Anyway, I'll keep my choice of bottle a secret (for now!) and focus on telling you what my options were. All I'll tell you is that Yuri immediately began using the bottle last Friday (after I washed it thoroughly, of course), and he loves it. I really love it, too!
I did a lot of "research" before finally buying that particular bottle, though. As I mentioned here, high-quality stainless steel bottles especially made for babies, toddlers, and kids do not come cheap. Knowing that I'm going to spend money anyway, I want to choose the right one right away. What were my choices? Please note that there are more options, but I only wrote about the ones that are readily available in the islands. After all, I'm not sure you would want to spend extra for shipping from abroad.
Here they are, along with my pros-and-cons evaluation:
1. Thermos Foogo/Funtainer
This was actually my first choice - and this actually gives you a clue that this was not what I ordered. I liked it because the design was too cute for words. I mean, a mini-thermos with a button to press for the straw? I was sold. However, when I did thorough research, I found out that it has many problems.
Image from eBay
PROS
- Again, they look really cute, don't they? I think that out of all the brands available in the Philippines, they are the one that offers the widest variety of designs.
- In order to get the straw out, you only need to press the button. Plus points for hygiene!
- Double-walls insulate the drink and keep it cold or hot for hours.
CONS
- However, they are a bit pricey. Most online sellers sell them for more than P1,000.
- I also read reviews complaining about the button and how it easily cracks over time. Oops!
- Unlike many stainless steel bottles, it has many parts, which still makes it an easy breeding ground for bacteria.
- Also, having many parts makes it not very convenient to clean.
- Many report of leaking after months of usage.
2. Klean Kanteen for Kids
I first heard of it from US-based blogs and haven't really read about it in Philippine-based ones, so I thought it wasn't available here. I only found out it was available locally when Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio featured it in her Instagram account.
Photo: http://www.hullabaloo.co.za
PROS
- It comes from a very reputable brand. If I'm not mistaken, Klean Kanteen is one of the first manufacturers of stainless steel bottles.
- Based on their website, they sell changeable valves to fit a child's changing needs.
- They come in cute colors.
CONS
- However, based on the website alone, not all of the colors are available locally.
- The bottles lack insulation. Also, there is no holder that can help a child easily hold a too-cold bottle straight from the fridge.
- I don't really like the physical form of the bottles. It's like not much thought was given to it. I don't think it's comfortable for little hands to hold.
- They're also not that cheap! I think they're even more expensive than the Thermos.
