Kids' water bottles are one of those super-important items that you don't really think about needing until you find yourself without one. Honestly, that's why I have a few on hand. Because hydration is so important, and because kids are so active and rarely stop to think about a drink of water, it's vital to the health of your child to keep water bottles on hand so that hydration is an easy afterthought as opposed to a constant battle. There are a few must-haves, though, as not every water bottle is created equal. A key point to consider, for example, is that the bottle should have zero toxic chemicals so that nothing harmful leaches into the water your little one is drinking. Having an insulated water bottle, while not necessary, is certainly a bonus for keeping liquids cold and refreshing. And some other perks to keep in mind are handy little holders on the lid, fun designs on the outer bottle, or slim canisters that fit perfectly into cupholders for safekeeping while traveling. Below you'll find a list of our team's favorites. CamelBak Eddy Kids BPA-Free Water Bottle Fun Graphics, Brilliant DesignCamelBaks are synonymous with hydration, and for kids' water bottles, it's no different. We adore the child-tested design of this fun water bottle. Best OverallFind on Amazon When it comes to kids’ water bottles, there are a few that rise above the rest. This one is a favorite among both children and parents alike. For kids, it’s the overall design. From the small bottle that fits perfectly in their miniature hands to the ideal spout design for easy, safe drinking, this kids’ water bottle hits all the high points. Plus, there are adorable designs and colors to choose from that make drinking water enticing for reluctant water-drinkers. For parents, it’s the straw spout design for better mouth development, safe materials (free of BPA and other toxic chemicals), and the easy-to-clean compartments that make this such a winner. Pros: Lifetime guarantee. Colorful, vibrant graphics that children love. Spill-resistant design. Free of BPA, BPS, and BPF for the safety and health of your child and the environment. Cons: Uninsulated, this water bottle will not keep water cool in hot weather. Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle Crisp & CoolFor the coldest drink on the hottest day, aim for a well-insulated water bottle such as this one from Simple Modern.Best InsulatedFind on Amazon Thanks to the vacuum insulation of this kids’ water bottle, drinks will still be ice cold and refreshing even after hours left out in the sun. Ideal for team practices, gym time, family hikes, or even just playing around the house, this water bottle is a great way for kiddos to keep track of their own hydration. What’s more, the slim design of the water bottle fits in most cupholders, making it ideal for road trips, too. And more than virtually any other water bottle on the market, this one has a ton of color choices to choose, from a pretty ombre to bright orange to a starry night sky. Pros: 14-22 oz size fits in most cupholders (the larger, 32-84 oz water bottles, do not). BPA-free bottle and straw lid that’s leak-proof when closed. Durable finish resists scratches and dents. Cons: This water bottle is not for use with any hot or warm water whatsoever. YETI Rambler Jr. 12 oz Kids Bottle For the Most Adventurous KiddosFor the rough-and-tumblers, this water bottle is dent- and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for the playground. Most DurableFind on Amazon Yeti has certainly made itself a household name. This 12oz kids’ water bottle is another favorite from the Yeti team, and for good reason. With the highest quality stainless steel that is dent-resistant, your kiddo can sip away whether at home or on the go. Each Yeti is coated in Duracoat, a vibrant color coat that will not crack, chip, or peel – even when you toss it in the dishwasher (which, by the way, is perfectly safe to do). Because of the absolute sturdiness of the Yeti, this water bottle is ideal for hiking, biking, sports playing, or anything and everything in between. Pros: No-sweat design. Double-wall vacuum insulated, keeping water cold (or warm, depending on the contents). Multiple bright colors to choose from. 12oz capacity for child-friendly drinking. Handy carrying cap can clip on backpacks, etc. Cons: A bit on the heavier side, so smaller, younger kids might have a difficult time holding this water bottle. Hydro Flask 12 oz Kids Water Bottle Sleek, Ultra Vibrant Water BottleWith a removable rubber bottom, this kids' water bottle is comfy to hold and stays put. Best Non-SlipFind on Amazon Fun, eye-catching colors, a non-slip rubber bottom, an easy straw spout, and a ring attachment on the cap are all design features that help to make this a favorite water bottle for kids. It’s the invisible features, though, that really make this a gem. Made with a unique double-wall insulating system, temperatures are protected for 6 hours (for hot water) to 24 hours (for cold water). Aside from the fact that the soft powder coating finish looks good, it makes the water bottle easy to hold, which is certainly a plus when it comes to your youngster’s growing hands. Pros: Rugged stainless steel construction. Incredibly easy to keep clean and bacteria-free. Straw cap is virtually leakproof and spill-free. Beautiful, bold color options. Cons: There is a tiny grey rubber piece that fits in the mouthpiece that is easily lost when washing. Without the rubber piece, it’s not entirely leak-proof. Thermoflask Stainless Steel Kids 14oz Straw Bottle 2pk The Price is RightHave more than one kiddo? Tend to lose water bottles? Either way, you're covered with this budget-friendly 2-pack of insulated water bottles. Best Two PackFind on Amazon Kids’ water bottles can get surprisingly pricey. Need more than one? Double the money. That’s why we love these stainless steel vacuum-insulated water bottles: they come in a budget-friendly two-pack. The double-wall feature keeps these bottles from sweating, while the smooth stainless steel won’t rust and contains zero toxins, making it safe to drink from. For youngsters not quite at the point of tipping their bottle back, this straw lid design features a no-tilt drinking mechanism that doesn’t require anything beyond taking a sip when you need one. Pros: Keeps your hot liquids hot and your cold liquids cold with the double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel. Ideal size fits in both cup holders and backpack side pockets. Multiple color options available, with each 2-pack complementing each other. Cons: When turned upside down, this water bottle can leak. Frequently Asked Questions How many ounces of water a day should my child be drinking? After breastmilk or formula, water is the single most important fluid in your child’s life. In fact, it’s the single most important fluid in our lives, but we’re here to talk about the kids. So, for ounces per day of water for your child, there’s actually a handy trick that makes it easy to calculate. Take the age of your child – that’s the amount of 8-ounce cups of water that they should be drinking (up until the age of 8). So, for example, a three-year-old should be drinking three 8-ounce glasses of water, which equals 24 ounces per day. Another important note to remember: the amount of water needed does not include other beverages consumed throughout the day. What are the best water bottles for developing mouths? There are a number of types of water bottles for kids, but most fall under two categories: sippy cup and straw cup. Sippy cups tend to encourage a forward tongue resting position. If used repeatedly, this can cause speech issues down the road. On the other hand, straw cups help in building up appropriate positioning for the resting tongue through the strengthening of lip, cheek, and tongue. Sippy cups aren’t bad though. It’s just that they shouldn’t be used primarily, or for long periods of time. Straw cups or open-mouthed cups are ideal. At what age should I introduce water into my baby’s diet? In general, you shouldn’t introduce babies to water prior to 5 months old. Typically, the introduction of water is done around the same time you introduce food. And remember, most babies are getting all the fluids they need from breastmilk or formula, and thus don’t need to rely on water for hydration.