For those new to the Lead Safe Mama website:
Tamara Rubin is a multiple-federal-award-winning independent advocate for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety, and a documentary filmmaker. She is also a mother of Lead-poisoned children (two of her four sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005).
- Tamara owns and runs Lead Safe Mama, LLC — a unique community collaborative woman-owned small business for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety.
- Since 2009, Tamara has been conducting XRF testing (a scientific testing method) using the exact instrumentation employed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to test consumer goods for toxicants (specifically heavy metals — including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, and Arsenic).
- Since July of 2022, the work of Lead Safe Mama, LLC has been responsible for five product recalls (FDA and CPSC).
- All test results reported on this website are science-based, accurate, and replicable.
- Items that Lead Safe Mama, LLC reports on are tested multiple times to confirm the results published (for each component tested).
- Recent notable press… There has been too much to mention already in 2024! Please check out our press page to see some of the amazing coverage of our work so far this year!
This is an ad-free article.
Advertising and affiliate income help Lead Safe Mama, LLC cover the costs of the work we do here (independent consumer goods testing and childhood Lead-poisoning prevention advocacy). We have removed ads from most of our more widely-read articles (like this one!) to make them easier for you to read. In addition to supporting this work by starting any shopping you might be doing with clicks on our affiliate links, if you would like to support the independent consumer goods testing and childhood Lead-poisoning prevention advocacy work of Lead Safe Mama, LLC by making a contribution (which will also help us keep our more widely-read articles ad-free), click here. Thank you!
Published: February 10, 2017
Updated: January 21, 2024
Here are some questions we get pretty frequently:
- Which water bottles are Lead-free?
- Which baby bottles are Lead-free?
- Which sippy cups are Lead-free?
- How do I tell if my child’s bottle is safe (Lead-safe, Lead-free, free of toxicants)?
Here are some general answers (please scroll down for a more detailed list of brands I have tested).
What about baby bottles?
This article used to contain more of a focus on baby bottles. Since we originally published this article, we have created a more comprehensive guide specifically for baby bottle products. As a result, this article does not cover information on most of the baby bottles we have tested. Click here to read our baby bottle guide (with XRF test results for all components of many popular baby bottle brands).
Section #1) Overarching Concerns:
- Of the many popular water bottle, sippy cups, and baby bottle brands Lead Safe Mama, LLC has tested with an XRF instrument, a surprising number have had at least one product test positive for (unsafe levels of) Lead.
- Lead Safe Mama, LLC has found unsafe levels of Lead in the decorative paint and painted measuring markings on both metal and glass bottles.
- Modern plastic bottles (baby bottles, sippy cups, etc.) are generally Lead-free.
- Modern silicone products typically (and consistently) test positive for trace levels of Cadmium. Cadmium is a known carcinogen often found in silicone at levels in the 10 to 30 ppm range (normally below 40 ppm with rare exceptions).
- Lead Safe Mama, LLC has found unsafe levels of Lead used as a “sealing dot” in the bottoms of insulated Stainless Steel and insulated Aluminum water bottles (this finding is fairly consistent on the sealing dot in many brands of metal bottles that have a dimple in the center of the bottom). Click here to see exactly what I mean by “sealing dot.”
- Based on our extensive testing of other types of consumer products (products that do not fall in the category of baby bottles, sippy cups, or water bottles) using the same type of materials and processes, we also have concerns about Lead in some of the plastic parts painted with metallic-colored paints (like chrome-look plastic).
Section #2) Some Additional Reading
- To learn more about XRF testing, click here.
- To see all of Lead Safe Mama, LLC’s articles related to water bottles, click here.
- To see all of Lead Safe Mama, LLC’s articles related to sippy cups, click here.
- To see all of Lead Safe Mama, LLC’s articles related to baby bottles, click here.
Section #3) Water bottle and sippy cup brands that Lead Safe Mama, LLC has tested and found to be positive for Lead on at least one occasion:
Please note, some of these brands may have fixed the problem after the work of Lead Safe Mama, LLC was brought to their attention (although their older Lead-contaminated products may not have been recalled and, in most cases, there was no public statement about the concern by the company in regards to their historic/ Lead-contaminated products).
Additionally, in most cases with each of these products, the Lead is not in a place that comes in contact with the contents of the bottle. However, in many of these cases, the Lead is accessible to a child’s hands on the outside of the bottle, and often times the level of Lead is quite high (for example, solid Lead solder used on the sealing dots of insulated bottles is sometimes close to 100% Lead and is often uncovered or has a seal/ sticker that could be easily removed by a child).
- Positive for Lead: Bindle Bottle insulated stainless steel water bottle (Leaded sealing dot fully exposed in the storage compartment). Recalled in 2023 — read more about this brand here.
- Positive for Lead: Contigo insulated stainless steel water bottles (Leaded sealing dot — either bare or covered by a painted coating).
- Positive for Lead: Corkcicle insulated stainless steel water bottles (Leaded sealing dot — either bare or covered by a painted coating).
- Positive for Lead: Crocodile Creek insulated stainless steel water bottles for children (Leaded sealing dot covered by a silver sticker)! Read more about that here.
- Positive for Lead: Cupkin insulated stainless steel cups for children and adults (Leaded sealing dot — covered by a painted coating). Recalled in 2023.
- Positive for Lead: Green Sprouts plastic and glass sippy cups (2018 and earlier) separate internal glass bottles have a high Lead content in the paint used on the colored measurement markings, which are painted on the outside of the inner glass part of the sippy cup.
- Positive for Lead: Green Sprouts insulated Stainless Steel baby bottles (2022 and earlier). Recalled in 2022.
- Positive for Lead: Healthy Human insulated stainless steel water bottle (Leaded sealing dot).
- Positive for Lead: Hydroflask pre-2017 Hydroflask brand insulated water bottles may have a Leaded sealing dot in the center of the bottom on the outside of the water bottle. In response to my work, Hydroflask went through extensive efforts to reformulate their products. All post-2017 insulated Hydroflask products that we have tested have, in fact, been consistently Lead-free.
