Kids’ water bottles go through a lot of wear and tear. And as moms, it’s hard to keep your tot hydrated without having to change water bottles every week. What’s more, reusable and eco-friendly water bottles can be expensive. Then again, you also want to avoid using environmentally-unfriendly disposable plastic bottles, which could also be harmful to your kid in the long run. So, what’s a mother got to do? That doesn’t mean that there are no options in the market? The options for the best bottle for toddler, including those bottles for breastmilk storage, are easy to clean and don’t leak. Moreover, they’re designed so that toddlers can even hold and use them independently. After all, bottles are one of your toddler’s first things to learn to handle and hold. So, it’s important to consider everything from the contents to the design.
Like you’d choose the perfect white noise machines for your babies, finding the right kind of bottle is essential too. To that end, here are the 13 best bottles for toddlers, including those for breastmilk storage.
Table of contents
- Hydro Flask Kids Sippy Water Bottle
- Snug Kids Insulated Water Bottle with Straw
- Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Cups
- Nalgene Tritan Grip-N-Gulp Bottle
- Munchkin 360
- CamelBak Kids Water Bottle
- ezpz Mini Cup
- The First Years Take and Toss Spill-Proof Sippy Cups
- Nuby No-Spill Cup with Flex Straw
- First Essentials by NUK Fun Grips Hard Spout Sippy Cup
- YETI Rambler Jr.
- Olababy 100% Silicone Training Cup
- NUK Active Cup
- How To Choose The Best Bottle For Toddler?
- What are the best bottles for toddlers to drink milk?
- At what age should toddlers stop using a bottle?
- What cup is best for toddler teeth?
Hydro Flask Kids Sippy Water Bottle
13
The Hydro Flask Kids Sippy Water Bottle is the best bottle for toddler as it instills fine motor skills. Developing such skills is a critical part of growing up, and this special no-slip water bottle helps in that. It keeps kids hydrated, but it also aims to help them get a good grip. What’s more, it comes in two sizes, of which the smaller size of 0.35 liters (12 oz.) is perfect for a toddler. The bottle is made from stainless steel and boasts double-walled vacuum insulation if that wasn’t enough. Together, they keep liquids cool for up to 24 hours. However, our favorite feature is the silicone boot and the unique powder coat finish. The former offers additional protection and traction when your tot sets the container down. Finally, the powder coat gives your kid extra grip when they’re holding the bottle.
Pros
- Keeps liquids cool for up to a day.
- Powder coat finish for a grip.
- Smaller size is perfect for tots.
Cons
- Needs to be hand washed.
Snug Kids Insulated Water Bottle with Straw
12
The Snug Kids Insulated Water Bottle with Straw is also one of the best bottles for breastmilk storage. If you’re looking for an unbreakable bottle for your tot, then this is the one. For, this one won’t break, no matter how hard they try to break it! The well-designed bottle has a single push button that will help your kids’ tiny hands launch the straw immediately. So, it’s great for parents who worry a lot about their tot’s hygiene. While you can’t use it for hot drinks, you can certainly store milk or water for a long time for your tot to sip on. They even come in a bevy of fun and bright colors and patterns that’ll appeal to your child. Finally, these bottles are vacuum-insulated bottles, which means that they’ll never rust.
Pros
- Will not rust.
- Keeps drinks such as water or milk at the same temperature.
- Child-friendly designs, colors, and patterns.
Cons
- The smaller size is 12 oz (0.35 liters), which is a little too much for toddlers too.
Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Cups
11
The Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Cups is the best bottle for toddler, with a liquid carrying capacity of just 10 oz (0.3 liters). These wonderfully colorful stainless cups feature silicone sleeves, so your toddlers will find it very easy to hold them, even if it’s hot or cold. Besides being fun and bright, they’re durable and easy to clean. What’s more, they come in a set of four cups, each with air-tight straw lids for excellent storage. So, you can even store milk without worrying that it’ll spill. Finally, the straws even have a stopper with a slightly raised edge, which prevents children from pulling them out. So smart!
Pros
- Comes in a set of four colors and designs.
- Air-tight straw lid.
- Stopper.
Cons
- Expensive.
Nalgene Tritan Grip-N-Gulp Bottle
10
The Nalgene Tritan Grip-N-Gulp Bottle is one of the best bottles for breastmilk storage. It’s one of the best leak-proof bottles for children. The 12-oz (0.35 liter) bottle comes in various fun designs and colors that your kids will love. Secondly, the plastic used in the bottle is BPA-free, which means no chemicals will leak into the liquids. If that wasn’t enough, the mouthpiece is so smooth that it feels comfortable against tiny mouths. The bottle is also tough enough and withstands rigorous use, which means it won’t break no matter how much your tot throws it around. And since it’s spill-proof, you won’t have to worry about mopping up after your tot all day long.
