Founded in 2014, Owala is a company dedicated to creating fun and innovative kids water bottles. Their bottles are free from BPA, phthalates and PVC, using food-grade stainless steel for the interior.
The unique selling point of Owala water bottles is their vivid colors, patterns and graphics. With over 35 designs, they aim to make hydration exciting for kids. The leak-proof lids and protective bumpers add extra functionality.
Key Features of Owala kids Water Bottles
🔰 Double wall vacuum insulation keeps liquids cold for up to 24 hours.
🔰 Flip straw lets kids drink easily without tilting the bottle.
🔰 Soft silicone spout is gentle on teeth.
🔰 Removable straw for easy cleaning.
🔰 Durable 18/8 stainless steel interior.
🔰 BPA-free plastic exterior with protective bumper.
🔰 Leak-proof lid with dust cover.
🔰 Carrying loop for easy transport.
🔰 Dishwasher safe.
Benefits of Owala Kids Water Bottles
There are many reasons why Owala kids water bottles make a great choice for your child.
1. Encourages Hydration
The bright colors and fun graphics help make drinking water more appealing to kids. The straw allows for easy sipping while the leak-proof lid minimizes spills. This motivates children to keep sipping throughout the day.
2. Supports Health
Proper hydration is vital for kids’ health, improving focus, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. The stainless steel interior won’t impart weird tastes or odors to water. The BPA-free construction offers safety.
3. Provides Convenience
The double wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for hours, so you don’t have to keep refilling. The loop cap and protective bumper make the bottle easy to carry. The bottles are top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
4. Great for Travel
From road trips to playground adventures, Owala kids water bottles are ideal for on-the-go use. The insulation keeps water cold while the leak-proof lid prevents spills during transport. The carry loop also makes it easy for kids to hold.
5. Environmentally Friendly
Being reusable and free of harmful chemicals like BPA and PVC, Owala bottles are eco-friendly. This reduces waste compared to disposable water bottles. Owala aims for sustainability.
6. Cute, Customizable Designs
With unique graphics like robots, rockets and unicorns, Owala bottles provide self-expression. Kids love showing off their favorite designs. Many styles are customizable with names or initials too.
7. Durable and Long-Lasting
Made from food-grade stainless steel, Owala bottles are robust and made to last through rough handling. The protective bumper adds extra durability. Less need for replacement makes them environmentally friendly too.
8. Great Value for Money
With their insulation, customized designs and durability, Owala bottles provide great value at around $20 to $30. They eliminate the need to keep buying disposable bottles. One Owala bottle can serve a child for years.
Drawbacks to Consider
While Owala bottles have many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
1. The insulation is designed to retain cold temperatures only. The bottles cannot keep drinks hot.
2. Mold buildup in the silicone straw and spout area is common if not cleaned well. It needs thorough handwashing.
3. The opening may be too narrow for some bottle brushes to reach the straw and inner walls.
4. Being stainless steel, dents and chips are possible if the bottle is dropped on a hard surface. The protective bumper helps minimize this.
5. Owala bottles cost more than basic plastic bottles, ranging from $20-$30 per bottle. However, their quality and longevity can offset this.
6. While Owala has fun designs, color options for each graphic are restricted to 2-3 per style. Kids may not find their preferred color.
While not dealbreakers, being aware of these limitations can help inform your buying decision.
Owala Kids FreeSip Thermal Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straws, BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, Great on Traveling, 16 oz (All the Berries)
Pros and Cons of Owala Kids Water Bottle
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fun, appealing designs for kids | ❌ Higher price point than plastic bottles |
| ✅ Made of stainless steel – durable and reusable | ❌ Handwashing is recommended over frequent dishwashing |
| ✅ Insulated to keep drinks cold for 24 hours | ❌ Spouts and straws require separate cleaning |
| ✅ BPA-free and non-toxic materials | |
| ✅ Leak-proof lids prevent messy spills | |
| ✅ Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning | |
| ✅ Sizes perfect for little hands to hold | |
| ✅ Straw or spout lids simplify sipping | |
| ✅ Customization options with names or stickers | |
| ✅ Good branding kids recognize and love | |
| ✅ Eco-friendly and reduces waste | |
| ✅ Provides hydration tracking marked on bottle |
Choosing the Right Owala Bottle for Your Child
Here are some tips to select the best Owala water bottle for your child’s needs:
Consider your child’s age and drinking habits: The 13oz size is best suited for toddlers while the 17oz is ideal for older kids. Chat with your child to understand their ideal capacity.
