How to Pick a Kids Water Bottle

If you're like me, you've been through a lot of water bottle options for your small kids. With three kids under five years old, we are officially in the stage of getting out and about! Whether the park, library, sports or a friend's house - having a freshly filled kid-friendly water bottle is a must. (And BONUS...my water cup won't constantly be empty because they have their own!)

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If you're in a hurry, I'll tell you my favorite right now - the Ello Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle for Kids (paid link). These water bottles meet all of the criteria below and are so cute! They are well-made and sold at a great affordable price point.

So let's get down to it. Here's what I look for in a water bottle for my kids.

1. Stainless steel

I prefer to avoid plastic (and the dreaded toxic components in conjunction with things we are using for eating or drinking) as much as possible. Stainless steel is one of the most accessible, non-toxic options I can find besides glass (which, hello, not very practical for on-the-go). Often times these are also insulated, so keeping your water cold on those hot summer days won't be a problem.

2. Kid-friendly use

I always ask - will my kids be able to use this by themselves? In our family, our two older kiddos (4 and 2 yrs) sit in the third row of our vehicle. There are many moments when they just have to wait patiently until we can stop for help with a toy, snack or shoe that's fallen off. BUT, when they can operate things on their own, like a water bottle, it makes life that much easier and car rides that much more peaceful.

3. Easy to clean

High up on my list of annoying things are the teeny tiny, awkwardly shaped parts of some water bottles that are truly so difficult to clean! The last thing I want is mold building up in my kids' water bottles because I can't properly clean them (or don't have the time...ahem). So I look for water bottles with simple parts, that come apart to clean, and that don't have tons of hidden crevices, nooks and crannies that require special tools to clean.

4. Spill-proof / Spill-resistant

I'm still in the age of little littles. So I love when I can find a water bottle or cup for my kids that is spill-proof, or at the very least, spill resistant. Not only do I know that I won't have little water puddles to clean up everywhere, but that their water bottles will be full when they are actually thirsty! So I look for brands that offer lids, locks or some type of spill-proof element.

5. A loop or handle to hold (!!!)

Seems like this one might not be that important, but come on mamas, how many times are you holding about 10 other things in your hands and arms, plus carrying a baby, plus holding the hand of another child and you just have ONE FINGER free. Well guess what, if you're water bottles have a loop / handle, you're in luck! Put that one finger to work and you can also carry the water bottles around the park (or wherever you are) with ease.

6. Adorable and easy to spot

Let's face it, we all love a cute pattern or fun colors! After all the other criteria on the list, I'm still keeping an eye out for a water bottle that I find (and my kids find) aesthetically pleasing. Even better if my kids and I can recognize the bright colors or pattern! How many times have you left your water bottles on the other side of the park or playground or sidelines of their sports. Easy to spot, less likely to lose. That's a win.

With all that said, my go-to right now is the Ello Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle for Kids (paid link). Maybe it will be right for you too!

I pray that in some small way, I helped you and your home, today. Let's go have a good day!

Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.