- Positive for Lead: HydroJug insulated stainless steel water bottles (Leaded sealing dot).
- Positive for Lead: IronFlask insulated stainless steel water bottles (Leaded sealing dot).
- Positive for Lead: Pura Kiki insulated stainless baby bottles purchased and tested in 2016, 2017, 2018, and earlier had a Leaded sealing dot that could be exposed with failure of the product when the product was used normally — as intended — by a child.
- In 2017, the manufacturer told several Lead Safe Mama community members that the current model of their insulated stainless baby bottle (at that time) was Lead-free — a claim determined to be untrue in April 2017. Read more here.
- While stainless steel bottles from this brand may be Lead-free, neither the CPSC nor the manufacturer has implemented a recall for the Lead-contaminated versions of these bottles manufactured post-2018.
- As a result, Lead Safe Mama, LLC filed a CSPC violation notice demanding a recall of Pura Stainless’ insulated Stainless Steel Lead-contaminated products (still in use in homes across the United States) in 2023.
- The company responded to our violation report by threatening to sue Lead Safe Mama, LLC for factually reporting the issue with their products to the CPSC.
- Here’s a link with the 2023 recall notice we filed.
- Here’s a link with the 2023 letter from Pura Stainless’ attorneys demanding we retract our public (factual) statements.
- Positive for Lead: Planet Box insulated water bottle (has an exposed Leaded sealing dot found with initial testing in 2017).
- Planet Box has since changed the construction method so there is no longer an exposed Leaded sealing dot, although we are not 100% certain they have removed the Lead from their product (we would need to do some destructive testing on a newer version of their products to determine this).
- Positive for Lead: Stanley Quencher insulated stainless steel water bottles (Leaded sealing dot — covered by a stainless disc or bottom cap). Read more about that here.
- Positive for Lead: Takeya insulated stainless steel water bottles (Leaded sealing dot).
- Positive for Lead: ThermoFlask insulated stainless steel water bottles (Leaded sealing dot).
- Positive for Lead: U-Konserve insulated travel cup. A Leaded “sealing dot” in the center of the bottom of the cup was discovered when testing through the bottom covering, which is a silicone seal. The concern is for potential exposure that could possibly happen when the silicone seal begins peel off (which happens with use over time as the adhesive breaks down from washing the product).
- Positive for Lead: Waterford Lead-Crystal Baby Bottles (c. 1980s) have poisoned children. These are Leaded crystal, generally containing more than 300,000 ppm Lead. Avoid them at all costs.
- Positive for Lead: Yeti insulated stainless steel products do have a Leaded sealing dot under the bottom cap. In 2023, we received several reports from members of the Lead Safe Mama community that the bottom caps of their Yetis had fallen off (with normal use as intended). More information about Yeti at this link.
- Positive for Lead: Zak insulated stainless steel water bottles & cups (Leaded sealing dot — covered by a disc that falls off when used as intended). See video with testing here.
Section #4) Recommendations — Considerations:
- The recommended water bottles pictured below are the same as (or very similar to) ones we have frequently tested that have been consistently Lead-free in all components. Most of these are also the same as (and/or similar to) bottles I (Tamara Rubin — owner of Lead Safe Mama, LLC) have chosen to use in my home with my family.
- The recommendations in this article (section #6 below) only include bottles from brands we have tested COUNTLESS examples of and CONSISTENTLY found to be Lead-free in all components.
- Other brands may claim to — and in fact — be Lead-free now, but have contained Lead in past years and so I am not yet personally confident they will necessarily continue the same amount of rigor in their manufacturing processes (or supply chain oversight) on an ongoing basis.
Section #5) Lead Safe Mama guidelines for purchasing water bottles, baby bottles, and sippy cups:
- Do Not Buy metal water bottles with decorative paint unless they are a known Lead-free brand (brands with known Lead-free paint include Klean Kanteen and Hydro Flask).
- Please note: MOST bottles sold today and manufactured as intended for children SHOULD be free of Lead in the paint and coatings, but there are always exceptions to this (especially with off-brands and Chinese knock-offs sold on Amazon or Temu).
- Do Not Buy insulated stainless steel (or other insulated/ double-wall metal) water bottles with a small circular dimple (an indent that you can feel with your finger) in the center on the bottom of the bottle (unless it is a known Lead-free brand), because it may have very high levels of Lead in this component.
- Do Not Buy insulated (double-wall) metal water bottles with a center sticker (paper, plastic, or other material) or other cover (silicone disk, stainless disk) on the middle of the bottom that might be covering a Leaded sealing dot, especially if it looks like that sticker or seal may be able to be removed by a child.
- This is only a concern with insulated/ double-walled stainless steel bottles.
- This is not a concern for single-wall (non-insulated) stainless steel water bottles.
- Do Buy clear glass bottles WITHOUT painted markings (known brands are best, but most unpainted clear glass water bottles should be Lead-free).
- Do Buy single-wall (non-insulated) stainless bottles WITHOUT painted markings, or buy brands that have consistently and repeatedly tested Lead-free.
It’s not just water bottles! To see more items that have been tested by Lead Safe Mama, LLC, click here.
Section #6) Lead Safe Mama Recommended Brands
The list below includes Lead-free options for water bottle, baby bottle, and sippy cup choices that I used for my own children. I will add to the recommended products on this page (below) as I test other water bottle products that consistently test negative for Lead.
If there is a bottle brand you own that is not in the “recommendations” section of this page (or that you do not see in section #4 above), it is likely because I have not tested it.
6.A.) LifeFactory Glass Water Bottles
NOTE: Bottles manufactured for use by children and adults from this brand have been tested. The glass (food-contact surface) of products from this brand is consistently free of toxicants including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic, and Antimony. The silicone components (for example, the external sleeve) can test positive for trace levels of Cadmium (typically levels below 20 ppm) that are considered safe by all standards (U.S. and international). For my family, I have purchased the LifeFactory options with hard plastic caps (without silicone). In addition to being a good option for use as a water bottle, glass bottles are the best choice for any beverages other than water.
