FROM easing aches and pains to warming up your bed before you get in, hot water bottles are more handy than you think.
They have been used as bed warmers for centuries, but you'll be pleased to know they've come a long way since they were made of metal.
Now, hot water bottles are designed to be cuddled and snuggled, with a range of chunky knit and faux fur covers that will protect you from getting scalded.
You'll also find microwaveable hot water bottles, as well as electric versions.
There are even cute cuddly animal hot water bottles for kids.
Here are some of the best water bottles to consider this winter.
Best water bottle at a glance:
- Best hot water bottle overall: Boots Keep Cosy microwaveable heat wrap
- Best microwaveable water bottle: Hotties Microhottie
- Best budget water bottle: Cassandra water bottle
- Best wearable hot water bottle: Snug Bud wearable hot water bottle
- Best hot water bottle for back pain: YuYu body bottle
- Best luxury water bottle: The White Company faux-fur hot water bottle
- Best hot water bottle for kids: Warmies Unicorn Warm Hugs fully heatable cuddly toy
- Best hot water bottle for period pain: Coopers of Stortford microwave warmer
Best hot water bottle overall: Boots Keep Cosy microwaveable heat wrap
- Boots Keep Cosy microwaveable heat wrap, £14.45 from Boots – buy here
This heat wrap is particularly useful for aching joints and muscles, especially if they are tired.
Simply pop in the microwave to heat up and place over the body for soothing relief.
It can be used to wrap or even warm the bed before you get it and the outer cover is machine washable.
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Best microwaveable water bottle: Hotties Microhottie
- Hotties Microhottie, £16.99 from Amazon – buy here
This tartan print Hotties microwaveable hot water bottle is convenient and easy to use.
All you have to do is pop it in the microwave for a minute or so and it'll be warm for hours.
This means that you're saving on water, electricity and time.
Make sure to check the dimensions of your microwave though as its size means that it's not suitable for all devices.
Best budget water bottle: Cassandra water bottle
- Cassandra hot water bottle, £4.99 from Amazon – buy here
This reliable, budget choice from Cassandra has a ribbed surface designed, and comes with a five-year guarantee.
It's been extensively tested for safety and the stopper is washer-less so it shouldn't leak.
There are three different colours to choose from too.
However, because it's made from natural rubber that can get quite hot, it's worth getting an outer cover for it.
Best wearable hot water bottle: Snug Bud wearable hot water bottle
- Snug Bud wearable hot water bottle:, £59.95 from Amazon – buy here
This nifty body warmer allows you to take the warmth and comfort of a hot water bottle with you wherever you go.
It's wind and water-resistant and designed like a sling – it even has a pocket to hold essentials.
We think it's perfect for chilly walks and also a great alternative for those who don't like wearing gloves.
It may be on the pricier side, but it's a bag, hot water bottle and basically gloves all-in-one – what's not to like?
Best hot water bottle for back pain: YuYu body bottle
- YuYu body bottle, £25 from Argos – buy here
YuYu's award-winning water bottle is designed to be wrapped around the body to soothe aches and pains.
This design includes a strap for added convenience to wear around the waist or back, as well as a cosy fleece covering with pocket – just add a sprig of herbs or a tissue doused in essential oils for a bit of aromatherapy.
The jungle print fleece covering is machine washable, and the body bottle is made from biodegradable rubber, which will stay warm for up to eight hours.
Best luxury water bottle: The White Company faux-fur hot water bottle
- The White Company faux-fur hot water bottle, £30 at The White Company – buy here
The White Company has that gift of adding luxury to your house with each towel and bed sheet the brand produces – and this hot water bottle from the retailer won't disappoint, either.
This indulgent faux fur water bottle is designed to be very soft and cosy – ideal for snuggling up to.
It's available in a couple of different colours as well.
Its only downfall? You won't want to leave your bed.
Best hot water bottle for kids: Warmies Unicorn Warm Hugs fully heatable cuddly toy
- Warmies Unicorn Warm Hugs cuddly toy, £16.99 from Very – buy here
No water required for this cute hot water bottle featuring unicorns having a cuddle.
Just pop the millet-stuffed unicorns in the microwave and enjoy the sweet scent of lavender as they give you a warm hug.
The unicorns are detachable too – perfect if you have more than one child.
Best hot water bottle for period pain: Coopers of Stortford microwave warmer
- Coopers of Stortford microwave warmer, £11.99 from Coopers of Stortford – buy here
This microwaveable pod heats up in just a couple of minutes and stays warm for hours.
It comes in a stylish velour drawstring pouch that looks stylish and makes the pod feel super cosy.
The lightweight and compact design means it's perfect for soothing those period cramps.
Can you use a hot water bottle when pregnant?
The short answer is yes, you can use a hot water bottle when pregnant.
But there are a few rules to follow, which really applies to everyone who uses hot water bottles.
It's advisable to only fill to three-quarters full to avoid overfilling.
Check the bottle for any damage or tears before use, making sure the seal is on correctly and letting the water cool a little.
And don't fall asleep with the water bottle or sit or sleep on it.
How to fill a hot water bottle
To fill a standard hot water bottle, you first need to boil a kettle.
Once the water has boiled, wait for it to cool down a little before attempting to fill your water bottle.
Then unscrew the top on your hot water bottle and fill it with the water.
If you are worried about spillages, wear Marigold gloves and pour over the sink.
Do not fill all the way to the top, as this can also cause spills.
Then squeeze out the excess air before gently screwing the cap back on.
You can turn the hot water bottle upside down over the sink to make sure there is no leakage. If there is, the cap may need to screwed tighter.
After every use make sure all of the water is discarded.
Can you freeze a hot water bottle?
Do not freeze hot water bottles – doing so can damage the rubber, which in turn can make the hot water bottle leak next time you use. This is dangerous and could cause scalding.
Some people freeze a hot water bottle to keep cool and refreshed.
If you want to try this, it's best not to use the bottle for hot water ever again and keep it as a cold compression only.
How long do hot water bottles last?
Different makes and styles of hot water bottles differ slightly on how long they last but the average lifespan of a hot water bottle is two to three years.
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