Pros
- The bottle is perfectl sized for your toddler’s hands.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Affordable.
Cons
- The flow of liquid is slightly less.
Munchkin 360
9
The spotless Munchkin 360 is an absolute favorite with parents of toddlers and is, hands-down, the best bottle for toddler. It’s even one of the best baby sippy cups for travel. There’s a lot to love about this toddler sippy cup in many amazing colors, including the oh-so-pleasing green below. Secondly, the design is incredibly easy to use, so much so that children can drink from anywhere around the rim. If it takes your kids a long time to figure this cup out, and it has happened with many children, then it even has a newer Straw Cap option! Lastly, these cups are pretty leak-proof, even when they fall over too, which is a great plus.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Comes in many colors and designs.
- Includes the on-the-go cup lid.
Cons
- Takes kids a while to figure it out.
- All pieces need to be taken apart to wash it.
CamelBak Kids Water Bottle
8
The CamelBak Kids Water Bottle is one of the best bottles for breastmilk storage. This charming bottle, which comes in various fun designs and colors, is very well-sized. In fact, it’s so small that it will even fit in a lunch box, sans taking up too much space. What’s more, the spill-proof design means that you can even fill it up with milk, and it won’t leak in your or your kid’s bag or ruin their lunch. Whether your kid loves dragons or has a thing for unicorns, they can now have them right on their bottle. Finally, the bottle or cup has a redesigned valve and cap that offers a faster flow rate. So, your kid can chug water whenever they need it and won’t be frustrated with less flow.
Are you looking for good lunch boxes too? Here are the best kids’ lunch boxes.
Pros
- Bite valve for a drip-free experience.
- BPS and BPA-free.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons
- Mold might collect in the spout.
ezpz Mini Cup
7
Do you want your tots to practice their motor skills to drink from a regular cup eventually? Then the ezpz Mini Cup is the best bottle for toddler, without a doubt. This cup perfectly fits the adage of “practice makes perfect,” as it gives kids an opportunity to experience the drinking-from-a-regular-glass experience. This tiny cup is designed so that it’s easy for toddlers to hold and drink from. The best bit is that it weighs just 2 oz. (0.05 liters), so you can start your babies off with it earlier on. Since it’s lightweight and super-durable, you don’t have to worry about longevity. Finally, the cup comes with a lid and a straw cap version, should you want it for your toddler.
Pros
- Perfect for practising motor skills.
- Super-durable.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Since it’s open, there could be spillage until kids learn to use the cup right.
The First Years Take and Toss Spill-Proof Sippy Cups
6
The First Years Take and Toss Spill-Proof Sippy Cups is one of the best bottles for breastmilk storage. Not only is it super-affordable, but it’s also an excellent on-the-go option. These vibrant, BPA-free plastic cups are ideal for children aged nine months and older. What’s more, they boast a valve-free design, complete with spill-proof lids. That means you don’t have to go mopping the house over and over again. What’s more, the lids are even interchangeable with the ones of other “Take and Toss” products. And that means a whole lot of mixing and matching! Finally, many parents treat them like disposable cups since their durability doesn’t exactly live up to the other cups. But, since it’s so affordable, that works.
Pros
- Super affordable.
- Great on-the-go option.
- Interchangeable lids.
Cons
- Not very durable.
Nuby No-Spill Cup with Flex Straw
5
Yet another best bottle for toddler is the Nuby No-Spill Cup with Flex Straw. This cup/bottle is very popular with parents whose kids prefer straws to spouts. The well-designed silicone straw features an in-built valve that prevents leaks and spills. Moreover, it’s sturdy enough to withstand the (much) occasional biting that toddlers do. Since it has a 10-oz (0.3 liter) capacity, it’s perfect for toddlers and is neither too less nor a lot. While it doesn’t have handles, it does boast a contoured design so your baby’s tiny hands can grip it easily. While the valve’s protection is worth the effort, some parents noted that the straw requires mastering the “squeeze and suck” action.
Pros
- Valve provides protection.
- Contoured design.
- 10 oz capacity.
Cons
- Some tots might find it difficult to master.
First Essentials by NUK Fun Grips Hard Spout Sippy Cup
4
The First Essentials by NUK Fun Grips Hard Spout Sippy Cup is one of the best bottles for breastmilk storage. This one costs less than 10 USD, making it an economical option for parents. What’s even better is that it’s made from BPA-free plastic. Furthermore, the cup features a simple two-part design, while the hourglass shape is easy for toddlers to grab with their tiny little hands. If that wasn’t enough, the bottle even has a 100 percent break-proof and spill/leak-proof guarantee, no matter how much your tot tosses it around. The best bit? The cup can be washed by hand or even in the dishwasher.