6.B.) Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottles
NOTE: Bottles manufactured for use by children and adults from this brand have been tested. The non-insulated bottles from this brand are consistently Lead-free. The paint on these bottles is Lead-free. I have purchased the hard plastic caps for my family when using these bottles. I do not recommend the insulated stainless steel bottles from this brand as I have not confirmed whether-or-not they have Lead (I do not typically do destructive testing — as most items tested and reported on for the Lead Safe Mama, LLC website are items sent in by readers).
6.C.) Sigg Aluminum Water Bottles Made for use by Children
NOTE: I have not tested the SIGG Bottles made for adults, but have tested and used this brand (not these exact models) for my children when they were younger. I personally prefer Stainless Steel and glass bottles to Aluminum bottles, however this brand consistently tests Lead-free and their colorful designs were useful when I had four children at home and needed to quickly distinguish which water bottle belonged to which kid! When using an Aluminum bottles (and also when using Stainless Steel bottles), the water should not be kept in the bottle for more than one day. Metal water bottles should be used only for water and they should be rinsed out daily with cold water and refilled daily with fresh water (each day before sending them to school with your children, for example). Science supports the use of Aluminum for water bottles (it is not a toxicant exposure concern for use with water), however, I do not recommend using these (or any other metal bottles) for juice or other beverages other than water.
6.D.) Hydro Flask Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Given Hydro Flask’s more recent track record of consistently manufacturing Lead-free double-walled insulated stainless steel products, I have (more recently) purchased Hydro Flask products for my family. Again (as with the recommendation above) I only recommend stainless steel water bottles (and other similar stainless steel products for beverages) for use with water (not for use with coffee, juice, tea or other acidic and/or hot beverages). Here are some Hydro Flask selections:
6.E.) If (for whatever reason) you need a non-metal/ non-glass option, the following plastic brands we have tested have also tested Lead-free* when tested using XRF technology:
*Silicone components on these products may test positive for trace-Cadmium (trace = levels that are very low and considered safe by all U.S. and international standards).
Happy shopping — and as always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Elise Rubin
Owner — Lead Safe Mama, LLC
Mother of Lead-poisoned children
#LeadSafeMama
Amazon links are affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking on a Lead Safe Mama, LLC affiliate link, Lead Safe Mama, LLC may receive a small percentage of what you spend, at no extra cost to you.
Have you tested Funtainers? There’s no visible dot or dimple on the bottom, and the material covering the bottom does not come off.
I’d love to know about the Funtainers too. Happy to mail you one, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VFFJFYL?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Any word on the thermos brand stainless steel water cans? They claim to be lead free too but what I’m learning here is that’s not always so. :-/
I’m also curious about these Thermos Funtainer bottles: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CBFAF48/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1486953411&sr=1-1&keywords=Thermos
Can you tell us about the thermos stainless steel the Funtainer either with or without designs (they’re sold everywhere and my kids have about 3-4 each, now I’m worried)
Thank you for your important work! I was wondering if you’ve done any testing in Crocadile Creek brand metal water bottles.
Thanks!
She mentions crocodile creek in the article
Have you tested the insulated stainless tumbler from Harbor Freight
I’m also curious about the Funtainers and whether or not the outside paint has been tested. Thank you!
Have you found any sippy cups that have straws and are lead free?
Have you tested Zojirushi’s stainless steel thermos? https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SM-KHE48AG-Stainless-Steel-16-Ounce/dp/B005PO9T44/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1488849551&sr=1-1&keywords=zojirushi+thermos
Thanks!
I was wondering about Thermos Stainless Steal water bottles as well.
Hello! Thank you for these recommendations, this is so helpful. I was wondering if you tested or heard of Elk and Friends Eco glass sippy cups?thank you so much!
I’m curious about bottles from Contigo (www.gocontigo.com), as this company seems to be making tremendous inroads into the water bottle market. I seem to recall one link online about some lead in these bottles, but I can’t find it now. The bottles are made in China, so we only have our government’s statements and the company’s word as to the safety of the products they are importing to the U.S.A. I have used one of their stainless steel (AUTOSEAL) bottles for about a year. Very often there is a white powdery residue on the inside of the bottle (at the opening) which has me concerned. The residue wipes away and washes away easily, but it’s concerning nonetheless. I like the fact that this bottle holds cold liquids cold for many hours, but if my health is going to be affected by the presence of lead or any other undesirable contaminant, I’d rather refill a different container more frequently with ice water and/or ice cubes. If anyone has any information on this brand, please let me know. Thanks in advance! Robert
Yes!! These are our bottles of choice as well, can you please test them? I’d be grateful.
Hi,
I would like to ask did you get answer about contigo autoseal bottles?
Thank you
I think the ring of white you’re seeing is evaporated water minerals. That’s my guess.
You mention in another article that the only bottle you recommend is Hydroflask but its not listed here. Is it still a recommended brand? Looking for safe kids water bottles
Thanks so much, your site is so helpful!
Where you able to find more info on Contigo? I’ve used them for a while and my kids too.
I want to say thank you so much for the work that you do. I had already bought the Klean Kanteen bottles for my daughter but they were to big for her for so I bought a Pura. I was just about to order more of the Pura bottles when I came across your article. It makes me so angry. I really trusted them especially where they have the MADE SAFE logo but apparently that isn’t trustworthy either. Thank you, thank you and thank you!
I did a lot of research and bought the Pura bottles at one point as well. They also use silicone straws and toppers so now that’s a concern with the cadmium. 🙁
Evening and thank you wholeheartedly for the work you are doing!! Might i suggest testing the i9 glass water bottles.
How about Takeya bottles? Thanx!
I am currently searching for a new water bottle for my growing child, and finally settled on a Takeya bottle as well. Would love to know if this brand has been tested for lead!!
I have tested some and I believe they all have been lead-free, but not enough to make a blanket statement about the brand.
Hey Tamara 🙂 thank you so much for all the work you do !
