Table of Contents

7 Best Toddler Water Bottles – Safe & Convenient (2024 Reviews)

Kingsley and Aurora playing
By
Updated on

So your little one has graduated from bottles and is ready for something new! And since summer is upon us, a go-to water bottle to provide your kiddo with on-demand hydration is a must. But with so many designs and styles on this over-saturated water bottle market, where do you begin your search?

You likely have questions about the size and weight of a water bottle and its maneuverability in the hands of a toddler or preschooler. Is it easy to use? You’ll probably be equally concerned with the construction and durability of the bottle: will it withstand toddlerhood, the great outdoors, and being tossed around in a backpack or the playground? What about its manufacturing – what is it made of? Is it safe? Is it easy to clean? What about convenience factors: will it fit in a lunchbox or cupholder? Does it have the means to be attached to a bag or stroller?

Lucky for you, we’ve waded through all the options, and filtered out all but the best, highlighting all the pros and cons of each, with a “glass-half-full” approach, producing this list of our 7 top water bottles for your kiddo.

Best Water Bottles for Your Toddler

  • 1. Tommee Tippee Insulated Sportee Toddler Water Bottle with Handle

    (Best budget buy — $)

    Why it’s great: This Tommee Tippee Sportee set comes with two 9-ounce polypropylene and TPE plastic water bottles with silicone spouts that are BPA-free, BPS-free, and phthalate-free. The bottles are double-wall insulated, making them sweat-proof. The lid features a top handle for easy grabbing or clipping onto your go-bag.

    This bottle is designed for developing tipping and sipping skills, equipped with a non-spill valve to stop leaks before they begin. These bottles do not leak, even when held or shaken upside down, and are durable enough to withstand being thrown. The bottle is chunky and lightweight, molded to fit tiny toddler hands easily, while the mouthpiece is durable and bite-resistant while also being soft and gentle enough for your little one’s sensitive gums.

    The Tommee Tippee Sportee fits most stroller and vehicle cup holders for added convenience, and disassembles into 3 pieces that are easy to clean, and are dishwasher, microwave, and sterilizer safe.

    A great budget buy, this comes as a two-pack and you have your choice of 4 color combinations.

    Keep in mind: This is plastic, and there is no cap for the actual mouthpiece to keep it clean.

    Good for: Those on a budget – you get two for the price of one!

    Tommee Tippee Insulated Sportee Toddler Water Bottle with Handle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Elk and Friends Glass Kids & Toddler Cups

    (Best overall value & most eco-friendly — $$$)

    Why it’s great: These are great for the glass-loving parent. Though the most expensive on our list, look at all you get for your money: This set comes with 4 8-ounce glass mason jars that come with colorful protective silicone sleeves. The sleeves feature cute Elk & Friends designs and raised grips to prevent slippage in your toddler’s hands. The set also includes 4 lids: 2 each of the straw lids with spout and leak-proof, airtight lids, as well as 4 straws and a straw cleaning brush.

    Bonus: The lids also fit this brand’s 10-ounce stainless steel drinking cups, and the sleeves can be used on other regular-sized 8 ounce jars like your Ball or Kerr jars.

    Even better: the straw lids can also be used without the straw, as a sipping spout, for littles learning how to drink from a regular cup! These folks have thought of everything: the straws have stoppers so your toddler can’t pull the straw out, and the straws are thick enough to be used for thicker drinks like smoothies and purees.

    The straws are made from FDA food-grade silicone which is soft and even chewable, and everything is BPA, phthalate, and PVC-free. All components are dishwasher and freezer safe, and everything but the lids are microwave safe. These come with a clean design, no paint anywhere on the product, making it safer for your little one and the environment. The jars also feature measurement markings which are, again, not painted on.

    You can use them for beverages and snacks for your little, at home, or on the go! Also available in 10, 12 and 16-ounce sizes, Elk and Friends products are safe, sustainable, and fun.

    Keep in mind: The lids are not interchangeable with any other Ball or Kerr or other mainstream mason jars, and again, they are glass.

    Good for: Those looking for an alternative to plastic and stainless steel, or those who simply prefer glass. Also great for those looking for a product with extended life, as these will last far longer than your toddler’s sippy-cup years, proving useful in other ways such as snack and food storage, and much more!

    Elk and Friends Glass Kids & Toddler Cups

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. CamelBak Eddy+ Kids Water Bottle

    (Best durable on a budget — $$)

    Why it’s great:
    The Camelbak 12-ounce stainless steel water bottle is a winner with its flip-top bite valve straw-like mouthpiece and durability built for the outdoors. The stainless steel resists sweating with its vacuum insulation and keeps cold all day long.

    This bottle features a convenient carry handle that can be clipped to a backpack or stroller, or whatever suits you, and it fits most cup holders. The silicone bite valve can be easily replaced as needed and is spill-proof when open, leak-proof when closed. For ease of cleaning, all components are dishwasher safe.

    This water bottle features a super fund design depicting foxes camping in the wilderness, but it can also be found in a few other fun designs.

    Camelbak is a trusted name among outdoor brands and has a Got Your Bak lifetime guarantee, so you can’t really go wrong here.

    Keep in mind: Given that this bottle has a bite-valve, it may take a bit of learning for your little one to figure out, but in our experience, kids usually catch on pretty quickly! Also, you must touch the bite valve with your fingers to flip it open, exposing it to grubby germs.

    Good for: Durability without the extra cost!

