As a mom of two, I have spent far too much of my life and money trying to find the best water bottles for my kids. I want ones that are durable, leak-proof, and mold-resistant. But let’s face it: a good kids’ water bottle is hard to find. Oftentimes, what worked for one child was a total disaster with the second. I would think I had found The One and then find mold a mile deep in the straw three months later. But after a lot of road tests (some of which involved actual pavement, thanks to my two-year-old son), I think I can safely say I’ve found my four preferred kids water bottles. They’re all free of BPA and have proven to be durable options for young children. 

The best water bottles for kids:

1. Contigo Autospout Gizmo Flip. This is the current favorite in my house. This water bottle can withstand a lot of abuse. The button that releases the silicone drinking spout is easy to use. They’re virtually leakproof and don’t have many parts to clean; I usually throw it all in the dishwasher. I don’t know what kind of plastic the straw is made of, but it does contain voodoo magic that keeps it from getting moldy. I noticed that some reviews online mention that mold can build up under the spout, but regular cleaning with a small bottle brush can prevent that. Contigo also makes a stainless steel version with better insulation if that matters to you. Pro tip: if you have a Costco membership, these are sold in packs of three.
2. Nalgene Tritan Grip-N-Gulp. This water bottle doesn’t have a straw, just a valve to prevent leaks. It’s extremely easy to clean and dishwasher safe (I tend to hand-wash the silicone valve just so I don’t accidentally melt it). Note: it does require tipping to drink from, which my preschooler is fine with but my toddler hates.
   
3. CamelBak Eddy Kids. These are also pretty easy to clean and come in a variety of cute colors and patterns. Best of all, you can buy replacement straws and bite valves if needed. They can leak if your child pushes the bite valve down into the water bottle, so I wouldn’t say they’re 100% spill-proof, but they’re still a solid contender for a good kids water bottle.
4. Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup. This is a great trainer cup for toddlers if you’re transitioning from a bottle or straw sippy cup, but my preschooler still uses it for her milk since I prefer to use bottles without straws for anything other than water. The lids have two parts for easy cleaning, and the rubber lip prevents spills. Munchkin also makes a version with handles to make it easier for young children to hold.

So there you have it— my roundup of the four best water bottles for kids.

Leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite kids water bottle!