Do you know anything about BJPKPK ? And are stainless steel straws safe ? Thank you
Hi Tamara,
have you tested the Klean Kanteen Kid Cup Stainless Steel Cup with Spill-Poof Straw Lid or the Lifefactory Stainless-Steel Vacuum-Insulated Wide-Neck Baby Bottle with Straw Cap?
Thank you so much for all your hard work and sharing all that helpful information with us!
yes! same! we only use those and love them! Keep drinks hot or cold for hours and I love the new flip top spout type. If anyone knows anything about the safety of Takeya bottles, please share!
Thank you for sharing the test results and recommendations. I am also curious if the Zojirushi thermos bottles referenced above contain lead. They are our families’ favorite.
Thanks again!
Have you tested EcoVessel? (like their Gobble N Go cups)
Perhaps. Can you send me a photo and I can search for it based on the image. Thank you.
Sent! Also: https://www.ecovessel.com/gobble-n-go-stainless-steel-snack-cup-2-lids/
I’m curious about the thermos foogo containers. Have you tested those?
I tested this exact one (affiliate link) and it was negative for lead: http://amzn.to/2DpjCqM
Note: I did not disassemble it to test it, so there is still a possibility of lead under the bottom cap (which is fairly permanently affixed) but I can’t know that unless I can get one to disassemble. That said I have not heard of the bottom caps of these popping off (as they do with the Pura Kiki bottles) so I do not have the same concern for this product.
Ok… I guess I jinxed myself. I have one where the bottom just came loose. It hasn’t fallen off yet. I’m going to throw it out. Do you want to test it? I can send it to you.
If you can send it to me with evidence of the date of purchase I would LOVE to have that for my collection! [Because I am trying to demonstrate what years these have been available]
However you could call the company and ask for a replacement too!
I have a thermos brand insulated metal character drink container that has lost its plastic bottom. I haven’t been able to bring myself to toss it, though none of my kids use it any longer. It is much older however. I believe I purchased it around 2009. If you’re interested, I’ll send it to you.
Hi Kelly!
For starters, I’d love it if you could send me a picture of the bottom! TamaraRubin@mac.com
Thank you for commenting!
Tamara
Hi Tamara,
Thank you for this important work. Our family has also been on the lead education fast track because of an irresponsible neighbor and his home improvement projects, which left my 2 kids with elevated lead levels. We love the thermos 12 oz Thermos funtainer with straw, and have used them for years. After reading your post about the lead sealing dot I was concerned because we also had a bottle whose bottom cover easily came off. I just wanted to let you know that they are not as sturdy as they might seem. This is the best bottle for our family because of the straw and ability to keep water cold, but I am at a loss about whether to buy it again to replace the one with the loose boot. I’m looking forward to hearing the results. I’d send you our bottle, but it got lost during our holiday travels.
My kids have had about eight of these Foggo bottles and three have had the bottoms come off. There appears to be a lead dot underneath ( darker metal). I got rid of it before testing though.
Thank you for your tests:-) Now, I am trying to choose a bottle for our little one and I have found out that it is quite a difficult task… However, I want to ask about Thinkbaby (https://enlightenedbaby.com/shop/feeding/thinkbaby-of-steel-bottle/) and Pacific Baby (https://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Baby-Bottle-Blueberries-Ounce/dp/B0085P4Z6M).
I would also like to know if thinkbaby has been tested for lead. Their website says lead free but we can’t trust that most of the time. My daughter is just getting ready to get to start learning to use a straw or sippy cup and I feel so worried about choosing one for her.
I will see what I can find in my archives!
Any news on the think baby?
Hi Ruby –
I haven’t yet done a full workup on that product. Here’s the link to send me something for testing (if someone wants to order one and have it sent to me, knowing I may destroy it / take it apart for testing!):
https://tamararubin.com/2019/08/tamara-can-i-send-you-one-of-my-dishes-to-test-for-lead/
Here’s an affiliate link to the ThinkBaby products: https://amzn.to/3iyxJOt
I am not sure if they are insulated or not. From the Amazon ads it looks like they are not insulated.
Tamara
Have you or can you test MY BEVI Insulated water bottles?
I don’t believe I have. Folks send me things in for testing, so someone would have to send me one.
Hi there,
Are the plain Pura Kiki stainless steel bottles ok? It’s all steel with no colors.
Please take a look at these posts. The issue is the insulated vs. the not insulated and not the colors. https://tamararubin.com/category/purakiki/
Are there any insulated thermoses that you have found to be lead free? I know Klean Kanteen is listed but the pictures are of non insulated ones. I was hoping to purchase an insulated version but I prefer it to not have the solder dot hidden under the bottom cover. Thanks so much for all of your hard work on this matter. It’s sad that our country doesn’t value our health and do more to protect us, especially our children.
Since I haven’t taken them apart in my work, I can’t be sure of which ones are insulated and don’t have lead. However the new hydroflasks have been testing lead-free (because they fixed an issue in the past) so I would consider going with them. I also have never seen the bottom fall off a Thermos brand flat, so I think those are likely a good choice (although they may have lead in the sealing dot, it does not seem to ever become exposed.) Here are a couple of affiliate links for those products: Hydroflask: https://amzn.to/2slC0eK, Thermos Brand product: https://amzn.to/2LCdcbp
Hi,
Have you tested any glass bottle that does not have have any markings at all or has the markings on the outside?
The LifeFactory bottles do not have any printed markings. That’s one of the main reasons I use them.
This may be a naive questions, but if the solder point is covered by an insulated bottom (like the foogo bottle), is it safe to use as long as my kid does t touch the solder point? Or does the lead leech into the inside of the water too? Do you know of any glass bottles that use a silicone straw? I’ve read that even when plastic is BPA free, the replacement material can be just as toxic. Many thanks for your research!
Hi Jenny!
The leaded sealing dot on the bottom is safe as long as it is covered, it does not impact the contents of the bottle at all.
I have never heard of the Foogo/Thermos bottles (https://amzn.to/2JfrFI2) having their bottom cap come off, and so I feel they are really good choices, unlike the Pura Kiki (https://amzn.to/2Na9eXF) where the bottom comes off. The LifeFactory bottles have a silicone straw top option (https://amzn.to/2upftz2)!
