The 5 Best Water Bottles For Nursing Moms to Stay Hydrated

As a nursing mom, staying hydrated is of super important for both you and your baby. Ensuring enough water intake is essential for maintaining your milk supply and for your overall health. However, with the busy and demanding schedule that comes with motherhood, it can be challenging to find the time to drink enough water throughout the day! To help you out and make drinking water a little more fun, I made a list of the five best water bottles for nursing moms! Keep reading to find the right bottle for you! 

What Makes a Water Bottle a “Nursing Water Bottle”?

Yes, a water bottle is a water bottle. But some are superior, especially in those early days of breastfeeding. The unique time in your life when you are feeding a baby nonstop and need extra hydration. Those are the days that the right water bottle can really make a difference! To me, the most important things I need in a nursing water bottle are:

1. A convenient handle so I can grab it while nursing
2. An easy open top or straw so I can open it/drink with one hand
3. Is considered a “clean” drinking vessel. This means it is not only BPA-free, but it is also free from BPS (bisphenol S) and ALL other bisphenols*

What is the recommended amount of water for a breastfeeding Mom?

Nursing Moms need more water than the average person, to account for the fluids lost during breastfeeding. Nursing mamas may need to drink as much as 104 ounces, or 13 cups, daily (source)! Even if you are bottle feeding your baby, you should focus on hydration to encourage healing and for improved energy to take care of a newborn. 

Tips to stay hydrated while nursing

Staying hydrated will help you to feel energized and recover post-birth, as well as aid in supply for your newborn. Here are some tips to help you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated while nursing:

1. Keep a Water Bottle Handy: Always have a water bottle within arm’s reach, whether you’re nursing at home or on the go. Having water readily available will remind you to drink more frequently!
2. Add Salt: Up your hydration game by adding a little bit of unrefined mineral salt to your water. Salt can help your body replenish the electrolytes it needs. 
3. Drink Before and After Nursing: During the feed is important, but you can also make it a habit to drink water before and after you’re done. This helps ensure you’re getting enough fluids before, during, and after the feed!
4. Use a Large Cup or Water Bottle: Use a larger cup or water bottle to ensure you’re consuming enough water in each sip. This can help you stay better hydrated with fewer refills.
5. Set Reminders: With the demands of taking care of a newborn, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Set reminders on your phone or use apps to prompt you to hydrate throughout the day.
6. Create Hydration Stations: Set up water stations in various areas of your home, especially in places where you spend a lot of time nursing or taking care of your baby. This eliminates the need to constantly go to the kitchen for water. You may want to have a few different water bottles on hand so that you can spread them out in different rooms. 
7. Infuse Your Water: If plain water isn’t appealing, infuse it with slices of fruit like lemon, lime, berries, or even cucumber to add some flavor. Avoid processed drink mixes with artificial sweeteners though! 
8. Drink During Night Feedings: Keep a glass of water next to your bedside for nighttime feedings. Staying hydrated during these nighttime sessions is just as important as during the day.
9. Eat Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich foods into your diet, such as fruits (watermelon, oranges, berries), vegetables (cucumbers, celery, lettuce), and soups. These foods contribute to your overall hydration.
10. Limit Caffeine and Sugary Drinks: While a moderate amount of caffeine is generally safe, excessive caffeine and sugary beverages can contribute to dehydration. Opt for water as your primary beverage.
11. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you’re feeling thirsty, drink water. Thirst is your body’s way of telling you that it needs water.
12. Stay Consistent: Hydration is an ongoing process. Try and make drinking water apart of your daily routine. 

Remember that everyone’s hydration needs are different, so listen to your body and adjust your fluid intake accordingly.

What makes a water bottle “non-toxic”?

A water bottle is considered non-toxic if it is designed and manufactured to minimize the leaching of harmful substances into the liquid inside. Probably the most important factor to consider is material that the water bottle is made out of. Look for bottles made from materials that are certified as safe for food and beverage contact. Common non-toxic materials include stainless steel bottles, glass bottles, and certain types of bpa-free plastic that are labeled as food-grade. If you do opt for a plastic water bottle, look out for certain additives that can leach into liquids and be potentially harmful. Phthalates and PVC are examples of additives that have been associated with health concerns. In general, I prefer a reusable water bottle as opposed to plastic water bottles. Less harmful for you, and less waste! 

*What are bisphenols and why are they bad?

Bisphenols are a group of chemical compounds that contain two hydroxyphenyl groups connected by a bridge. They are widely used in the production of plastics, primarily in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Two well-known and extensively used bisphenols are bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS). Ok so without getting to scientific here, studies have suggested that bisphenols can leach into food and beverages from containers, and when ingested, it can act as an endocrine disruptor. BPA can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially interfering with hormone signaling, and may lead to adverse health effects, especially during critical developmental stages, such as pregnancy and early childhood. Gross. I think you should always avoid bisphenols in your home, but even more so when pregnant and nursing.

If you would like to read more about how BPA specifically and it’s effect on the body, check out this in-depth article by Dr. Axe. 

My top picks: the five best water bottles for nursing Moms

Here are five great non-toxic water bottles that you can use to stay hydrated as a busy mom!

Hydracy Water Bottle

This pick is a really cute water bottle that is also very functional. The Hydracy is the only plastic water bottle on this list, which makes it the lightest. This might be a good choice to take on the go or throw in your diaper bag without lugging too much weight around. 

Hydro flask 40oz All Around Travel Tumbler

Another great option is the Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler. This is a stainless steel bottle Hydro Flask has been making high quality products for a while, and they are a popular brand for good reason. This Tumbler is dishwasher safe, and the double insulation will keep your liquids cold (or hot). 

Clearly Filtered Stainless Steel Water Bottle

While this water bottle is on the pricer end, the extra cost might be worth it if you are often on the go or don’t have access to clean, filtered water. It has a built in filter that cleans contaminants out of water simply by drinking through the straw. It also comes in many different sizes so you could save a little money by purchasing a smaller size. I have one of these and it’s one of my favorite water bottles because I always know the water I’m drinking is free of contaminants no matter where I am. 

Mama Bottle

This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a glass water bottle. The Mama Bottle was designed for pregnant moms and nursing moms to help them meet the recommended daily amount of water. There are time markers on the silicone sleeve that help you to drink the correct amount of water. 

Stanley 40oz Quencher

This tumbler cup is super trendy right now (if you haven’t noticed) and for good reason. It’s stylish, convenient to grab and drink from, and fits in most cup holders. The Stanley Quencher is also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, making it an all around great choice. If you aren’t convinced on this one, you can read through over 4,000 reviews on Stanley’s website. 

Conclusion

Staying hydrated is important for nursing moms to maintain their milk supply, energy levels, and overall well-being. In my opinion, the best water bottles are easy to grab and easy to use, and are also toxin-free. Whether you prefer a stainless steel bottle with excellent insulation or one with a built-in filter, there is a good option for everyone. Each of the five water bottles mentioned in this list offers unique features to help you stay hydrated throughout your motherhood journey. Choose the one that best suits your needs, and get hydrated!