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The best kids' water bottles that DON'T leak 2022
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Having a drink to hand for your child is a must, but finding a water bottle that doesn't leak is truly the Holy Grail of parenthood.
We've ALL been there.
You're out and about with your child and disaster strikes - their water bottle has leaked, meaning damp sodden clothes, soggy snacks and more importantly, no drink for your little one!
Pretty much every kids' water bottle on the market promises to be leakproof, so we've road-tested the best for every age and stage.
We've found the best water bottles whether it's for school, nursery or for keeping in your changing bag for your kids to drink on-the-go.
We've also tested the water bottles to see how easy they are for a kid to use – and also for parents to keep clean!
Check out our pick of the best reusable plastic* and stainless steel water bottles for children.
*All of the plastic bottles shown here are BPA free, meaning they contain no chemical nasties.
1. Sistema Twist ‘n’ Sip
2. Littlelife Water Bottle
3.OXO Tot Hard Spout Sippy Cup
4. LiteCup Sippy Cup
5. Contigo Runabout Travel Mug
6. Camelbak Eddy Water bottle
7. Tommee Tippee Sports bottle
8. Chilly's Water bottle
1. Sistema Twist ‘n’ Sip
* The Twist ‘n’ Sip drinks bottle is available in three different sizes, 330ml, 460ml and 620ml
*You can choose from a rainbow of brightly coloured shades
*It’s dishwasher and freezer safe
One of the bestselling water bottles on the market, the Sistema Twist ‘n’ Sip has a very simple design and is made from soft BPA free plastic. We like that it's made from soft plastic – meaning it's less likely to break.
The easy-to-use twist to open function means this is the ideal bottle for small hands (so ideal for kids to take to school or nursery), and we like that it's designed to be used without fingers touching the sipper tip, so it’s very hygienic.
To use, kids just have to twist the cap for the mouthpiece to pop up and then twist it back to close again.
This simple design means its the perfect bottle for school, sports day, picnics and days out and we think it’s very reasonably-priced, too.
We also love that it's so easy to keep clean – designed with only two parts – that both can be put in the dishwasher.
You can buy this water bottle from Amazon, where there are often deals to buy packs of two or three bottles quite cheaply.
It also comes in three different sizes, so this water bottle is suitable for kids from toddler to teens – and even adults can use them for sports.
The Twist'n'Sip has great reviews on Amazon, with one buyer saying, 'Have bought this bottle for my two older children in the past and found them to be the best so far! No leaky bottles in their lunch bags and hold plenty for thirsty boys on hot sunny days.'
2. Littlelife Water Bottle, £9.00
* This characterful anti-spill bottle has a useful pop-up straw
* It’s made from BPA-Free Tritan copolyester
* The bottle is hand wash only
With a handy wrist strap and a pop-up straw, this BPA-free bottle is a must for keeping toddlers hydrated on the go. If crocodiles are your child’s thing, you can also buy the bottle in a dinosaur and owl design. Suitable for children aged three and over, it holds a good amount of liquid and you can also buy spare lids if yours goes astray.
3. OXO Tot Hard Spout Sippy Cup
*Has a 340ml capacity and is dishwasher-safe
*Leak-proof valve locks in place - even when dropped
*The large opening makes it very easy to fill and add ice etc.
This clever cup has a patented valve and natural flow rate for an easy transition from drinking from a bottle and has an ergonomic shape that's easy for little hands to hold.
The two-part valve comes apart for thorough cleaning and is easy to reassemble.
4. LiteCup Sippy Cup, £9.50
*For children aged six months and up - good for progression on from the bottle
*Non-spill cup with an integrated nightlight
*The cup holds 220ml of liquid
Not only is this clever cup spill-proof, it has a light sensitive LED light unit that sits in the base and makes it glow gently at night providing a comforting nightlight - so perfect for leaving by your child’s bed during the night. Has a patented circular valve that allows free flow drinking from the edge of the cup whilst preventing spills.
5. Camelbak Eddy Water bottle
* The Eddy has a capacity of 400 ml
* Available in a range of bright and eye-catching colours and patterns
* Double-wall vacuum insulated to maintain temperature
This kid-friendly version of the classic water bottle has all the useful features you'd expect with a design they'll love. The bottle has a one-finger carry handle and is crafted from stainless steel, which maintains the temperature as well. It has a built-in straw that you open by releasing the lid. Perfect for school and weekend adventures AND a perfect alternative to plastic options!
6. Tommee Tippee Sports bottle
*Removable, two-piece non-spill valve keeps mess to a minimum
*Sports spout clicks down to stay clean and stop spills
*The sports bottle has a capacity of 400 ml
With a chunky design, easy-grip sides and non-spill spout, this is the ideal bottle for younger children and toddlers who are gaining their independence. It’s BPA-free and can be cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher - or even in your steam steriliser for peace of mind. It’s also available in a range of patterns and colours.
