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Best hot water bottles for kids, according to parents
A kids’ hot water bottle is a cheap and easy way to keep your little ones warm and cosy this winter. Check out our guide to the best hot water bottles for children, including top recommendations from the Mumsnet forums.
By Claire Marie Perry | Last updated Jan 26, 2023
No one wants their child to be cold, but the harsh reality of increasing energy bills this winter means that some may have to look for cheaper alternatives to cranking up the central heating to stay warm. There has been much discussion on the Mumsnet forums about how to keep heating costs down as energy prices soar and many parents are in agreement that, along with kids' blanket hoodies and insulating your house with the best draught excluder, a children’s hot water bottle is a great option.
A kids' hot water bottle is a brilliant way to keep little ones warm after chilly outdoor adventures or for snuggling up with on the sofa with the best heated throw after a long day at school. They’re also great for pre-heating beds before settling in for the night, and with designs available from cuddly penguins to snuggly deers, there's a hot water bottle to suit everyone.
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to the best kids’ hot water bottles, so we’ve done all the research for you in order to help you choose the one that’s perfect for your little one. We’ve spent hours collating the tried and tested experiences of Mumsnet users - the largest network of parents in the UK - finding out which hot water bottles they love, and which rate highly with consumer reviewers too.
Plus, if you're looking for more ways for the whole family to stay warm this winter, take a look at our round-up of the best winter coats for women, as recommended by Mumsnet users.
Here are the best kids' hot water bottles UK 2023.
The best kids’ hot water bottles: at a glance
1. Best overall kids’ hot water bottle: Dunelm Darcie the Deer Hot Water Bottle
Price on writing: £10 | Buy now from Dunelm
Key specs
Hot water bottle type: Rubber hot water bottle with 100% polyester cover | Size: W 38cm x L 20cm x D 8cm
What we love
- Cute design
- Soft fur cover
- Keeps whole body warm
- Range of products to match
What to know
- Cover isn’t machine washable
What Mumsnet users say
“Amazing for cuddling in bed.” (Retailer and brand recommended by Mumsnet user Oldpossumsbook)
Our verdict
Dunelm is mentioned regularly on our forums and the shop is often praised by Mumsnet users for their high-quality items that are excellent value for money; this is certainly the case with this delightful Darcie the Deer Hot Water Bottle. Aesthetically, it doesn't get much cuter than the adorable deer design, and the soft fluffy material will add that extra bit of comfort when snuggling up on a chilly evening. (Check out some equally snuggly options for adults in our guide to the best hot water bottles page.)
It's not too big, so there's less risk of smaller children overheating, and for older, bigger children Dunelm also have a Darcie Deer Long Hot Water Bottle option. Check out the equally adorable Darcie Deer Warmie for a microwavable option too! We love the fact that there are additional products to match such as this lovely Darcie Deer blanket hoodie and Darcie Deer slippers.
2. Best budget kids’ hot water bottle: Cozy Creatures Super Soft Child's Hot Water Bottle & Cover
Price on writing: £8 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Hot water bottle type: Natural rubber| Size: 4.8 x 14.22 x 10.67cm
What we love
- Great value for money
- Padded arms and legs for extra comfort
- Cover is machine washable
What to know
- The hot water bottle itself is tiny
- Some found the bottle a little tricky to insert into the cover
Our verdict
Family and budget-friendly, this Cozy Creatures Super Soft Child's Hot Water Bottle is both adorable and affordable. If it gets grubby, you can throw the cover in the washing machine too. The mini hot water bottle holds 250ml of water and features padded arms and legs for a snuggly feel.
Some reviewers were surprised at how small the hot water bottle was – think around the length of a pencil for a point of reference! Because of its smaller size, it will only retain its heat for a few hours and a few reviews also mention that the bottle is a little tricky to get into the cover. However, if all you need is a quick heat fix after a frosty day in the playground, we reckon this is a great cheap option to warm little hands - and on the subject of toasty hands, don't miss our guide to the best hand warmers.
3. Best kids’ hot water bottle with a knitted cover: Netagon 2-Litre Hot Water Bottle and Soft Knitted Cover
Price on writing: £10 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Hot water bottle type: Rubber hot water bottle with knitted cover | Size: 2-litre capacity
What we love
- Lovely, traditional design
- Stays warm for a good length of time
- Larger size and more grown-up design make it ideal for tweens and teens
What to know
- The knitted cover may not be quite as snuggly for younger children
Our verdict
More of a traditional hot water bottle and cover, this cosy Netagon hot water bottle is available in a handful of fun designs but we love this cute Westie in particular. All come with a thick knitted cover to protect little ones from coming into contact with too much heat.
This is a great no-nonsense way to pre-warm beds before bedtime and reviewers reported that it stayed warm for a long time. And if you do need more long-lasting heat coverage, you can combine it with one of the best electric blankets.