Links are affiliate links.
Tamara
Hello Jenny, you’ve read the replacement material of BPA can be just as toxic? Is that for straws or *all* plastic? If so, please supply a peer-reviewed study reference if you may.
The most I’ve read about that being bad if it’s scratched, heated, etc. Thanks.
Hi, I just tested the paint on two different baby food glass jars that are being marketed by their manufacturers as “lead free.” I use these jars to store pumped breast milk for my 4 month old infant. I used the 3M LeadCheck Swabs and found that *both* Jervis & George and Nellam glass baby food jars contain lead in the paint that is used to stamp the makers’ marks as well as the volumetric markings on the exterior of the jars. I became concerned when I read negative reviews on Amazon.com about the Green Sprouts sippy cups and noticed that the painted markings on the Nellam jars was wearing off with washes. When washing, I was soaking these jars with other bottles and breast pump parts, so who knows if particles of that lead paint are now contaminating those things, too? I immediately had my infant tested, and he has 4 mcg/dl of lead in his blood. Although my child’s pediatrician is not concerned, because my infant’s blood lead levels aren’t 5 mcg/dl or more, I’m really upset. Is there a place where I can file an official complaint (besides Amazon, where I bought these jars)? Would the FDA care to hear about this, since the manufacturers are essentially lying about their products being “lead free”?
Here are the jars I tested: https://amzn.to/2O0yIb7 and https://amzn.to/2zZ2yKa
Incidentally, I tested Phillips Avent glass bottles with the swabs, and the paint on those tested negative.
Thank you for sharing this important information! I will try to get my hands on those other brands and test them as well (with an XRF instrument). If you want to send me yours to test (or order me some sent directly to test) with an XRF instrument, that would be great. I did know that the Avent bottles are lead-free! I have a post about that. 🙂 https://tamararubin.com/2017/03/avent-glass/
Currently the CPSC does not consider it a violation (that these children’s products are painted with lead paint!) because [their logic] if you scrape all the paint off it isn’t a significant amount of the material of the product (by volume). Of course I disagree with this. The more data points we can gather on this the better. Feel free to email me: TamaraRubin@mac.com – I think the next step is to get the press involved and I have been trying to get press to cover this story for more than a year, but will keep trying. I cannot believe there is not widespread public outrage over the fact that there is lead in baby bottles and similar products intended for food use purposes with infants. Pressure from the press often generates the necessary awareness to precipitate change when complaining through normal government channels end up being a futile exercise. I have also thought that if we could get a celebrity (mama who has a new baby) interested in the concern that could help in a very big way. It’s all about making connections with people who can help make a bigger noise!
P.S. Alli, I posted each of these products on my Lead Safe Mama facebook page to see if anyone could buy them to send to me for testing. I also wanted to let you know that this makes SIX brands of baby food storage products/ baby bottle products that are positive for lead, hopefully a journalist will finally pick up this story! I will send it out to my mailing list and create blog posts about it as well!
I’m so upset I have the second set of glass bottles. I bought them because they were glass and free of toxins and lead or so I thought. I will be contacting amazon and can send you the jars if you’d like. I bought them in 9/17. Please let me know if you’d like them.
Thank you so much for being in touch AnnMarie! I look forward to testing these with an XRF instrument!
I also wanted to add that I have contacted amazon and asked that they remove these from their site.
I have the same concern too! Will those lead painted items contaminate other items by washing or steamer them together?
Hello, and thank you for your important work.
I have been using the Japanese brand Zojirushi insulated jar (made in Thailand)
https://amzn.to/2B94uOd (Tamara’s aflink)
As can be seen on the customer’s photo, there is a seal in the middle of the bottom, so I am concerned.
Could you please advise how I can test whether the jar is safe? I live in Japan, so it is difficult to send it to you.
What about the insulated bottle now in 2019? I called them and they had me speak with their customer service manager. She said that their previous model had lead in the solder but they’ve changed their new model to so that the solder point is 100% lead free. Have you tested the newest version? I’m trying so hard to find an insulated water bottle that is SAFE. Thank you!
Hi Alexandria, which brand are you referring to? Pura Kiki? I have not yet tested new bottles from that brand. New insulated Hydroflasks are lead-free.
Tamara
Hi! Thank you so much for replying! Yeah, I’m talking about the new Pura Kiki Insulated ones. What do you think at this point? I was thinking of getting the hydro flask ones but I’m also trying to avoid plastic though of course plastic is nothing compared to lead. How’s the quality of the hydroflask plastic top? Any non plastic tops you’ve found that fit on the kids hydroflask? I’ve seen a lot of clay and cork water bottles come out as well. I wish they weren’t so breakable and kids could use them!
What about Swell or the Sip by Swell bottles?
Thanks so much for helping us keep our kids (and us) safer <3
Hello! Have you tested bkr glass bottles?
Hi Lindsy.
Is bkr a brand? I am not familiar with it.
T
Hello Tamara,
Have you tested the soldered seam inside a Klean Kanteen single-wall bottle (not insulated)? I’m afraid the XRF instrument can’t reach this seam.
Have you tested Kids Camelbak Stainless Steel Eddy water bottle? I’m
curious about it, especially all of the painted designs on their bottles. They claim to be lead free. Thank you!
Have you tested Purifyou glass water bottles. They are the only company I could find that makes 32 oz bottles. Is it generally safe to assume that clear glass with no paint is safe?
I also wanted to add to another persons question.. have you found any lead free bottles for kids that have silicone straws or non plastic mouth pieces? I loved the pura kika for this but I will no longer support the company.
Just a gentle fyi from a chemistry nerd: silicone IS a plastic! It is a polymer — and that is the very definition of a plastic! Depending upon their compositions, silicones can be among the less concerning plastics.
I am also looking for a safe insulated bottle without plastic. We have been using Pura, but then I saw this article! I am also looking for an insulated food container in which food does not come into contact with plastic. Any ideas?