Pros
- 00 percent break-proof and spill/leak-proof guarantee.
- Simple two-part design.
- Made from BPA-free plastic.
Cons
- The base is too wide to fit standard diaper bag or cup holder pockets.
YETI Rambler Jr.
3
Now, who hasn’t heard of Yeti? In fact, if you’re the outdoors kind, we’re sure you have one or the other product from the brand. Then, why not get the best for your tot too? This YETI Rambler Jr. is the best bottle for toddler. The 12-oz (0.35 liter) BPA-free bottle is made from stainless steel. What’s more, it boasts double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps cold drinks cold all day. Moreover, both the bottle and the cap are dishwasher safe, thus making it super easy to clean. If that wasn’t enough, the integrated straw cap is even leak-resistant when shut, so it can be tossed around in a bag and not leak.
And thanks to the extra-tough coating, it won’t chip or crack either, especially when dropped. The best bit? It comes in several colors, and you can even customize it with your kid’s favorite design or even their initials or name.
Pros
- Can be customized.
- Comes with a five-year warranty.
- Cap and bottle are dishwasher safe.
- Straw cap is leak-resistant.
Cons
- Kids might take a while to figure this one out.
Olababy 100% Silicone Training Cup
2
The Olababy 100% Silicone Training Cup is one of the best bottles for breastmilk storage. You can easily transition babies nine months and older from a bottle to a cup with this cup. Since the cup is made from soft silicone, it won’t damage your tot’s gums or teeth. What’s more, you’ll love the wide and weighted base that reduces the chances of spills by adding stability to the container. Plus, it can hold 5 oz (0.14 liter) of liquid, thus making it perfect for toddlers. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also lead, phthalate, PVC, and BPA-free. The easy-to-read indicators make it ideal for mixing and portioning. Additionally, it’s made from food-grade, durable, and non-toxic silicone, thus making it freezer/dishwasher/microwave safe and easy to clean.
Pros
- Wide weighted base adds stability.
- Withstands great temperatures.
- Safe for freezer, dishwasher, and microwave.
Cons
- Expensive.
NUK Active Cup
1
The NUK Active Cup is undoubtedly the best bottle for toddler. This one is perfect for transitioning toddlers who’re really into their bottles. While the design mimics the bottle, its hard spout makes it easy to transition to a big kid cup. What’s more, the spill-proof spout is gentle on your child’s sensitive gums and teeth, while the bottle itself is 100 percent spill and leak-proof. Furthermore, the ultra-lightweight cup even features a rather convenient clip for carrying, which means you don’t have to worry about it slipping from your hands. And finally, the 10 oz (0.29 liter) capacity means that your tot remains well-hydrated throughout the day.
Pros
- Gentle.
- Holds 10 oz (0.29 liters) of liquid.
- Easy to carry with included clip.
Cons
- None!
How To Choose The Best Bottle For Toddler?
Material
One of the top considerations while choosing the best bottle for toddler is the material of the bottle. Some of the best options for materials include BPA-free plastic, silicone, glass, and stainless steel. Not only do these materials hold up against wear and tear, but they are also durable. Moreover, they don’t have any issues releasing potentially harmful particles into the water or milk within the bottles, unlike some plastics.
Type of cup
Many types of bottles or cups come for toddlers. While many speech and feeding therapists recommend straw and open cups, the latter could get harder to use. What’s more, they can get quite messy when you’re on the go. In that case, straw cups or bottles are the best way to go. Also, some bottles that come with narrower straw-like mouths are a great alternative.
Longevity
Some glass and stainless cups might be more expensive upfront, but they also go on for years. So, the chances are that unless you misplace them, these glass or stainless cups will run through your toddler’s childhood. Plus, they’ll work just as well as they did when they were first bought.
What are the best bottles for toddlers to drink milk?
Dentists recommend sippy cups with a straw or a hard spout instead of ones with soft spouts. Also, when your tot uses the bottle or the cup, shower praise so that they’re encouraged to use it further.
At what age should toddlers stop using a bottle?
Pediatric dentists and pediatricians recommend breaking the bottle habit for babies at 12 months. Meanwhile, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends completely weaning them off the bottle by 15 months, at the latest.
What cup is best for toddler teeth?
Overall, a sippy cup with a slotted opening is better than one with a valve. Such an opening limits the flow of water/milk, thus allowing your kid to sip instead of suck. Furthermore, it reduces the amount of acid and sugar on the teeth.