CSP Team Note: In conjunction with the Chick-Fil-A Charlotte Kids Marathon, we’re bringing you our Smarty Picks for water bottles so your kids can stay hydrated and look cool while cross training!
While there are so many water bottles sold on the market, it’s difficult to decipher which ones would best suit your kid’s needs. First and foremost is choosing a bottle that is free from toxins like BPA and other chemicals found in cheap water bottles. And just as important is using a practical and durable reusable water bottle, made to last and able to be recycled. The harm that comes from drinking from a plastic (polycarbonate) bottle or an aluminum bottle lined with an epoxy resin is that both contain BPA and measurable amounts of the chemical can leach into the water, especially when plastic is heated by the sun or worn out and scratched.
At CSP, we’ve identified 4 major requirements to meet in order to be Smarty approved water bottles:
1) Eco-friendly and toxin free
2) Easy to carry
3) Keeps water cold
4) Fits ice cubes (big enough mouth)
Our Smarty Picks for Best Water Bottles:
Contigo water bottles are some of our Smarty favorites because of the handle on the lid and the simplicity of the bottle. These bottles are spill proof and leak proof due to the AUTOSEAL technology. The handles are easy to carry and also clip on to bags and backpacks. The only downfall, they aren’t insulated. But that’s ok by us. We load ours with ice and go on with our workouts.
Available at Amazon for $23.95.
Thermos has been around for decades. It’s no surprise that they have so many water bottles to choose from. Our favorite is in the jumbo size category for outdoor team sports like soccer, football, cheer and such when hydration is critical. The Under Armour 64 oz Hydration Bottle by Thermos is the ONLY jumbo size water bottle that does not leak. Pinkie Swear. So toss out your old Igloo water bottles – they will leak all over your car as soon as they turn on their sides! Available in an array of colors for boys and girls alike. The handle is super cool too.
Available at Thermos for $24.99.
Nalgene is the original wide-mouth water bottle and comes in so many colors. They hold 32 oz of fluids and have the perfect handle so great for any sporting activity. Our favorite part – the price tag.
Available at Nalgene for $10.99.
Keep it cold in your super hip Hydro Flask bottle, insulated perfectly to keep your kids’ water cold for up to 24 hours thanks to their TempShield™ technology. Available in a variety of colors.
Available at Amazon for $24.95.
This lightweight and durable bottle was one of the first on the market for BPA free and eco-friendly products that actually fit an ice cube. You’d be surprised how many water bottles don’t have the room for normal ice cubes! We’ve been a fan since day 1 and these are great for backpacks, cars, you name it – they FIT!
Available at Amazon for $16.95.
The Ion 8 water bottle is a 100% leak-proof, BPA-free water bottle and comes in a variety of sizes and colors. Best part, it opens with the touch of a single finger. They are easy to carry, dishwasher safe and keep drinks hot and cold. Smarty bonus.
Available at Amazon for $12.99.
We LOVE this groovy water bottle because you can infuse your child’s water with any fruit of choice! Made with BPA-free plastic, lightweight and holds 18 oz.
Available at Zoli for $15.
Always remember to stay hydrated during your training but most importantly, HAVE FUN! Team CSP {hearts} our ‘lil Smarty marathon runners!
About Charlotte Smarty Pants:
CharlotteSmartyPants.com (CSP) is the largest online parenting resource serving the greater Charlotte area since 2007. CSP is a team of “mom experts” ranging from stay-at-home moms to working moms to just-surviving moms from pregnancy to high school. Its mission is simple: to help Charlotte families stay in the know so they can have more fun with their families in this amazing city. CSP is a trusted resource for families on everything from choosing a place to have a birthday party to finding your pediatrician to navigating the middle and high school years. CSP is a pink and green Southern lifestyle.