    CamelBak Eddy+ Kids Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Simple Modern Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw

    (Best options to choose from / best for hot and cold drinks— $$)

    Why it’s great: This 10-ounce stainless steel double-walled insulated Summit water bottle is leak-proof when closed. This brand boasts “a lid for every kid” – these bottles are compatible with multiple lids, including the straw lid which snaps up for easy hydration and folds down to prevent spills, and the sippy lid, for little ones learning to use big kid bottles.

    The nozzle flips open for easy drinking, with no tilting needed as the interior straw extends inside the bottle. You can also purchase replacement straws from the company’s website. It also comes in varying sizes, which fit in most standard-sized cup holders. These bottles keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 8 hours. With 30-plus fun designs to choose from, all with a durable finish coating to protect from wear, tear, and damage, your kiddo will surely be excited to stay hydrated with these water bottles.

    Keep in mind: These water bottles state “hand wash only.”

    Good for: Those who like options! These bottles keep drinks both hot AND cold, come in 4 sizes, and the 10 ounce has 30 designs to choose from! This brand also offers different lid types. Amazing!

    Simple Modern Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Ello Emma Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Kids Water Bottle

    (Best antimicrobial water bottle — $)

    Why it’s great: This stainless steel water bottle has a 14-ounce capacity and features a vacuum insulated stainless steel vessel that keeps drinks cold for 14 hours. But our favorite feature is that nifty, BPA-free lid that ensures the drinking surface stays completely covered when closed. Not only that, but it is also leak-proof, opens with one touch, and locks closed. It also has a soft silicone, yuck-free straw, and soft drinking spout, and boasts guardian antimicrobial technology that inhibits bacterial growth on the drinking surface.

    It fits in most standard cup holders, lunch boxes and backpacks, and has a carry loop attached. This ingenious product offers 4 fun colors to choose from.

    Keep in mind: Vessel is hand wash only, lid is dishwasher safe, and bottle is for cold beverages only.

    Good for: Those who don’t want the mouthpiece exposed when not in use.

    Ello Emma Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Kids Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • Asher And LyricOn An Important Side Note… Asher and I (pictured) feel it’s necessary to highlight the value of life insurance for parents with young kids. After extensive research, we discovered that parents can get insured for as little as $10 per month. We use Ladder Life who offers coverage up to $3M per parent (without a medical exam, just a few health questions) and you can apply 100% online.

    Get a quote in less than 30 seconds at LadderLife.com ➜

  • 6. Skip Hop Toddler Sippy Cup with Straw

    (Best stainless steel option with straw — $$)

    Why it’s great: This fun Skip Hop toddler sippy cup has a 12-ounce capacity stainless steel vessel and a no-slip silicone sleeve to protect little hands from cold surfaces. It features a handy strap for easy grabbing or attaching to diaper bags, backpacks, purse, and strollers. This fun water bottle has a pop-up lid that allows its flexible straw to stay clean, which is a huge bonus! An extra straw is also included. All components are BPA-free, PVC-free, Phthalate-free, and dishwasher safe.

    This water bottle has 6 Signature Skip Hop Zoo characters to choose from.

    Keep in mind: There are no replacement straws available for purchase, although purchase includes one spare straw.

    Good for: Another great option with a drinking surface protected from germs and dirt.

    Skip Hop Toddler Sippy Cup with Straw

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. YETI Rambler Jr. 12 oz Kids Bottle

    (Best overall quality & durability — $$$)

    Why it’s great:
    This YETI Ramble is a self-proclaimed over-engineered water bottle for your little wild one. Holding 12 ounces of liquid, this stainless steel bottle withstands all dents and drops and features double-wall vacuum insulation to keep drinks hot or cold all day long, and a no-sweat design to keep hands dry. Its BPA-free, Duracoat color won’t chip, crack or peel, and the straw cap is ultra leak and shatter-resistant. This bottle comes with two straws, and replacement straws are also available from the manufacturer’s website. This bottle fits in most standard-sized cup holders, and ALL components are dishwasher safe for maximum ease of care.

    The YETI Rambler comes in 7 colors.

    Keep in mind: When filled, these can be on the heavier side, so be wary of dropping it (or little one throwing it!).

    Good for: Those who need a high-quality bottle that can withstand little wildlings and the great outdoors.

    YETI Rambler Jr. 12 oz Kids Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Best Overall

Tommee Tippee Insulated Sportee Toddler Water Bottle with Handle

The Tommee Tippee Insulated Sportee Toddler Water Bottle with Handle is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

Tommee Tippee Insulated Sportee Toddler Water Bottle with Handle

View on Amazon.com ➜

FAQs about Toddler Water Bottles

  • 1. When can I begin to use a water bottle for my toddler?

    You can begin to use a water bottle generally whenever your little one shows an interest in learning. However, be mindful of minimum age recommendations on individual products and always keep small parts out of baby’s hands and mouth.

  • 2. Should I find a toddler water bottle with a straw, bite valve, or sippy spout?

    This is really a personal choice, and of course, there are pros and cons to each. As such, you may find that trying different ones will present you with the answer to your question, by seeing how your toddler responds to each one, and how easy they find each to use.

  • 3. How do I choose between plastic, stainless steel, and glass?

    This really depends on your own personal preferences and values, how you plan to utilize the water bottle, and perhaps your budget. If you just need one for at-home use, any of the above options may be just fine. However, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, or if you suspect the water bottle may take a beating, glass may not be your best bet, but stainless steel may just be it. Also, you may need to consider whether you will be using the bottle for hot liquids or just cold.

Conclusion

So there you have it. A water bottle to fit all your needs, whatever they may be. May your cup runneth over!