+1. We have Contigo and Camelbak that come apart and get run through the dishwasher after every use, but my favorite are the hydroflasks we got at Costco that can also be run through the dishwasher. Are those the ones that got moldy for you? The only one that ever developed mold for us was the Owala where you can't take apart the straw mechanism. |
I think you should send a water bottle, especially if the teacher is asking for it. Just buy a few and then you have backups if lost. It is annoying to keep buying water bottles but your kid will get better at keeping track.
BUT What the holy heck with all the snacks?? My kid is in 1st, eats a less hearty breakfast than yours, and we just pack lunch and a small snack for aftercare in case the snack they serve at aftercare is something she won't eat (sometimes she eats the snack, sometimes she leaves it in her backpack because she likes the served snack). How are you sending TWO snacks plus lunch and he's eating a big breakfast and he's still hungry?? I know kids have different appetites but that's just a lot of food. I know my kid will eat junky foods like chips and crackers all day if I let her but it doesn't fill her up and we default to "protein plus fruit" for snacks because my feeling is if you are not hungry for that (say apples with sun butter, or yogurt and a banana) you probably are not actually hungry. Like if all you are eating is potato chips or goldfish, you're just snacking out of boredom and habit, not because your body needs nutrients. Anyway, kids do not need that many snacks. I know people will yell at me and say I'm teaching disordered eating or something but if you are eating good meals (which it sounds like he is) I really do not think you need multiple snacks every day. |
So...wash them daily! My kids take Yetis with the straw tops and they don't leak and I put them in the dishwasher every night so they have a clean bottle every morning. I've been doing this for 7 years with zero issues... |
Why is this so hard for you OP? I also have a 7 year old first grader and I’m going to blow your mind right now when I tell you I pack her 2 water bottles for school every day. Girl gets thirsty and I don’t want her to have to disrupt class by asking to go get water every time she wants a drink.
Going to the water fountain (or the bathroom) becomes a huge distraction throughout the day when you have a class of 25 kids and everyone has to go at some point. Just pack your kid a water. We use thermos funtainer w the straw top and have never had a problem w spills/leakage. https://www.amazon.com/THERMOS-FUNTAINER-Stainless-Vacuum-Insulated/dp/B0968WKMHT?th=1&psc=1 |
2 trips x 25 kids in a class is 50 water fountain trips a day. It's a huge distraction. |
I agree. And I have grown kids. Nobody needs that much water. |
Good for you. Recommendations are built on averages. You can always tell if you are hydrated by your pee. If yours is fine with that, good for you. My son and I would not be. |
OP - you’ve got a long parenting road ahead if you can’t handle buying a functional water bottle for school and successfully washing it daily. |
Get one of the Gatorade squirt sports bottles.
No mess, no straw, no lid. They squeeze it to get the water out. They were on Amazon yesterday for 50% off. Usually $25. |
Oh and also, the water bottle I linked above does not get moldy if you clean it daily. It’s not that hard. My kid does it herself most of the time. We have a bottle brush and straw brush (https://www.amazon.com/Cleaning-Brushes-Drinking-Reusable-Stainless/dp/B09V5BD429/ref=asc_df_B09V5BD429/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693624814786&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13541378555688532807&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019663&hvtargid=pla-1951445204143&psc=1&mcid=33f0e5b8e7a037e695f7427f9e8116d8&gad_source=1) and just empty the bottle and wash it out every night. We’ve been using the same water bottles since preschool so it’s been 3+ years. Never had mold. |
https://www.amazon.com/YETI-Rambler-Bottle-Insulated-Stainless/dp/B0BTTTSNJC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=D4TAAYB8K9EC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I47ayCno75dYRUkd4APQ7pslSuXWCU85ybn_kFmnzexB8NyQHNaI8rYSpxXZuv_YbymSYfxN54QdHFGj4thmBteWy3HLjpHE5iE2z-ZnPxalJpV26kuKYegp9S3nZSq2cirk1rhNpK-qfmSSYBcc__lda2HypiHYmjjhCS1leG-NX6kcqVUuxjGhiw1yEUX_sXMTkc_GzoZzDeboEmxXAw.cRZZxHYqv6DPiuqD843brUEEvX0giS838vOhSU2NSRs&dib_tag=se&keywords=yeti+rambler+straw+bottle+24+oz&qid=1716475986&sprefix=yeti+rambler+straw+bottle+24+oz%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-3 $40 for a kids water bottle? Though if you tell me they really do not leak and can be run in the dishwasher I will bite the bullet and buy 2. |
Squeeze bottles are not allowed in class. He does take them for sports because it makes my life easier! |
Sheesh--he needs a water bottle. End of story. |
You’re the problem, op, it’s you. |
Of course he needs a water bottle. |