Pick a fun, engaging design: Let your child select their favorite Owala graphic to get them excited about drinking from their new bottle.
Ensure it fits cupholders: Check that the diameter fits into your child’s stroller, backpack or bike cupholders. The opening should be wide enough too.
Consider durability: Opt for a protective bumper and sturdy lid. Avoid tall skinny bottles that are prone to tipping.
Get a wide mouth design: This makes it easier to add ice, clean, and refill the bottle.
Check for leakproofing: Examine owala bottle reviews and pick ones that mention good leakproof lids. This prevents messy accidents.
Match fluoride needs: If your kid needs fluoride rinse, pick a design with a removable straw to allow brushing inside the bottle.
Read the fine print: Double check that your chosen Owala bottle is free from BPAs, phthalates and other harmful chemicals.
Choosing the right style, size and design tailored to your child’s needs goes a long way in getting the most value out of an Owala bottle.
Tips for Cleaning and Caring for Owala Kids Water Bottles
Here are some top tips for keeping Owala bottles clean and well-maintained:
Handwash regularly: Use warm soapy water and a bottle brush to reach the straw and inner walls. This prevents mold buildup. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
Inspect the straw: Check the silicone straw tip for wear and tear. Replace if the rubber is cracked or damaged.
Clean with baking soda/vinegar: For a deep clean, mix a paste of baking soda and water. You can also soak the bottle in a vinegar solution to kill germs and odors.
Check for leaks: Examine the rubber gasket seal in the lid and replace if damaged. Listen for air leaks when drinking and fix any issues promptly.
Avoid boiling: While the exterior is dishwasher safe, avoid boiling Owala bottles as this can damage the insulation layer.
Remove straws before washing: Detach silicone straws before putting Owala bottles in the dishwasher. Reattach after cleaning.
Dry thoroughly: Allow all parts to fully air dry after washing to prevent mold growth. Store open without the lid.
Use a bottle brush: Invest in a good bottle brush with a long flexible neck to reach the base and straws for thorough cleaning.
Check for dents: Inspect bottles regularly for dents and damage. Stop using bottles with large dents that may harbor bacteria.
With proper care and regular cleaning, your Owala bottles can last for years while remaining hygienic for kids.
How Owala Compares to Other Popular Kids Water Bottles
Owala isn’t the only game in town when it comes to stainless steel water bottles for kids. Here’s how it stacks up against some top competitors:
Klean Kanteen – Very similar stainless steel construction and insulation. Lids aren’t as kid-friendly. More expensive.
Thermos Funtainer – Also stainless steel and vacuum insulated but lids prone to leaking. half the price of Owala.
CamelBak Eddy+ – Made from plastic but very kid-friendly straw design. Affordable but not as durable.
Nalgene Grip-n-Gulp – Basic plastic bottle with easy-sip straw top. Not insulated. Lower price point.
Hydro Flask – Durable stainless steel bottle but not designed for kids specifically. Higher cost.
For the combination of durability, safety, ease of use by kids, and reasonable price, Owala emerges as a top option that balances all factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Owala bottles dishwasher safe?
The exterior plastic shell of Owala bottles is top-rack dishwasher safe. However, handwashing is recommended to clean the interior straws and fully sanitize the bottles.
How long do Owala bottles keep water cold for?
Thanks to the double wall vacuum insulation, Owala bottles can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Adding ice can help extend this duration.
Can Owala bottles be personalized?
Yes, many Owala bottle designs offer customization with names or initials etched on the stainless steel. There are character limits though.
What are Owala bottles made of?
Owala bottles have a 18/8 food-grade stainless steel interior. The exterior shell is made from plastic free from BPA, PVC and phthalates. Silicone is used for straws and spouts.
Conclusion
Owala delivers when it comes to making water bottles tailored specifically for kids’ needs and usage. Their unique combination of stainless steel durability, flip straw convenience, eye-catching colors, and reasonable pricing make them a top choice.
The insulating properties keep water cold for hours, while the leak-proof locking lid gives parents reassurance. Safety is also a priority, with BPA and toxin-free construction.
Any cons like handwashing and potential denting are minor compared to the pros for active young kids. For families seeking a reusable water bottle that will actually get used, Owala hits all the marks. The bottles can grow with kids for years of service.
