The wearable hot water bottle: what it is and what to look for

A regular hot water bottle works as long as you lie still. A wearable hot water bottle, also called a hot water bottle belt, keeps the warmth on your belly or lower back while you get on with your day. Here's what it is, who it's for and what to look for when choosing one.

What is a wearable hot water bottle?

It's a belt or wrap with a pocket for a hot water bottle. You fill the bottle with hot water, slide it into the pocket and fasten the belt around your waist. The bottle stays right where you put it, even when you stand up, walk around or turn over in bed.

No plug, no battery, no cable: just the same old-fashioned warmth, kept in place.

Who is it for?

• Period cramps. Warmth on the lower belly is one of the best known home remedies for period pain. (Read why heat helps.)
• Lower back pain and stiffness. Turn the belt around and the warmth sits on your lower back.
• Feeling cold. A warm core on a chilly day, at your desk or on the couch.
• Anyone who doesn't want to sit still. Cooking, working from home or walking the dog with warmth on your belly.

6 things to look for

1. It really stays put

The whole point is that the bottle doesn't slide. Look for an adjustable closure that fits snugly around your waist and a pocket that holds the bottle against your body, not dangling in front of it.

2. A soft, comfortable cover

You'll wear it for a while, often on bare skin or a thin top. A soft fabric, like teddy, feels good and also acts as a protective layer between the hot bottle and your skin.

3. A decent-sized, certified bottle

A bigger bottle holds more hot water and therefore stays warm longer. Check that the bottle meets European safety standards (CE marking) and has a stopper that closes tightly.

4. Slim enough to wear under clothes

If you want to wear it at work or out and about, it should be flat enough to disappear under a sweater.

5. Easy to care for

The belt touches your body, so you'll want to wash it now and then. Check the washing instructions before you buy.

6. What's included

Some belts come without a bottle, so you need to find one that fits the pocket. A set with a matching bottle saves you the hassle.

How Melty does it

Melty is a soft teddy belt with a pocket on the inside for a 750 ml hot water bottle. The adjustable closure keeps it snug around your waist, so the warmth stays on your belly or lower back for hours. It's slim enough to wear under a sweater, and the CE-certified bottle and a teddy storage pouch are included.

Discover Melty

Tips for use

• Fill the bottle with hot, not boiling, water, about two-thirds full, and squeeze out the air before closing it.
• Wear the belt over a thin layer of clothing if your skin is sensitive, and check your skin now and then.
• For extra comfort at night, use slightly cooler water so it stays pleasant, not hot.

Wearable or regular?

Still wondering whether a wearable version is worth it over the hot water bottle you already have? We compared them side by side.