With energy prices rocketing and the weather plummeting, there has never been a better time to purchase a hot water bottle. They will keep you feeling warm without the expense of turning on your heating. With that being said, we have scoured the internet to find the best hot water that the family can enjoy.
Please note: Children under the age of four should not have direct contact with a hot water bottle. However, you can use them to warm their bed or cot then remove it before they snuggle down for bed.
Hot water bottles for pregnancy and pain relief
Once upon a time, these rubber water bottles were solely used for warming winter beds. They have since evolved and are now recommended as an alternative to or alongside traditional medicines. Even if you are pregnant it is safe to use one for short periods.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust recommends the heat vessel in the early stages of labour. The trust advises expectant mummies to put a covered hot water bottle on areas that ache, such as your lower back, underneath your bump or between your thighs to help to ease the pain. This isn't just for pregnancy - it is also the case for anyone suffering from body aches and pains.
So, whether you are looking for a cost-effective way to keep your family warm or a fantastic gift for a mother-to-be, we have found the best hot water bottles for every member of your family from school-aged children to mum and dad.
Best hot water bottles for families 2024
Writer's choice
Image: Just Sheepskinwww.justsheepskin.com
This luxury Rebecca sheepskin hot water bottle has been made from traditional rubber and 100 per cent sheepskin. If you are looking for a gift, push present or a treat for yourself, then look no further. This hot water bottle is soft, soothing and the perfect item to snuggle up to on a cold night. It arrives in a lovely box, making it very easy to present as a gift.
Not suitable for children
Mother&Baby Senior writer, Hannah Carroll, said: "The quality of this water bottle is unmatched. As soon as I got it out of the box I couldn't stop touching it. It is so warm and soft. It feels like a warm hug. A hint of a chill or a long day - it's the first thing to come out. The sheepskin cover protects your skin from being burnt."
Pros
- Soft
- Premium quality
Cons
- Not suitable for vegans
- Not suitable for children
| 2000ml Hot Water Bottle Capacity |
Best water bottle for kids
Image: Helen Moorewww.izziofbaslow.com
If you are looking for a super sweet hot water bottle to keep your little one warm, this Helen Moore Children's Pocket Pal is perfect. We love that it has a small pocket with a cute linen toy. This comforting hot water bottle is a great way to keep the cold away. This water bottle is available in three colours.
Mother&Baby Senior writer, Hannah Carroll said: "This is such a sweet hot water bottle. It is a gorgeous gift as it includes a sweet little teddy. It has been a great comfort to my little one when he is feeling under the weather or in need of comfort."
Pros
- Toy included
- Sweet design and soft
- Suitable for children
Cons
- Price
Best for older children
Image: Fireboxfirebox.com
Filled with cereals and lavender, this is no ordinary hot water bottle. Not only is it the cutest sloth we have ever seen but it is soft and weighty making it the perfect spooning partner. Unlike a traditional hot water bottle, you can pop this sloth in the microwave for a few minutes to heat it up.
Not suitable for diabetics or people with circulatory problems
Pros
- Made from 100 per cent organic materials
- Child-friendly design
- Microwavable
Cons
- Some excess moisture may form during the first few applications
- Not suitable for diabetics or people with circulatory problems
Best for the whole family
Image: AmazonIf waiting for the kettle to boil doesn't float your boat, this is another speedy option. Another one that heats up in the microwave, we love how cute this 'hot water bottle' is. Perfect for the whole family and as a good cuddly you when not being used for heat purposes. With 16 animals to choose from, each is filed with specially treated millet grains and dried lavender flower. Look forward to a menagerie of these in your home.
M&B writer, Eleanor Weaver, said: "Everyone in my family has one of these (even dad!) with extras often being gifted around Christmas time. It's a great size though it can be a tight squeeze in smaller microwaves. Warming up nicely in less than two minutes without getting too hot, each is lovely and cuddly too with long-lasting heat and a lovely lavender scent."
Pros
- Soft and cuddly - double as a toy when not heated
- No water so no risk of scalding
- Suitable for all ages
Cons
- Contains fragrances that may cause allergies
Best for pregnancy
Image: AmazonWhen you are pregnant, those aches and pains come in an abundance and even those areas you didn't even know could hurt begin to ache. A hot water bottle is a fantastic way to ease the pain without resorting to any medication. This extra long hot water bottle will have your whole body covered, tackling larger areas.
Pros
- Stays warm for hours
Cons
- Faux fur cover moults
Best faux fur water bottle
Image Notonthehighstreetwww.notonthehighstreet.com
This is the larger hot water bottle designed by Helen Moore. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the cute little teddy that the smaller version does but it is a really sweet mother and child gift. This is faux fur making it a great option for vegans.
**Mother&Baby Senior writer, Hannah Carroll said: "**My son was delighted when he saw that we had matching hot water bottles. This hot water bottle is so soft and also cruelty-free. It is of such high quality. I love using it when I have cramps as it eases the pain."
Pros
- Suitable for vegans
- Multiple colour choices
- Premium quality and softness
Cons
- Price
Best for Percy Pig lovers
Image: Marks&Spencerwww.marksandspencer.com
You can now get the iconic Percy Pig hot water bottle and we are obsessed. The M&S iconic pig first hit the supermarkets as a sweet in 1992 but has since expanded into more food, home and lifestyle products - and now, this cute hot water bottle.
Pros
- Fantastic for M&S fans
- Super cute
Cons
- Small size
The best hot water bottle safety advice
Using a hot water bottle may seem simple, but there is some safety guidance to follow:
• Use a cover and ensure that none of the rubber bottle is exposed
• Hot water should be filled by a responsible adult and never a child
• Do not lay on top of a hot water bottle
• Do not use if you are allergic to latex
• Use warm, cooled-down kettle water to fill
• Replace it every three years
Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.