We love the fact that it comes in a presentation box so it would make a lovely gift for any winter birthdays.
4. Best microwavable hot water bottle for kids: Warmies Marshmallow Sloth
Price on writing: £15 | Buy now from Very
Key specs
Hot water bottle type: Microwavable plush polyester | Size: 13 inches
What we love
- Great alternative to using hot water
- Gorgeous design
- Easy to use
- Scented
What to know
- Won’t stay warm for as long as a regular hot water bottle
What Mumsnet users say
“The brand is Warmies and you can get them on Amazon. It’s totally worth the purchase. Great for a group sofa cuddle under a blanket with a movie on.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user ChaosAndP*ss)
"They are warm and comforting but don't leave a rash if you cuddle with them for too long." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Pimmsy)
Our verdict
More like a soft toy than a traditional hot water bottle, a Warmies plush is a great way to keep kids warm on cold winter nights and no hot water is needed. Simply heat the lavender-scented bag in the microwave and this adorable sloth will be ready to offer your little one a warm cuddle before they drift off to sleep. Lavender is said to induce sleep (yes, we are willing to try anything!), however, if your child is sensitive to new smells it may not be the best option.
The heat will only last for an hour or so but many parents saw this as a positive as it prevented little ones from getting too hot. Just make sure everyone is already tucked up in bed before you pop it in the microwave to make the most of the heat before it goes cold.
Did you know Warmies also make microwavable slippers? Don't miss their entry in our guide to the best women's slippers!
5. Best fluffy kids’ hot water bottle: Teddy Hot Water Bottle
Price on writing: £7 | Buy now from Dunelm
Key specs
Hot water bottle type: Water bottle with polyester cover | Size: 21cm x 31cm | Colours: Taupe, blush, olive
What we love
- Soft teddy bear fur cover
- Stays warm for long periods of time
- Machine washable cover
What to know
- Some reviewers reported poor stitching quality after use
What Mumsnet users say
“I love my hot water bottle. When I work from home it's a constant. I was given a small pink fluffy one a few years ago but never really used it as it's too small for me. I gave it to my 3 year old recently and he loves it and always asks for it to be filled up before bed." (Type of product recommended by Mumsnet user Teacoaster)
Our verdict
A second entry for Dunelm, this Teddy Hot Water Bottle brings all the soft, cosy comfort of a teddy bear and combines it with the warmth and comfort of an excellent hot water bottle. Big enough for older children and/or adults (and easy enough to sneak under your best blanket hoodie while working from home while the kids are at school) it comes in three neutral colours.
The super-soft cover helps ensure the hot water bottle stays warm for a long time. Not bad for just £7!
6. Best portable kids’ hot water bottle: Goldmiky Latest Mini Hot Water Bottle
Price on writing: £12 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Hot water bottle type: Silicone water bottle with fabric cover | Size: 18 x 12 x 7 cm | Colours: Pink, grey
What we love
- Leakproof
- Perfect size to put in pockets
- Made with non-toxic materials
- Can be filled with cold water and heated in the microwave
What to know
- Very pricey given its small size
- Won’t keep the whole body warm
Our verdict
As much as we love a visit to Santa’s Grotto or a trip to a winter wonderland, it's hard to fully enjoy it if your kids are feeling the cold. With temperatures set to drop, you may need more than just a pair of the best kids' gloves to keep little hands warm when out and about. This hot water bottle is extremely small so it's perfect for popping into pockets (why not slip one into the pocket of your best heated gilet while out and about in the cold?) The manufacturers claim it’s completely leakproof so it should be safe to use when your child is moving around.
The hot water bottle is designed to be filled with cold water and then heated in the microwave so there’s no need to worry about using boiling water around your little ones. This clever design also means these hot water bottles can be put in the fridge and used to keep your family cool during the hot weather. The downside? You only get one for the price so if you want one for each pocket this could work out quite expensive.
7. Best novelty kids’ hot water bottle: Country Club Novelty Animal Hot Water Bottle
Price on writing: From £12 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Hot water bottle type: Natural rubber hot water bottle with polyester cover| Size: 42 x 35cm
What we love
- Great choice of designs
- Made from natural rubber
- Will make a great gift
What to know
- Some reviewers found the hot water bottle a little tricky to fit back into the cover
Our verdict
We were almost prompted to take a poll at Mumsnet HQ to try and decide which was the sweetest design when it came to the Country Club Collection! With everything from a cheeky monkey to a cuddly koala, it will prove almost impossible to pick a favourite for your little one.
Not only do they look great, but the covers are super soft and easy to clean and the bottle itself is made from natural rubber. They’re also the perfect size for little ones to snuggle up with and, unsurprisingly, nearly all reviewers reported they were a huge hit with the kids.
Combine with a pair of the best thermal curtains in your child's bedroom to keep them cost-effectively warm and cosy this winter.
