Hey there, fellow parents of super active kids… who continue to complain about their water being too hot and their bottle running out too fast!
I have found the secret. The best water bottle ever! I use it every day, my 4 big boys use it every day, and I have yet to find a single downside!! Before I give the secret away, let me walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect water bottle for your active kids.
Durability:
Let’s face it, kids can be rough on their belongings, especially boys. From being tossed into backpacks to enduring the millionth tumble on the hard sidewalk, a water bottle for active kids needs to be built to last. Look for options made from sturdy materials like BPA-free plastic, stainless steel, or silicone. Our personal favorite is stainless steel, it may get dented here and there but they tend to last longer with the boys.
Temperature Control:
Especially for those long, hot days on the baseball field, a water bottle that can keep drinks cold for an extended period is a game-changer. Insulated options with double walls are great for maintaining the ideal temperature. And in my trial and error, I have found that, again, stainless steel works best for us in keeping their ice frozen and their water cold for hours on end.
Leak-Proof:
There’s nothing worse than discovering a soggy mess inside a backpack or sports bag. Opt for a water bottle with a reliable, leak-proof seal. Twist-on caps or flip-top lids with secure locking mechanisms are excellent choices for preventing any unwanted spills. And if your kiddos prefer the flip-top lids like mine, spring for the more expensive options that actually have a lid lock or a button protector, so they don’t accidentally get popped open.
Just the Right Size:
It’s all about finding the Goldilocks of water bottles – not too big, not too small, but just right. For grade school students I aim for around 24 ounces, it seems a bit big, but these active boys need that much hydration. For the baby and my VPK-er, I opt for smaller 12-to-20-ounce sizes so they aren’t too cumbersome for little hands to hold.
Expressive Designs for Personal Touch:
Let’s not forget about the kids’ preferences! I’m not sure about you, but when it comes to my large family, I attempt to keep the form factor the same for all five boys. I find that consistency helps me save time and stress, and also makes it easier for them to help each other. When pulling a water bottle from the dishwasher, any lid can go on any cup and there’s no more searching for a specific length straw for each cup. I just don’t have time for that! And when it’s time to fill them up before a big game, the bigger kids can help the smaller kids because all of their cups are exactly the same.
However, sometimes when you go for the same form factor, there are not enough colors or design options to make sure each child gets their own. So, finding a full line of bottles with options that reflect their personality can make hydration more appealing. And easier to tell them apart!
INSIDER SECRET – The Perfect Water Bottle:
Ok, this is obviously a “perfect for us” water bottle but I just can’t rave about it enough, and I absolutely LOVE mine!
The Owala FreeSip (Amazon Link) is everything we need and more!
It is stainless steel for durability and temperature control, I find ice still frozen inside the morning after it’s been used.
It is leak proof with a flip-top lid, but also has a brilliant handle design that folds down and protects the button when not in use. It comes in 24 ounces which is ideal, but there are two bonus factors that just blew my mind with this product!
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Its unique drink spout is partitioned so you can actually drink from a straw while in the classroom or chug your water like an open mouth bottle when you’re on the sports field!
The versatility means the boys can take it anywhere and use it for everything, making my life so much simpler!
- It comes in so many colors and sizes! It comes in about 20 different color designs and spans 24 to 30 to 40 ounces in size. There truly is an option for anyone and the boys love getting to pick their own design!
Oh and if you’re a large family like us, you know that storage is a BIG problem. We consistently have six water bottles sitting on our counters (Luis needs to drink more water!) or lying around the house and it can really drive me mad. So, I found this super neat water bottle holder (AMAZON Link) that we place on the end of the counter so now everyone knows where to put their bottle when they aren’t using it, and everyone knows where to find it when they need it!
Conclusion:
So, just remember, finding the perfect water bottle for your active kids is all about finding the right balance of durability, functionality, and style. With the right bottle in hand, you can rest easy knowing your little ones are staying hydrated and healthy throughout their busy days.
Here’s to keeping our kids hydrated and thriving, no matter where life takes us!
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