Some new parents tend to think that all European baby formulas are the same even when they are manufactured in different countries.

While the U.K. and the Netherlands are well-known, some of the most popular European baby formulas come from Germany.

Here’s what you need to know about European baby formulas like HiPP or Holle as well as which stage is right for your little ones.

Baby formula makers in the United States label their products for specific age groups while European baby formula products use development stages.

This is a vital reason that separates the one-size-fits-all American approach to sized-to-fit European formulas.

While American formula makers consider the needs of little ones by their age, European formulas look at the needs of babies individually for each stage of life.

Below we review the German HiPP with Holle.

• HiPP Pre Formula Age - Newborn to 6 Months
• HiPP Stage 1 Formula Age - Newborn to 6 Months
• HiPP Stage 2 Formula Age– 6 Months To 12 Months
• HiPP Stage 3 Formula Age– 10 Months Up
• Holle Stage Pre Formula Age- Newborn to 6 Months
• Holle Stage 1 Formula Age – Newborn to 6 Months
• Holle Stage 2 Formula Age – 6 Months to 12 Months
• Holle Stage 3 Formula Age – 10 Months Up
• Holle Stage 4 Formula Age- 12 Months Up
• Holle A2 Stage 1 - Newborn to 6 Months
• Holle A2 Stage 2 - 6 Months to 12 Months
• Holle A2 Stage 3 - 12 Months Up

Each stage was created with specific dietary needs in mind as your baby grows and develops. You wouldn’t expect a newborn to have the same dietary needs as a 10 month old.

European formula manufactures use this information in developing their formula with the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins that each baby needs for each stage in life.

• Stage Pre formula age is formulated for infants that need a very gentle formula when supplementing breast feeding.
• Stage 1 formula age is formulated for infants who can only consume liquids. As the body grows and physical activity increases, the nutritional need changes considerably.
• Stage 2 formula age is formulated for babies whose feeding patterns are beginning to change. Babies at six months are ready to begin eating solid foods but still need formula.
• Stage 3 formula age is considered a follow-on formula because the ingredients are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of toddlers who are active and growing stronger.
• Stage 4 formula age is most ideal for babies who are eating solids and drinking from a cup. As it is a follow-on formula, parents can use it for toddlers up to three years old.

HiPP is one of our top-selling baby formulas at My Organic Company because of its unique ingredient variations.

For new parents, choosing between HiPP Pre and HiPP Stage One can be a confusing decision because both are designed for newborns and babies up to six months. What makes them different?

Here’s a rundown on HiPP stage pre vs stage 1 as well as the benefits for young babies.

The first six months of an infant’s life are critical as they set the stage for health and growth milestones. Everything from height and weight to hearing and seeing gets evaluated.

Babies not responding well to formula can be worrisome, and under specific conditions, can be a medical issue. That is why pediatricians recommend a sensitive formula to ensure babies are healthy.

If your little one is sensitive to milk-based baby formulas or experiences digestive issues, HiPP PRE Formula is the best alternative.

Not only does it have a lactic acid probiotic called Lactobacillus fermentum to create healthy gut microbiota, but it’s perfect whether you are looking for a breastmilk substitute or intend to alternate it with formula.

A newborn’s health and well-being are also on every parent’s mind. You’ll appreciate HiPP’s nutritional value as it has vitamins A, C, and D, and iron.

HiPP Pre also has DHA and AA, which are omega-3 and 6 LCP fatty acids that support healthy growth and development.

These are critical nutrients your baby needs for healthy bone, organ, eyesight, hearing, and brain development.

If you have one of the smaller ones who have food allergies, HiPP Pre is a great substitute to aid in digestion. It’s also ideal for babies who can’t consume gluten, lactose, nuts, GMO, soy, or eggs.

Your baby will also not get any cross-contamination since Germany has high agriculture, farming, and manufacturing standards for baby formula, including its packaging and labeling. 

HiPP Stage 1 Organic Combiotic is also for babies from newborn to six months. It has all the nutrients your baby needs, so it’s perfect as standalone baby formula or as a breastfeeding alternative.

It’s also lactose-based, so it’s most similar to breastmilk. The lactose also gives it a natural sweetness, so your baby won’t get any artificial or synthetic sweeteners like in the U.S.

Much like HiPP Pre, your baby is going to receive the same nutritional value for growth and immunity value.

