A good water bottle will fit your child’s hand comfortably, but make sure you choose a dishwasher-safe one. Also, look for spouts and valves that do not come off easily. Some bottles have been recalled due to choking hazards involving the silicone valves and spouts. Check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to see if the bottle is recalled or has any choking hazards.
Glass or stainless steel bottles are the safest options
While many parents consider aluminum a safer choice, it’s a misconception: children are not exposed to the same toxic substances in plastic as they are in aluminum. While aluminum doesn’t emit toxic gasses, it can break down easily and expose children to harmful acidic and neurotoxins. Furthermore, aluminum bottles must be lined with an epoxy or enamel, which can leach harmful chemicals into the liquid. Additionally, aluminum bottles can dent easily and are not dishwasher safe.
If you are worried about BPA or phthalates in plastics, opt for stainless steel bottles. You’ll be glad you did. While they may not be leak-proof, stainless steel bottles won’t retain the water for as long. Additionally, these bottles can fit in most cup holders. However, you’ll have to worry about the spills, especially if you’re using the water bottle in a car.
Plastic bottles
When it comes to choosing the right plastic water bottles for your kids, you have a lot of options. You can choose from a wide range of bright colors, a variety of fun designs, and even stainless steel water bottles. Stainless steel bottles are generally a safer option than plastic ones, especially for young children. And because of their food grade status, they are often used with double-walled insulated bottles, which help keep the contents cool and fresh.
Soft straw spouts
If you’re looking for a water bottle for your child, consider one with a soft straw spout. A softer straw means less risk of accidentally hurting a toddler’s developing teeth. It’s also nice for younger children, who often walk around with their bottles in their hands. And because softer straws are also kinder on teeth, they are safer for young children to use. But if your child is more likely to chew on their bottles, you might want to consider a water bottle with a hard straw spout, as they will last longer.
Kids water bottles are available with different mouthpieces, including straws, spouts, and twist-off caps. While straws are great for younger kids, spouts are better for older ones. Some have hard straws that flip back when they’re closed and are leakproof. Others are equipped with “bite-and-sip” soft straws.
On-the-Go bottles
A good water bottle is one with a lid that is screwed on and not a straw. A child will often be on the go, so it’s vital to get a bottle that will fit comfortably in their hands. Moreover, a screw on and a screw off lid will prevent spills. These bottles also prevent leaks. Many have a convenient cup-like lid that fits in standard car cup holders.
Plastic is another good option because it’s lightweight and affordable. Plus, water bottles made of plastic usually come with cool designs and colors that appeal to children. Although parents may opt for plastic because of cost considerations, they may find that their children prefer water bottles with licensed characters and graphics. Other parents may be concerned about the health effects of plastic water bottles and prefer stainless steel or glass options.