8. Best festive kids’ hot water bottle: Winter Warmers Country Club Hot Water Bottle
Price on writing: £12 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Hot water bottle type: Rubber hot water bottle with plush cover | Size: One-litre capacity | Designs: Penguin, snowman, reindeer
What we love
- Adorable attention to detail within the design
- Choice of characters
What to know
- A little on the pricey side
- A less festive design may get more use year-round
Our verdict
Keep the Christmas spirit up even in January and February with this adorable festive penguin hot water bottle. There's also a reindeer or snowman design too, so you can choose the one your child will love the most. We think it would be ideal for snuggling up with on the sofa whilst finishing up the Christmas chocolates and watching a film.
Many Mumsnet users recommended using a hot water bottle with a cuddly cover like this one as it’s a good way to avoid the traditional rubber surface being too close to young, sensitive skin. The fluffy cover can provide a protective layer against the heat too. It's worth noting though, it is on the small side compared to some other options, but reviewers agreed it was great for youngsters.
9. Best hot water bottle for older kids: ARMA Ram Large Hot Water Bottle
Price on writing: £6 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Hot water bottle type: Rubber hot water bottle with fleece cover | Size: 2 litre capacity | Design: Multi
What we love
- Large capacity
- Good for aches, pains and cramps
- Variety of designs
What to know
- Random design dispatched
Our verdict
Whilst younger children are bound to love cuddling up with a novelty hot water bottle, older children may want something a little more grown-up and sophisticated. We love the large capacity and soft, fleece cover of this hot water bottle from ARMA, offering a simple comforting heat source for tweens and teens without feeling too babyish. It comes in a variety of wintry designs, though Amazon will dispatch a random one so it might be better suited to un-fussy teens and tweens.
For more energy efficient ways for the whole family to stay warm this winter, don't miss our guides to the best men's dressing gowns and best thermal underwear for women.
10. Best kids’ hot water bottle for cuddles: 3D Novelty Leopard Long Hot Water Bottle
Price on writing: £20 | Buy now from Heat Treats
Key specs
Hot water bottle type: Natural rubber hot water bottle with faux fur cover | Size: 68cm x 14cm with two-litre capacity | Designs: Elephant, giraffe, blue stripey bug
What we love
- Sweet design
- Tubular shape offers more heat coverage
- Perfect for snuggling
What to know
- A little pricier than other options
- Very long so may get a little too warm for some children
Our verdict
Heat Treats is another brand which offers an incredible selection of gorgeous designs – in fact, the likelihood of your child's favourite animal being encapsulated in hot water bottle form is pretty high. In the end, we selected this adorable leopard – just looking at it makes us want to curl up and go to sleep and, with a bit of luck, it will have the same effect on your little one too.
The leopard design, made from soft, snuggly material, is bound to delight children, whilst the fully-closed top means that parents can rest assured it's safe to use. We love the tubular shape which makes it perfect for cuddling and offers more heat coverage than a regular hot water bottle.
Are hot water bottles safe for kids to use?
A hot water bottle is a wonderful way to keep warm on cold winter nights. However, safety experts recommend that they should not be given to children under the age of four.
You should never let your child fill the hot water bottle and never fill the hot water bottle with water that is hotter than 40ºC. Also, make sure that you don’t overfill it as it may leak. Hot water bottles made of rubber must have a cover that prevents the rubber from being exposed to skin too.
If pre-warming a child's bed, remove the hot water bottle before he or she settles down for the night. It's recommended that you replace your hot water bottle every five years and, if you're looking for other ways to stay well and warm in winter, the NHS has some great tips.
Which type of hot water bottle is best for kids?
Hot water bottles should not be used near or around children under the age of four. If you opt for a traditional hot water bottle, choose one with a thick cover to prevent your child from coming into direct contact with the hot water bottle itself and always check that the product you are buying meets British Safety Standards.
Parents can be nervous about hot water bottles around children, so opting for a soft toy-style product that comes with a microwavable pouch is a great way to enjoy the benefits of a hot water bottle without dealing with hot water itself. On the downside, these fluffy characters may have a limited shelf life and they might not be the preferred option when they get a bit older.
What’s the best kids’ hot water bottle to buy?
We chose Dunelm’s Darcie the Deer Hot Water Bottle as our number one pick. We think it’s a great option, particularly if it’s the first time you're giving your child a hot water bottle. The thick cover offers plenty of protection from the heat of the bottle itself and it's lovely and big, meaning even older and/or taller children can cuddle the full benefit. It’s also excellent value for money and there are matching accessories.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which kids’ hot water bottles parents were recommending and had bought. We then did some research across the wider web, looking at which kids’ hot water bottles had been featured in ‘best buy’ lists across websites, and what authentic customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best kids’ hot water bottles on the market.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.