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The Best Non-Toxic Water Bottles

Aida Garcia-Toledo

Water bottles are a daily use item for most of us.  They allow us to cut back on (single use) plastic, assure you are drinking filtered water (that you get from home) when on the go and make sure you stay hydrated.

(but first: looking for low-tox school lunch gear? Click on my post Low Tox School Lunch GEAR: Low-Tox Lunchboxes, Snack Containers, Cutlery Guide

So what makes for an ‘Aida Approved’ water bottle?

WHAT TO AVOID:  PLASTICS

While some plastics are a bit more stable than others… we know that plastic water bottles can leach upwards of 400 chemicals (more if placed in the heat setting of the dishwasher) into our water.  Additionally they can also leach micro plastics - so generally I recommend avoiding as much plastic as possible. 

BPA free plastic? Still not safe.   BPS and BPF,  common substitutes for BPA are also harmful 


OTHER MATERIALS TO AVOID: Aluminum

Often mistaken for stainless steel (which is considered a safe material), Aluminum is not a recommendable material to buy. Aluminum can easily break down, exposing your child to a heavy metal that is considered a neurotoxin-  especially when exposed to acidic compounds (like juice). Because of how easily aluminum breaks down, aluminum bottles have to be lined with an enamel or epoxy layer , usually made of Bisphenols. This Bisphenol is then easily released into the liquid you are drinking. Aluminum bottles are easy to identify because of the inner golden orange lining that stainless steel bottles don't have.
 

SAFEST MATERIALS

  • Stainless steel: Stainless Steel sippy cups and bottles are lightweight and are considered non-toxic. They are quite resistant, which make them ideal for young children (stainless steel could give off tiny amounts of nickel. Avoid if you have a nickel allergy).

  • Glass: Although not a material you would normally recommend for your children, glass is one of the purest and most natural materials. Won't break down with heat (can be washed in dishwasher) or acidic drinks. Luckily, many companies have created nice options for glass sippy cups and water bottles protected by colorful and fun silicone.

  • Plastic #5: If your sippy must have a plastic component polypropylene plastic is generally considered a safer and non-leaching plastic. Still, best to hand wash and not place in dishwasher

Approved Water Bottles

The ones that feature a design where there is no plastic or no plastic comes into contact with the water or with child’s mouth are my preferred options for kids… however I did include a couple with minimal polypropylene plastic…  use these only for an adult or if your child will not chew not he plastic.  Also- hand wash.

Are there other safe options? Yes!  These are just some that I have either used or seen !

Note: while we use the Pura sports cap at home the cap can open if you dont close it correctly and all the water can pour out into your purse and ruin your computer that was also there store outside purse and backpacks

A stainless steel bottle with a smaller spout .  Double walled vacuum insulated can keep drinks cold for 24 hours.  

TIER 2:  Minimal plastic 

  • Lifefactory  22 ounce bottle
    This glass bottle has a plastic cap but it is polypropene which is a ‘safer’ plastic.   I actually have this bottle and sometimes unscrew the cap and drink from the glass bottle directly, but other times I use the flip cap!

  • CamelBak Eddy+ Kids 12 oz Bottle- stainless steel models
    Why I like: stainless steel interior with a Polypropylene top- but the straw is made of medical grade silicone.

Klean Kanteen Kid Classic Narrow sippy cup 12oz

Spill proof sippy cap with dust cover, plus swivel metal loop so it can be easily attached to stroller or bag. Designed to play hard, our chip-resistant Klean Coat finish is durable and safe for people and planet. Narrow profile for easy gripping that fits little hands perfectly. Interchangeable caps for easy transition as kids grow up, providing a lifetime of use, from baby bottle to sippy to sports bottle at school.

Nuby Thirsty Kids No spill Flip It 

Stainless steel interior, and the spout is made of silicone  (rest of cap is plastic) It’s easy to make sure the lid is shut tight with our Flip-It Reflex cup. The spout easily tucks away so there are worries about spills or germs.

Ecovessel THE FROST - Insulated Stainless Steel Kids Water Bottle With Straw 

This one, recommended for ages 3 +, has a silicone straw and Easy, comfortable flip spout with an insulated stainless steel interior

Skip Hop Toddler Sippy Cup with Straw, Zoo Stainless Steel Straw Bottle, Butterfly

stainless steel interior with a silicone straw

Clearly Filtered insulated stainless steel water bottle

Easy-clean, removable soft silicone mouthpiece… but the real punch is that it has a clearly filtered filtration which “allows you to transform ordinary tap water into clean and safe drinking water by simply sipping through the straw. Wherever the day takes you, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your tap water is free from up to 99.9% of 220+ contaminants. “

Boon SWIG Silicone Straw Sippy Cup
Why i like- no plastic comes into contact with water.. super lightweight no


SPECIALTY

  • FOR A NEW MAMA:  Bink Made Mama Bottle  ( add silicone straw for easy drinking while breast feeding)
    Why I like: specifically designed to support you through pregnancy and breastfeeding to meet your daily recommended water needs. The Mama Bottle water bottle shows you the recommended amount of water you should drink each day and provides you a simple, intuitive, timed-guide to help you reach it.

  • Cycling: Bivo Duo Raw
    Why I like: A stainless steel bottle that fits in your bike… it has a silicone straw and a polypronene plastic lid…. and high-flow sport nozzle

  • WINSA glass tumbler 40 oz : Stanley Cup alternative