Stage one also has a prebiotic called galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) to support the role of healthy bacteria in the intestines. As oligosaccharides are found in breast milk, your baby is going to experience natural digestion.

So what’s the big difference between the HIPP Stage PRE and HiPP Stage One? One ingredient - starch. For some parents, they prefer the starch, which might help their baby feel fuller. But for other parents, the starch is a deterrent.

This is why HiPP gives parents the options – so choose whichever version you feel is best for you baby. Still need help in understanding the ingredient? Check out our blog article about corn maltodextrin in formula.

HiPP Stage 2 and 3 are formulated for growing babies who are eating solid foods. It is lactose-based and full of all the nutrients your baby unsurprisingly needs at this age to grow taller.

Your baby will also need calories to build muscle mass for running and playing. Preventing illnesses will be a major concern, so having the right nutrients for immune health is a big bonus.

For those parents that are still against starch in their baby formula by stage 2, HiPP stage 2 no starch is the follow-on option from HiPP PRE. This has all the wonderful ingredients and nutrients needed for the next age – but without the added starch.

HiPP 1+ years and HiPP 2+ years are the next stages for your growing toddler. As the package says, you can use HiPP 1+ throughout the first year and then transition to the HIPP 2+ for the following year.

Most parents that continue to use HiPP for their toddlers want the same organic benefits their babies received, but they can’t find from the local grocery store shelves.

Unfortunately, even our organic milk has the same issues as our organic formula found in America.

Holle is another top-ranked European baby formula. The Holle manufacturers use the same high agriculture, farming, packaging, and labeling standards as HiPP, but its ingredients are a bit different.

It’s also an excellent choice whether you want to wean your baby from breastmilk, substitute feedings, or want an organic-quality brand so that you can exclusively formula-feed your little one.

Holle has a respected reputation for its eco-friendly and animal welfare protocols. This produces cow milk that is Demeter certified.

Holle also sources organic products, so you know your baby is only getting the best farm-to-package ingredients.

Plus, Holle ensures its products are free of synthetics, chemicals, genetically modified ingredients, preservatives, and artificial coloring and flavoring.

Holle Bio PRE is made for newborns up to six months. It is perfect for the babies who cannot breast feed in the first few months or the mom who isn’t able to breast feed. This is the gentlest formula stage.

Plus, this stage comes with whole milk! Holle Stage PRE formula doesn’t contain Maltodextrin (starch), and is Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified (Organic ++). Lactose is the main carbohydrate, with less vegetable oils.

Holle Bio Stage 1 is made for newborns up to six months. It is perfect for the moms who can’t breastfeed yet want a nutritionally-sound baby formula that replicates the benefits of breastmilk. It also is gentler on a baby’s tummy.

Holle formula Stage 1 does use corn-based organic maltodextrin and starch to help babies feel fuller. You’ll notice how your baby rests longer from being satisfied.

Holle Stage 1 is also packed full of nutritional goodness. It starts with skim milk and organic whey powder so that the lactose creates a breastmilk substitute that babies love.

Holle formula ingredients include calcium, niacin, zinc, fish oil, manganese, potassium, biotin, and vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K.

What else could a growing baby need to build strong bones?

The newest of Holle formulas to the market is their special A2 milk collection. What makes this formula special and different from their regular version on Holle cow milk formula?

The 67th amino acid! A1 milk has a histidine amino acid in this position, whereas A2 milk has a proline amino acid. This means when the A1 amino acid, the histidine, is broken down it creates the peptide BCM-7. For the A2 amino acid, peptide, the peptide BCM-7 isn't allowed to enter into our digestive system.

BCM-7 has been known to cause many negative effects on our digestive system and even lead to inflammation in the gut. For babies that are sensitive to Holle Stage 1, Holle A2 Stage 1 is a great first alternative option!

Holle A2 vs Holle Stage 1: Holle A2 stage one is like the Holle PRE as there is no added starch to this version, unlike the regular version of Holle stage 1. Like Holle stage 1, Holle A2 stage 1 has skimmed milk and not whole milk like the Holle PRE. As mentioned before the biggest difference is the A2 milk protein.

Another added bonus to the Holle A2 formula, they are large cans and have English on the can!  

Holle Stage 2 is perfect for babies between six months and a year old who are ready to take on solid foods with their formula.

Closer to the year mark, babies will naturally begin to wean from the bottle, so it is also yummy enough to drink by itself with meals.

The use of organic starch also makes Holle Stage 2 versatile as a baby can drink it as a follow-on or use it in baby cereals.

