Staying hydrated is an important part of keeping your kids healthy. In the summer months, you might find it easier to remember to encourage them to drink water, since enjoying the sunshine makes everyone naturally thirsty. And as every water-bottle-toting mom knows, keeping kids hydrated does wonders, giving kids more energy, helping their bodies stay cool and replenishing lost nutrients. For kids, water is a great alternative to sugary sodas and drinks (and it helps prevent cavities!).
During the back-to-school season, busier schedules and the classroom environment make it easy for kids to forget to drink water.
A good way for them to remember to hydrate is to send them off to school with a water bottle. You’ll want to check your school’s policy to see if there are any restrictions on size or color, but whether your goal is something practical, affordable or on-trend, here are eight water bottles that will keep your kids sipping their water all day long.
Best for Keeping Water Cold or Hot All Day
Though it’s available in five sizes, the uber-popular 40 oz. version of the Stanley Quencher Flowstate Tumbler is an influencer-approved mug anyone in your family can use. It features double-walled insulation to keep beverages hot or cold, comes with a reusable straw, and—unlike many bottles—has a large handle for a comfortable grip. Available in a rainbow of colors (including fall hues like plum), a sleek stainless steel, or a limited-edition Taylor Swift version.
Best for Hydrating During Sports or Activities
Though it’s designed for biking, Camelbak’s Podium water bottle is a lightweight bottle that’s easy to grip. It’s ideal for athletes and athletic kids who need something durable to toss on the sidelines while they’re at practice, and its sports-specific cap is designed for hands-free sips…no bottle-squeezing necessary.
Best for Fitting Into Small Backpacks
Perfect for ages 3 and up, Yeti’s Rambler Jr. offers a compact, customizable way for younger kids to tote water to school and on outdoor adventures…or older ones who want to make sure they have cold water if they need it, but not so much where they’re weighed down. At 12 oz., the built-in cap has a straw but be sure to warm your little one to put it in the designated backpack holder (not the large part of their backpack) when full. Some parents report that it’s not as leakproof as the manufacturer claims. The Rambler also comes in 20 and 30 oz. tumblers if you’re a parent who likes to coordinate with your kids.
Best for Hooking Onto Backpacks
Lululemon’s Back to Life water bottle will appeal to student athletes and busy families looking for a way to tote water. Like many other water bottles, this bottle features vacuum insulation for temperature control and an easy-open, leak proof lid. The straw-less version comes in a range of pastels, but the sport version is available in vibrant hues.
Best Clear Water Bottle
Many schools require clear water bottles for a variety of reasons. For a no-nonsense bottle that complies with strict school policies, the Yeti Yonder is a sleek, lightweight option. It has a tethered cap and comes in a clear plastic variety as well as transparent seasonal colors, in case that’s an option at your school.
Best for Kids of All Ages
One of the best bottles available for keeping water cold, Hydroflask’s Standard Mouth 24 oz. bottle comes with a built-in flex straw for easy sipping. It can keep liquids cold for up to 24 hours or hot up to 12 hours, and it doesn’t sweat after any ice you might have added to it melts. Slimmer than other bottles, it can easily fit in cup holders or bags, and comes in a range of solids, pastels and bold neutrals.
Best for Fashion-Conscious Teens and Tweens
The bottle that eclipsed the Stanley’s tumblers on social media, the Owala FreeSip has a sleek, modern design and comes in three sizes: 24, 32 and 40 oz. The wide-mouth spout allows for drinking directly from the bottle, or you can hold it upright and drink through the built-in straw. It also has a carrying loop that doubles as a lock, ensuring virtually leak free storage. Opt for one in an earthy neutral, or encourage your child to express their personality with one of the more vibrant color combinations.
Best for Fitting Into the Fridge
For families who want a compact water bottle to keep in the fridge for grab-and-go convenience, the Swell Original water bottle is an ideal choice. At just 9 oz., it’s slightly smaller than the capacity of a standard plastic water bottle, but its wide mouth can accommodate ice cubes and keep drinks cool for up to 24 hours. It’s the ideal size for stashing in your bag or your child’s backpack for quick hydration.
