout is flipped open, and leakproof when closed.

BUY IT: Amazon, 12oz, $24.95

For Big Kids: Hydro Flask 20oz Kids Wide Mouth

When you find that you need to constantly refill your little one’s kid-size water bottle because they’re hydrating like an adult, this one is an awesome upgrade that’s worth the price. You’ll want to borrow it because it’s narrow enough to fit in most cup holders, even with its grippy "boot" attached, keeps 20oz of water cold for 24 hours, and comes in fun, bright big-kid-friendly colors. The flip-up spout lid is leakproof and durable, and just one piece (plus a straw) to clean.

BUY IT: Hydro Flask, 20oz, $37.95

For Little Kids: Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Thinkster Bottle

This is a great first water bottle for toddlers that can grow with them. The handle attachment makes it easy for little hands to hold and sip, while the lightweight stainless steel keeps water cold. The straw is super easy to drink from as kids graduate from sippy cups, but you may find yourself ordering replacement straw attachments if your kid is a chewer.

BUY IT: Target, 9oz, $13.89

Thermos Funtainer

The classic Thermos brand delivers with the insulated Funtainer bottle, which is super durable thanks to a rubber-covered base and lid that opens with a click of a button and closes just as easily. The silicone straw isn’t biteproof, but is removable for easy cleaning and replaceable when needed. Choose from fun colors or your kids’ favorite characters.

BUY IT: Amazon, 12oz, $16.99

Yeti Rambler Jr.

This kid-size Yeti is one of the pricier picks on our list, but this bottle will stand up to the most rough-and-tumble adventures your kid puts it through without dings or leaks. For a super-special touch, you can even personalize it with their name, monogram or favorite design. Plus, both the bottle and straw lid are completely dishwasher safe.

BUY IT:YETI, 12oz, $25.00

OXO Water Bottle Drying Rack

Okay, this isn’t a water bottle, but it’s a game changer if you’re washing multiple bottles daily to have them ready to tuck into backpacks in the morning. This sleek little drying rack holds 4 bottles, lids and straws while taking up barely any space at all on your counter. Drying water bottles properly is key to avoiding dreaded mold buildup, and this does that work for you.

BUY IT: Target, $21.95

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