Hi Ashley,
The best insulated bottle brand I have found so far is Hydroflask. They are a very conscious company when it comes to toxics concerns. I can’t answer your question about plastic components though. It seems like almost all of these products have some plastic components. Silicon is also really not much different than plastic in terms of an environmental impact (if that is your main concern).
Here’s an Amazon affiliate link to a HydroFlask product that might be appropriate: https://amzn.to/2XcLXO1
Tamara
Hello,
Can you test Elk & Friends Glass and Stainless Steel cups? ? These are becoming so popular, I see them everywhere and cannot find a single test done to verify it is safe.
Thank you!!
Hi Tamara, you said the Klean Kanteen painted bottles for kids are okay? What about the insulated bottles for Klean Kanteen, are they lead free or is the lead just not accessible? Thank you for your time.
Sorry, one more question Tamara. Would this Hydro flask be good for a toddlers water bottle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MZCDJR3/?coliid=I3G8IC6M9RWJA7&colid=2LG4J24N2Y8FM&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it Also, is Hydro flask truly lead free or is their lead dot just covered too?
Tamara,
Have you seen the Munchkin Miracle 360 cups that are so popular in stainless steel now? They don’t have a dimple on the outside on the bottom but have a raised bump on the inside that is the same color/consistency as the rest of the cup. Is this the dot you refer to, just covered? It’s hard to explain! Happy to send a photo.
Ever tested any electric water coolers, like that you’d find in an office that use a 5 gallon / 19.5 liter plastic or glass jug on top (like the proverbial “water cooler talk/gossip around the office”). I tried your search bar and sitemap but wasn’t able to find anything. I’ve also seen what look like glazed ceramic crocks at water jug refill stores/shops that look non-electrical: type into Google Images “water crock” to see what I’m talking about. Maybe you could find an old one for free on FreeCycle, or a cheap one at a garage sale or Craigslist and deconstruct it and test the internal components; that would be interesting. Would be interesting to see some watering cans (either plastic or metal) and planters/containers (terracotta, plastic, yixing clay from China, bonsai containers, fishbowl Chinese planters, etc.) tested to, for those who like potted plants. Components inside dishwashing machines, components inside clothes dryers and washers (like the grey rubber ring gasket in front-loading high efficiency washers), remotes / “channel changers” for TVs, buttons on TVs, printers, DVD players and camcorders, Rubbermaid storage containers and folding step-stools, ladders, and buttons on lamps. My apologies if you’ve already tested these things.
Hi Tamara,
Have you tested the PB Kids Mackenzie water bottles? Their product description says they are “lead-free” but I wonder if that is just the exposed parts.
Thanks!
Hi Tamara，
Thank your very much for all the great efforts and information. As a mother,l learned a lot from your website and tried to avoid lead and other harmful heavy metals for my baby. From the result of the tests, I found almost every silicon straw used in baby straw cup has some trace of cadmium, and I agree with you that any baby products that intends to go into baby’s mouth shouldn’t contain any toxicant even if it’s within safety standards. I notice you’ve recommended some Sippy cup that is free of lead and cadmium, but for straw cups there’s none. Pediatrician recommends to use straw cups instead of Sippy cup for baby of 18 months up, so I tried all my efforts to find one baby straw cup that is free of lead and cadmium and other toxicant but I can’t find one. Do you have some recommendation? You’ve mentioned the avent glass bottle is free of lead and cadmium, how about their straw cup? Does avent straw cups contain lead and cadmium? How about life factory straw cup which seems to heavy for baby to hold? Many thanks
Hi Bella – The life factory straws can go either way.
I don’t recall testing an Avent straw cup.
Here’s a link about how to send one to me for testing: https://tamararubin.com/2019/08/tamara-can-i-send-you-one-of-my-dishes-to-test-for-lead/
Thank you for commenting.
Tamara
On Amazon the Klean kanteen stainless steel replacement lids have the prop 65 warning for lead. Have you tested those? I thought it was perhaps a generic warning but it specifically states lead and the bottles do not have the warning at all. Thanks!
I have not tested any stainless steel replacement lids that I can recall.
T
Hello, I recently purchased a lot of bottles and food containers from Klean Kanteen because of this article. Unfortunately, I purchased the insulated bottles and tumblers. I did not go with Hydroflask because you have them as a company that did test positive for lead, at some point. But then read a comment where you recommended their insulated bottles but not KK. I did not read that comment So I went with KK not realizing you only tested the single wall bottles. My children exclusively drink their milk from Klean Kanteen’s insulated 8oz tumblers because the size of the cups for my kids little hands are perfect. I put a Boon snug silicone lid over the top and a Siliskin silicone straw. Can you give me any reassurance on any of these Klean Kanteen insulated kids bottles, insulated tumblers, and/or stainless steel single wall food canisters? My 4 year old daughter has been in the ER twice this year for vomiting blood and she will be seeing a GI specialist in January so I am trying my hardest to make sure my children are drinking and eating safely. Thank you so much.
Hi Alejandra! I wanted you to know I saw this and will respond with some detail later.
-Tamara
I have the exact same concern! Please keep us posted and thank you so much for your hard work.
Hoping for a point of clarification on this though. Elsewhere on this page you mention that you recommend only water for metal bottles. Is cold milk an exception? Thanks!
Not for long-term storage. I recommend storing milk in glass whenever possible. If you need to send milk to school with kiddos and they don’t allow glass – just make sure that is used within a few hours (which I expect it would be in most cases).
T
Alejandra, did you ever find out if the klean kanteen insulated bottles are safe ?
Cheers, rubena
Hi Rubena,
I haven’t disassembled a new Kleen Kanteen insulated bottle, which is why I don’t recommend their insulated bottles (yet). Someone would have to send me one to take apart in order for me to do that (or perhaps when business is doing better I will buy one to take it apart for testing! 😉
In the meantime I only recommend hydroflask for insulated bottles. Here’s an affiliate link for an example: https://amzn.to/3ixBWSC
Tamara
Thanks so much. Do you have affiliate links for amazon Australia? I’d love to purchase some products you suggested but I’d like to also support you with some percentage. Amazon.au is often the only way we can purchase as opposed to USA. Cheers
I have been using Paula Deen red pots and pans set for over 7 years now. Recently I started learning about all the lead in different products. My question is, I’m looking to upgrade to a safer option for pots/pans and also dishware since I have two children. I cannot find recommendations for pots/pans. Help please!
