4 Benefits of European Baby Formula

With so many different formula brands out there, how do you know which one to choose?  Whether transitioning from breastmilk, supplementing, or solely relying on formula to provide the nutritional sustenance your baby needs to thrive, navigating the different brands and products can be intimidating.

Aside from brand names and types of formulas, you may even be extending your search to international options. The strong reputation and positive effects of European baby formula, for example, make it a serious contender for many moms as they nurture their child to the solid foods eating stage.

But what are some of the European baby formula strengths, and why might you choose this as an alternative to American-made products? Below, we’ve listed some of the advantages of European baby formula and why it's worth the investment:

1. More Milk-Based Options

You have a lot of options when it comes to formulas. But the milk-based formula is the way to go when you’re looking for something that closely resembles breast milk. Like many American-made formulas, Europe uses cow’s milk as its most common source for organic cow formula bases. However, goat’s milk is also an option that European formula companies also gravitate towards as an alternative. 

Goat’s milk and cow’s milk are very similar. However, the protein structures are the distinguishing factors between the two options. Research shows that goat’s milk protein is tolerated differently, offering an easier way for infants to digest the milk. Goat milk contains organic lactose, the naturally occurring sugars in breast milk.

We carry Holle Goat Milk Formulas and HiPP Goat Milk Formulas as an alternative to cow’s milk is helpful for parents who are worried about allergies but don’t want to move to a plant-based formula. Cow’s milk protein can cause mild sensitivity or allergic reactions in infants. In contrast, goat’s milk can be considered a hypoallergenic option that still stands as a healthy fat-heavy formula for growing babies. 

lastly, we also offer Hipp HypoAllergenic Baby Formulas and Special Formulas for Sensitive Tummies for the most sensitive little ones who may be showing signs of cow's milk protein intolerance or suspected allergies.

2. No Added Sugars

In most American-made baby formulas, you’ll find corn syrup as one of the top ingredients. This should be considered a major red flag; excess consumption of added sugars like corn syrup can lead to health-related problems caused by added calories and insulin resistance, such as excess weight gain, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases that can be detrimental to a wholesome, healthful lifestyle. 

Developing these issues, no matter the stage of life can be overwhelming and disheartening. Removing the potential of your child developing these conditions, especially at a young age, should also be a top priority. Thankfully, EU regulation bans certain added sugars from milk-based formulas, such as high fructose corn syrup. The standards also require that a significant percentage of carbohydrates come from lactose, the naturally occurring sweet substance in human milk.

3. Probiotics and DHA Content 

American-made formulas have a strong focus on iron content. This is mainly because the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supplementing iron in children until the age of 3, based on research that shows high iron deficiency and iron-deficient anemia in infants and young toddlers. European formulas include enough iron to meet EU requirements but focus more on omega-2 fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). 

This is considered one of the necessary components of the structural integrity of the brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina - all important features to consider in a developing child. Adding this nutrient to infant formula can help develop your baby’s brain, vision, and immunity.

Other ingredients that European formulas contain are probiotics and prebiotics, while American-based formulas lack. Both probiotics and prebiotics have a reputation for building a healthy microbiome, promoting beneficial bacteria, and a space where microorganisms can thrive aids gut health and digestion. The sooner you introduce probiotics and prebiotics to your child, the sooner they can reap the benefits of a happy and healthy gut.

4. Peace of Mind 

At the end of the day, you always want what’s best for your baby. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate European formulas. Still, they follow EU standards that require only the highest quality growing, harvesting, delivering, and processing organic ingredients. Some of the basic requirements that EU formula companies must meet to sell their product include the following:

• Creating a solid foundation with regulatory protein sources as the base of the formula, such as cow’s milk or goat’s milk
• Refraining from agricultural products that are grown and kept with exposure to pesticides
• Using DHA, folic acid, and carnitine
• Neglecting to use GMOs and added sugars

With these nutritional standards in place, you can have peace of mind that your baby is getting the best source of nutrition during their early stages of life. 

Find What You Need at Organic Formula Shop 

Finding a formula that prioritizes high-quality organic ingredients and ethical standards is simple when you search beyond national options. European formula can give parents peace of mind when nourishing their babies, giving them the sustenance they need to grow and thrive to the next stage of life.

If you’re ready to try European formula but unsure where to shop, consider Organic Formula Shop. We have three brands available:

• HiPP
• Holle
• Lebenswert 

Each of these European brands is free from corn syrup, GMOs, and other chemicals that belong far away from your baby’s formula. All of these European baby formula pros offer three different stages, helping guide your baby to the next stage of development.

Ready to reap the European baby formula benefits? Shop our vast inventory of European baby formula today.