HiPP is Germany’s best-selling baby formula brand and one of the most sought-after options for parents who prefer European formulas. Their meticulously crafted formulas combine scientific nutrition insights with premium natural ingredients to create breast milk-like formulations.
One innovative way the brand aims to mimic human milk is by offering formula in distinct stages that evolve with your baby’s nutritional needs. These stages are designed to reflect the dynamic changes in breast milk overtime and include nutrients tailored to your little one’s specific stage of development.
If formula stages are a new concept for you and you’d like to learn more about how HiPP organic baby formula stages benefit your precious bundle, keep reading!
Understanding HiPP Baby Formula Stages: From Infancy to Toddlerhood
To provide your little one with everything they need to thrive from birth and beyond, HiPP offers infant, follow-on, and toddler formulas. Within each of these broader categories, there are a variety of different numbered stages. In the following section, we will explain the differences between each HiPP baby formula stage and why these differences matter.
HiPP PRE – Stage 1
Stages PRE and 1 are both HiPP infant formula suitable as the sole source of nutrition for newborns from birth to 6 months of age. As a special note, PRE does not stand for premature and should not be confused with a preemie formula. HiPP PRE formula and Stage 1 are very similar, but there is one notable compositional difference to be aware of.
While all Stage PRE formulas offer lactose-only carbohydrates, some Stage 1 formulas also contain a small amount of starch. For example, HiPP formula Stage 1 German offers lactose as the primary carbohydrate and starch as an adjunct.
Lactose is the main carbohydrate naturally found in breast milk and is generally easily tolerated by babies. Although the addition of starch can help make milk creamier and more satiating, it can also be more difficult for sensitive tummies to digest.
HiPP Stage 2
Next up, we have Stage 2 follow-on formula, which is designed for babies from 6 months of age who have transitioned to eating solid foods. Unlike infant formulas, follow-on milk is not suitable as the sole source of nutrition and must be fed as part of a mixed diet consisting of bottle feeds and complementary foods.
HiPP formula Stage 2 is crafted to meet the nutritional needs of weaning-age babies and thus features higher levels of select critical nutrients like iron and vitamin D. Around six months, your baby’s natural iron stores begin to deplete, which must be compensated through diet.
Some follow-on formulas include starch alongside lactose to satiate hungrier babies, like HiPP Bio Combiotik German but there are also starch-free options like Stage 2 No-Starch and their UK, Dutch, and ready-to-feed formulas.
HiPP Stage 3
As we move on to Stage 3, it’s important to clarify that there are two kinds of Stage 3 formulas, which will vary depending on the product line. One is a follow-on formula suitable from 10+ months, and the other is a toddler formula suitable from 12 + months.
Stage 3 follow-on formula is adapted to the mixed diet of older weaning age babies. In contrast, Stage 3 toddler milk is meant to be used only as a supplement to your child’s family diet, as their main source of nutrition by 12 months should be solid foods.
HiPP formula Stage 3 follow-on milk is only available in the German range, and it’s very similar to their Stage 2 formula, except it’s only suitable from 10 months of age rather than 6 months. Additionally, it does include starch, and there is no lactose-only alternative.
On the other hand, some families choose to use Stage 3 HiPP toddler milk in place of plain whole milk, as it is fortified with extra vitamins and minerals that, while not strictly necessary, can help support a balanced diet.
Notably, many toddler formulas do not qualify for EU organic certification due to this additional nutrient fortification, but they remain free of GMOs and are crafted with clean, premium ingredients.
HiPP Stage 4
Stage 4 is another step of HiPP toddler formula. It may also be labelled as Kindermilch, Growing Up Milk, Stage 1+, or Stage 2+, depending on the product line. Some toddler milk is suitable from 12+ months, while others are designed specifically for little ones 24+ months of age. In either instance, HiPP formula Stage 4 is designed to complement a well-balanced diet and is not absolutely necessary.
What About HiPP Comfort and Anti-Reflux Special Formulas?
Some HiPP formula is designed for special dietary needs and may not follow the staged nutrition model. In such cases, these specialty formulas are available in a single stage intended for use during the first year of life. Examples of these All-Stage formulas include the brand’s Comfort and Anti-reflux options. Both formulas are designed to be the sole source of nutrition for babies 6 months and under, and as part of a weaning diet from 6 months of age.
Where to Purchase HiPP Formula
Organic’s Best Shop offers 29 HiPP formulas to choose from, including all the products discussed in this article, as well as more goat milk, cow’s milk, and specialty options. Discover for yourself why so many babies and parents love HiPP European formula from Organic’s Best.
If you would like to learn more or you’re ready to shop HiPP formula, visit Organic’s Best shop today!
When you place an order, enjoy express insured delivery in 2-5 business days to Canada and the US, bulk order discounts, and free delivery for orders over $100 USD!