Thank you!
Whitney
Is the hydro flask leaded seal on the outside of the bottle underneath the paint? Or is it on the inside? I own several of these bottles, and I am now freaking out that I have poisoned myself and my family!
Hi Katie,
Here’s an example of a Leaded sealing dot. They are on the outside and don’t touch the beverage – but can be interacted with by the user.
https://tamararubin.com/2018/03/another-corkcicle-advertised-as-lead-free-but-597000-ppm-lead-in-the-exposed-sealing-dot-on-the-bottom/
Hydroflask models since about 2017 have Lead-free sealing dots. Here’s an affiliate link to Hydroflask for other readers who are curious: https://amzn.to/3k1Nle3
Tamara
Aluminum is a neurotoxin, how would an aluminum water bottle be safe?
Any update on testing the Munchkin 360 stainless steel cup for children? I’m really concerned about that one.
I also have insulated Kleen Kanteen bottles for my 2 year old.
Are both of these safe? Some people are saying the Munchkin cup has a raised dot on the inside??????!
I would like to know about this as well. We have the stainless steel munchkin and my son has a polar camel 12 oz tumbler I’m curious about.
My husband’s Yeti insulated stainless steel water containers’ bottom came off. He continued to use it until I made him throw it away. Had I not been reading your blog & fb posts, we would not have known that it was exposed lead!!! This is so scary & so harmful to unsuspecting consumers. Thank you a million times for the knowledge that you share!!
Thank you so much Dawn!
That’s awful that a brand as expensive as YETI has a leaded sealing dot! So infuriating. Hydro Flask solved that problem 4 years ago!
Tamara
Hi Dawn, are you saying you tested the solder and know it’s leaded? Or just making an educated guess based on the fact that it seems like nearly every solder dot except for Hydroflask’s uses lead? (I agree that’s probably the case and in absence of clear information otherwise that should be the assumption, but am just wondering if you have extra information about Yeti). Thanks!
Hello Tamara, I was wondering if you have ever tested or know of Munchkin 360 cups to contain any lead, cadmium, or barium? I see you tested there weighted straw cups but I know so many parents, including myself that use the 360 cups. It has a silicone top attached to the lid that they sip from so it is “leak proof” but similar to drinking from an open cup. But they are always exposed and drinking from the silicone part. I worry if it may have dangerous metals that I don’t know about. As well as a new small open cup teaching babies how to drink is called the EZPZ silicone cup. Just pure silicone all around. Ever heard of that one too?
Thank you for all you do!
I am also curious about these two cups: the munchkin 360 is one of the most popular kids cups out there.
Related to feeding bottles, have you ever tested any electric breast pump? so important to use a non toxic one?
Tamara,
Are all colors from Kleen Kanteen non insulated ones okay? Do you expect variation there?
Thanks for your work!
Nidhi
Thank you again for all of your work. Have you tested Simple Modern tumblers? They do have the dimple on the bottom of the stainless steel. My one year old just learned to drink water from a straw from one of these and I have been using it while breastfeeding. https://www.simplemodern.com/collections/insulated-stainless-steel-tumblers/products/classic-tumbler-24oz?variant=28247685005384
Thanks!
Stefanie
Thank you for all of your research and testing! I know Life Factory is a favorite of yours- have you tested their stainless steel sippy cup (with silicone sippy) yet?
I have it here and need to test it – I will add it to the bunch I am working to publish this week
Hello,
Have u tested the straw in the life factor glass bottle U have linked ?
Have you tested any ceramic crock water dispensers? Geo Sports makes a ceramic crock that they claim is lead free, but it comes from China, so I am unsure. I can’t find a crock that does not come from China .
Hello,
I was looking at a glass water bottle by Water Drop. Do you have any information on this brand?
https://www.waterdrop.com/products/edition-glass?
variant=40610575646754&gclid=CjwKCAjwqJSaBhBUEiwAg5W9p6F792dXiDYF2X7KHy_jXaU09caDK7t4JFjoyvxdo7g_qLxodrZLnhoCLcMQAvD_BwE
They claim it is made out of lead-free crystal and made from Borosilicate glass.
Thank you!
Hello Tamara , can you recommend non insulated water bottle for kids ? I just bought klean kanteen classic kids 12 oz non brushed is it lead free ? Hope to hear back , Thank you
yes – those are fine.
Tamara, wondering if you have had Starbucks thermal mugs tested for lead paint. I have one that has different colour patterns painted all over the outside of it. I’ve been concerning myself with the lead soldering this whole time that I didn’t think there could be lead in the paint. Please let me know your thoughts or how I can test for lead in the paint. The thermos mug is from approx 10 to 12 years ago.
Here’s the Starbucks cagetory – let me know if you don’t find what you are looking for:
https://tamararubin.com/category/starbucks/
Taam
This might not seem like the most important thing, but it is very hard to follow along on both this site and your social media. I understand there is a lot of important information to share but there’s a reason most healthy behavior sites I follow use attention grabbing pictures with just a paragraph attached. Because they want to get their point across without losing the attention of the readers. While everything you say is important and valid almost nobody has the time to read all this. So all I’m suggesting is to find a better way to relay information that is less cluttered. I say this with kindness because I think your message is important but I’ve sent your information to 3 people now and all of them have said I’m not reading all this. You’re losing people in the clutter.
I have to have all of the information I share in each post so that I am not sued. I am different than others as I am doing the science myself and risk a lot with the related liability. Since I am not “just a blogger” I have to be thorough and careful.