The difference between Holle stage 1 and Holle Stage 2 are the ingredient amounts. As you are likely comparing Holle 1 vs Holle 2, this is where European baby formulas look at the baby’s health requirements rather than just the age.

Infants at two months are beginning to coo, smile, and move arms and legs but by six months, babies are rolling around, beginning to rock, and sitting up on their own.

Holle Stage Pre is also different from Holle stage 1 and 2 in that it doesn’t have the Maltodextrin (starch) that both Holle Stage 1 and Stage 2 have.

Holle A2 Stage 2 vs Holle Stage 2: The biggest difference between these two products is the A2 protein structure. Other than that, many of the ingredients are the same, as well as the amounts of each ingredient - as they are designed for the same age of baby. They both have maltodextrin and starch in their ingredients as well.

Holle Stage 3 is for those growing babies who are feeling unsatisfied during mealtimes. Stage three gives babies at the year mark a nutritional boost as it has higher amounts of vitamins and minerals.

This will help your growing little one’s bigger appetite to feel fuller and satisfied. The additional nutrients are also going to help your baby grow and feel healthier and happier.

Stage 3 ingredients will also help your little one meet more difficult growth milestones. By one, a baby is beginning to walk and talk.

Babies also tend to stay close to mom and dad, so having a familiar baby formula like Holle will be a great benefit if you decide to put your little one in daycare.

As stage 3 is a follow-on formula, it will help your baby cognitively advance and learn.

Holle Stage 4 is a follow-on formula for toddlers who are eating solid foods with a fork or spoon and drinking from a sippy cup. The extra nutrients in stage 4 are going to help your baby during a critical milestone.

From stronger communication to physical strength, your baby will need the proper nutrients to produce the needed fuel for energy. At this age, you might need energy, too!

HiPP PRE vs Holle PRE

HiPP PRE

• Pre and probiotics
• Omega-3’s ALA and DHA (from fish and algal oil) along with Omega-6
• EU Certified Organic

Holle PRE

• Whole milk instead of skimmed milk
• DHA from fish oil only
• Biodynamically Certified by the Demeter Standard

HiPP Stage 1 vs Holle Stage 1

HiPP Stage 1

• Lactose as its main source of carbohydrate
• Pre and probiotics

Holle Stage 1

• Maltodextrin (starch) as its main source of carbohydrate
• Biodynamically Certified by the Demeter Standard

Holle A2 Stage 1

• No Maltodextrin; lactose as its main source of carbohydrate
• Biodynamically Certified by the Demeter Standard

HiPP stage 2 vs Holle stage 2

HiPP Stage 2

• Pre and probiotics
• HiPP Stage 2 Combiotik - lactose as main source of carbohydrates & organic starch
• HiPP Stage 2 Combiotik no starch - A no starch option

Holle Stage 2

• Maltodextrin along with organic starch as main source of carbohydrates
• Biodynamically Certified by the Demeter Standard

Holle A2 Stage 2

• Maltodextrin along with organic starch as main source of carbohydrates
• Biodynamically Certified by the Demeter Standard
• Milk from cows with A2 beta-casein protein type
• Label in English

HiPP Stage 3 vs Holle Stage 3

HiPP Stage 3

• Pre and probiotics
• Combination of organic palm oil, Omega-3 (ALA) and Omega- 6 for healthy development

Holle Stage 3

• Organic palm oil as a healthy source of fat
• Biodynamically Certified by the Demeter Standard

Holle A2 Stage 3

• Organic palm oil as a healthy source of fat
• Biodynamically Certified by the Demeter Standard
• Milk from cows with A2 beta-casein protein type
• Label in English

Hopefully there is no more confusion about which stage you need for your baby in either HiPP or Holle formulas.

Also, we hope you now understand how stage pre and stage 1 are different based on the ingredient starch for both HiPP and Holle.

We went into many details about the different stages and ages for each HiPP and Holle brands.

At this point, you may be wondering which brand do you choose? Check out our article HiPP vs. Holle – The Ultimate Guide for more information!

Did anything surprise you about HiPP and Holle stages and ages? Are you learning toward one brand over the other? What stood out to you most? Let us know in the comment section.

If there is something else you want to know, you can also contact us on our website or send an email to our customer care team at customercare@myorganiccompany.store. We’ll be glad to help you learn more./blogs/news/bottle-feeding-why-is-baby-eating-less-formula