7. Chilly's Water bottle 260ml, £20.00
* Remarkably durable and leakproof
* Crafted from sturdy, high-grade 304 stainless steel
* Comes in a range of sizes, colours and designs
This stylish, simple and eco-friendly water-bottle will become an absolute staple. It's crafted from sturdy stainless steel and advanced double-walled vacuum insulation that keeps water hot (for 12 hours) or cold throughout the day. It's reassuringly leakproof and is comfortable to drink from. It also comes in a vast variety of colour ways and designs so you'll be spoilt for choice!
Which water bottle is best for kids?
Buying a water bottle for your children seems easy, but there are so many on the market, it can be difficult to choose!
So, what features should you be looking for in the ideal bottle for your kids to take to school or nursery?
A water bottle is usually made from plastic, stainless steel or silicone. Plastic should always be BPA free, meaning that it contains no harmful chemicals.
It's also useful if the bottle can be washed in the dishwasher to make life easy for parents.
Plastic bottles are usually fine in the dishwasher, but stainless steel bottles normally need to be cleaned by hand.
The lid or cap should be able to be closed firmly to prevent a spill, but not so firmly that it makes it hard for children to open by themselves!
There are also many different types of cap to choose from. Does your child like to drink using a straw or spout – or are they fine with swigging water from an open bottle neck?
Some bottles have a retractable, pop-up straw so young children can sip a drink more easily without any spills, whilst others have a design with a special push-to-drink valve, which promise to stop any leaks.
You can also buy very simple sippy cups with a spout. This type of cup is aimed at babies and toddlers.
Another type of water bottle that's great are those that are insulated. These bottles are made in the same way as a Thermos flask.
This means that the contents of the water bottle keeps chilled, ideal for having refreshing cold drink to hand on a cold day. It can of course keep the contents hot, too.
This type of water bottle is more expensive, however.
Good brands of kids water bottle include Camelbak, Sistema, Contigo, Tommee Tippee and Littlelife.
You can buy kids water bottles from retailers such as Amazon, eBay, John Lewis and Argos. Some online retailers have free delivery, too.
Which is the best alternative to a plastic water bottle?
Foe environmental reasons, we all know that using too much plastic product is a bad idea.
Reusable plastic bottles are better than disposable ones, but obviously this doesn't completely solve the problem.
Recently there has been an increase in the use of stainless steel for making water bottles.
They are heavier and bulkier than plastic bottles, so not ideal for really young kids, but are better for the environment than plastic bottles.
Brands such as Camelbak and Chilly's make stainless steel water bottles which are very popular.
There are several things to think about when choosing and buying a kids' water bottle.
Is the cap easy for kids to open and close by themselves?
What should the water bottle be made from? Plastic is lighter but stainless steel is better for the environment.
Stainless steel bottles are also often insulated, so can keep the contents either hot or cold.
What sort of cap or lid does the water bottle have? Does it have a straw, sports cap or spout?
Does the water bottle appear to be leakproof? Some water bottles are designed with special leakproof valves (actually using it, however, is the only way to get proof that it really doesn't leak!).
It is light and easy for kids to carry about and use?
Is the water bottle easy to take apart for cleaning?
Can it be cleaned in the dishwasher or will it have to be washed by hand?
What is the best leak-proof water bottle?
There are two main types of water bottle for children.
Plastic bottles (made with BPA free plastic) are lighter and easier for kids to hold, but not as durable in the long run. They are the cheapest type of bottle and can usually be cleaned in a dishwasher.
A stainless steel water bottle ticks all the eco boxes and often is insulated like a Thermos flask to keep the contents hot or cold (say hello to chilled water ALL day), but are heavier and much more bulky for little hands to hold. Stainless steel water bottles also tend to be more expensive.
There's a variety of openings, caps and lids to choose from including flip-up sports caps, spouts for younger children and also bottles with a retractable straw.
Why is it so important that kids take a reusable water bottle to school or nursery?
Everyone is trying to cut down on single-use plastic, so using a reusable water bottle is the best choice for protecting the environment.
It means that the bottle can be refilled at school and kids can keep hydrated, which helps with concentration and therefore learning.
The British Nutrition Foundation says that children should aim to drink about six to eight glasses of fluid per day.
Got a baby who is just moving on from breast or bottle? Read our round-up of the best toddler cups and beakers.
Read on:
•The best bottles to mimic breastfeeding
•The best buys for weaning your baby
• The best beakers and cups for toddlers