How to select the right bottle for your child

Bottles make for great hydration companions, often accompanying your child through the day whether it is at school or a practice match or a picnic. Therefore, choosing the right bottle for your child can be a challenging task because bottles come in all shapes, sizes and materials and the available options in the market today can leave parents confused.

However, it does not need to be a herculean job anymore. Here are a few things parents can keep in mind while selecting the right bottle to get optimal benefits:

Use healthy and hygienic alternatives and avoid plastic

Today, parents do not want their children to have any contact with plastic and there is a necessary trend of switching to steel and glass bottles. Plastic is a harmful substance and contains bisphenol A (BPA) that is harmful for children in the long run. When a plastic bottle is exposed to heat, it leaches chemicals which can have detrimental effects and can cause hormonal imbalances and gut irritations. A switch to glass and steel is a safe and healthy option.

Choosing the right size

This is an important factor to keep in mind when selecting a bottle for your little one, as they need to be comfortable holding it. Depending on the age, bottles should be handy, not too heavy and preferably have a wide mouth, making it easier to sip water and clean the bottles. Avoid over-sized bottles for your baby and pick a bottle that is also easy to open. Bottles should also have a leak-proof lid or tight seal to avoid spilling.

Getting the temperature right

Choose bottles that maintain the right temperature, especially if your baby is out in the sun a lot so the water remains cool at a balanced temperature. This will ensure effective hydration. Beverages should be at a temperature that suits individual preferences. Hence, stainless steel bottles, which are properly insulated, are a good option. They are convenient to carry, usually spill-free and retain the desired temperature. They can also be used as feeding bottles for babies and infants since the temperature for feeding needs to be correct. Glass sleeved bottles are a viable and safe option.

Make use of some colour

Bottles today are available in fun colours and playful designs. Pick something that delights your little one. There are myriad options available, especially in the stainless steel range, right from neon to matte and solids with intriguing designs and patterns.

Getting hydration right for your children is necessary and equipping them with a water bottle both you and they equally love sets them up well for an active day.

(The writer is Brand Head, Borosil Glass Works Limited.)