T
Hello, I have read all of this and just want to make sure I’m following correctly – there is not necessarily any concern about Pura Kiki non-insulated bottles? But they would not be recommended because of the egregious way they handled selling the lead bottles after they were identified as being hazardous? Also, regarding the old insulated Hydroflask and the Yeti bottles – in terms of soldering lead, is it correct that this isn’t necessarily a huge concern if the metal covering on the bottom is securely in place? But obviously would be a huge concern if became loose or off? Am I understanding that correctly? Thanks!
Hi Tamara, thank you for your hard work and sharing it with us! I’ve been looking for safe water bottles and zippy cups for young children and toddlers. Is there any that you recommend? Again, thank you so much for everything you do!
Hello Tamara,
I have been following your page for a while now. I was going to buy the klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle for my kids. But it has a silicon sports cap… Have you tested this one for cadimum?
I have not. I used their hard-plastic caps for my kids.
Hi Tamara –
I was wondering if you’ve tested the PB Kids and/or PB Teen water bottles. They claim to be BPA and lead free.
https://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/mackenzie-marvel-spider-man-critter-glow-water-bottle/?pkey=cshop-all-water-bottles
https://www.pbteen.com/products/harry-potter-herbology-slim-water-bottle/?pkey=charry-potter-shop
Also, have you tested Elk and Friends glass mason jars with silicon straws?
Elk and Friends Kids & Toddler Cups | The Original Glass Mason jars 8 oz with Silicone Sleeves & Silicone Straws with Stoppers | Smoothie Cups | Spill Proof Sippy Cups for Toddlers https://a.co/d/eHeRmey
I have been using the pottery barn water bottles for years and now I’m concerned as it appears to have a “bump” in the middle of the bottom.
If you haven’t tested them, I am happy to purchase them and send them to you for testing.
You mention not to use for coffee, what do you recommend for coffee or hot drinks
This is the reusable Lead-free coffee cup I use every day (it is sitting next to me at the table as I type this!) aflink: https://amzn.to/4aYnvlI
Hi! Have you tested Beaba stainless steel cups?
Hi ! I’m curious about Beaba stainless steel cups too. Thank you !
So what do you use to put your coffee or tea in?
Did you know Klean Kanteen is using certified 90% post consumer recycled steel in many of their products? What do you think of that?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B2W5S9R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=auntie07-20&linkId=69b930af473f0ad42e0ffef62820d2c9&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Curious about Ello and Ozark Trail. Ello’s website says they are lead-free. We currently use their Emma line but those have silicone outers and spouts.
Ozark Trail stainless tumblers have been revamped and now have the dimple on the bottom. I won’t buy those. But I do buy any older ones I can find that have a flat bottom.
I want to know about the brands Klean Kanteen and Odwalla bottles that are newly popular.
Hi Tamara –
Are we concerned with the lead in Stanley (and other brands) only if the bottom comes off exposing the lead in the base (and possibly coming into contact with our skin)? Or can the lead leech into the stainless steel or liquid even if not exposed?
Discussed here:
https://tamararubin.com/2024/01/stanley-confirms-that-they-are-aware-of-the-fact-that-their-stanley-cup-insulated-tumblers-are-made-with-lead/
And here:
Thank you for your work. Just wondering if you have tested Swell brand insulated bottles. Thank you!
Hello, have you tested the brumate era tumblers?
Thank you for all of this helpful information and research! And your work to keep our children and ourselves safe.
I have a question regarding toddler insulated thermos for food, any suggestions or what is a better alternative? Also Pura Kiki bottles I purchased one for my infant and still using as a toddler in 2020/2021 are these safe now? As for glass water bottles are silicone straws a bad idea for toddlers?
THANK YOU!
I have gone down this rabbit hole of ensuring non toxic items are always around my children. I love your work. I love seeing all your research! But I do have a question regarding your recommendation of Klean Kanteen with hard plastic top? I have specifically tossed out ALL plastic given evidence that there is no such thing as “clean” plastic. And I did notice in a previous article of yours, that you also indicated and recommended NO plastic as well. However wouldn’t the hard plastic top be a problem in your recommendation? I also wonder about the replay as recycled plastic is even MORE hazardous – please, I would LOVE to learn more from you!
Have you tested RTIC waterbottle or other products by then?
Hi Tamara! Thank you for everything you do to help us anxious mamas!
I was wondering if you have ever tested the stainless steel option from the Mason bottle brand. It is not insulated so my only concern would be the paint on the outside.
I was also wondering if you have ever tested the glass mason cups by elk and friends. They come with silicone sleeves and straws. Doesn’t appear to be markings on them.
Hi T
Have you tested the Richell insulated stainless steel straw water bottle with handles?
https://pandakids.com.au/collections/richell/products/richell-t-r-i-insulated-straw-mug-sd-300ml-light-blue
Hi! Thanks for all this info. Any ideas on Brumate?
Thanks!
Bought one to test – will have results this summer.
Yay! That’s great. Thanks for the quick response! 🙂
🙂
Hi!! Do you have a recommendation for a straw sippy cup for young toddlers?? I need a replacement for the Zak straw cup for my 1 year old!
Thank you!!!
I don’t have a recommendation from an experience perspective (as my children are older), but I would check out Hydro Flask’s options for Lead-free choices and see if they have something suitable.
T
Hi T
Have you tested the Richell insulated stainless steel straw water bottle with handles?
https://pandakids.com.au/collections/richell/products/richell-t-r-i-insulated-straw-mug-sd-300ml-light-blue
Thank you!
What about Owala water bottles and straw toddler bottles?
Here’s the link with test results for an Owala product:
https://tamararubin.com/2022/02/pink-insulated-stainless-steel-water-bottle-by-owala-lead-free-this-is-the-only-example-of-product-from-this-brand-that-i-have-tested-so-far/
Would love to know about built kids water bottle. It has the disc at the bottom. Google says they are lead free but why the disc at the bottom?
Would love to know the results/if you tested Mizu insulated bottles!
Hi Tamara! Can I ask why we can’t use stainless steel bottles for milk?
Please read this: https://tamararubin.com/2022/08/why-do-some-stainless-steel-cookware-items-have-a-prop-65-warning-isnt-stainless-steel-non-toxic/