Why are stages used in European baby formula?
European baby formulas are designed to provide complete nutrition for babies as they grow and develop. The European Union (EU) has strict regulations regarding the composition and labeling of baby formula, and all baby formula sold in the EU must meet these regulations. One of the key aspects of European baby formula is the division into different stages to reflect the changing nutritional needs of babies as they grow from newborns to toddlers. In this article, we will explore the different stages of European baby formula and what each stage provides for your baby.
What Are Formula Stages, and What's Their Purpose?
In more and more North American households, the European formula is becoming normal. Parents seek the best for their babies and want to know what they give their precious little one. Products with high organic production standards and ingredients are becoming the norm.
Parents are moving away from American formulas that often have complicated ingredient lists and are filled with added sugars, soy, and chemicals. European brands such as HiPP and Holle follow the European Union’s strict guidelines and even go beyond these regulations with the best dynamic farming and gentle animal practices. They are known for the complete organic nutrition they provide for your baby.
Besides using organic ingredients, labeling for ages is another benefit of European formulas. The composition of each of the formulas is developed to meet and support your baby’s development and growth. The European Commission recognizes that breast milk changes in nutrition over time to meet the needs of a baby. Infant formulas in Europe are therefore “staged” to more closely resemble what’s found in breast milk over time. European brands offer multiple stages: stage pre, suitable from birth onwards, specifically without starch for easy digestion. Stage 1; suitable from birth onwards. Stage 2; is for babies who are at least 6 months of age. Stage 3, which can either be for 10+ months (All German formulas) or 12+ months (UK and Dutch formulas). The purpose of each stage is to meet the specific nutritional needs of a particular age.
What are the Differences Between Stages Pre, 1, 2, and 3?
The main differences between the stages are the protein composition and the quantities in which specific ingredients are present. The need for iron, calcium, and vitamin D grows when your little one grows as well. Another ingredient that is different between the stages is the protein composition. Protein is made up of casein and whey. In stage 1, the mix is 40% casein and 60% whey, which is in line with the protein found in breast milk. Stage 2 has a protein mix of 60% casein and 40% when. This makes the formula more filling for babies even though they get the same number of ounces per bottle. They are more active at this stage and need this intake to develop and grow. Stage 3 has a protein mix of 80% casein and 20% whey as they are developing and growing, and this extra energy is very welcome and supports physiological development.
Click here for our baby formula comparison chart to help you understand the differences between our offered formulas.
Below, we will go over all the main components of the different European formulas we offer per stage.
Stage Pre - European Baby Formula
For age: 0 to 6 months
Stage PRE formulas are very similar to Stage 1 and are suitable from birth onwards. Despite the name, they are not related to premature babies. The main difference is that Stage PRE baby formulas do not contain starch, which can sometimes be difficult for babies to digest.
Organic Formula Shop carries these premium Stage-Pre EU formulas.
Order yours today and give your baby the best start in life!
HiPP HA Stage Pre Combiotic Hypoallergenic Organic Infant Formula
- No starch
- Hydrolyzed proteins for reduced allergic reactions
- Not certified organic due to the hydrolyzed milk protein is not available in organic form
- Vitamin D for better calcium absorption and bone strength
- Vitamin A and C for a healthy immune system
- Omega-3 and 6 LCPs (DHA and ARA) for brain development
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- GMO-Free
- 600g / 21oz of formula powder
HiPP German Organic Formula - Stage Pre
- For babies from 0 to 6 months
- No added sugar, No starch, No gluten, and no GMOs
- Prebiotics and probiotics
- Omega 3 & 6
- Essential vitamins and nutrients
- Clean formula similar to breast milk
- Manufactured in Germany for the German Market
- HiPP exceeds the E.U. Certified Organic standards.
Stage 1 - European Baby Formula
For age: from birth to 6 months
These baby formulas are developed for babies from birth up to 6 months of age. The first stage of European baby formula is designed for newborns and is typically referred to as "Stage 1" or "Newborn/Infant Formula." It provides all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that newborns need to grow and develop. It is designed to be gentle and easily digestible, which helps to minimize the risk of digestive problems. Newborns have unique nutritional needs, and European newborn formula is specifically formulated to meet these needs. For example, babies need higher levels of specific vitamins and minerals to support their rapid growth and development. Additionally, babies have a delicate digestive system, so the formula must be gentle and easily digestible. Stage 1 European newborn formula is the perfect choice for parents who want to ensure their baby gets complete nutrition during the first critical months of life.
Organic Formula Shop carries these premium stage-one EU formulas.
Order yours today and give your baby the best start in life!
Hipp Dutch Stage 1 (0-6 Months) Organic Combiotik Infant Milk Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- Prebiotics/Probiotics
- No Maltodextrin or starch
- Gluten-Free
- Omega-3 and 6 LCPs (DHA and ARA) for brain development
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- GMO-Free
- Iron-fortified
- 800g / 28oz of formula powder
Holle Goat Milk Stage 1 Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- The main carbohydrate is Organic Goat milk
- An alternative for babies sensitive to cow’s milk
- No Palm Oil
- Vitamin D for better calcium absorption and bone strength
- Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
- Iron-fortified
- 400g / 14oz of formula powder
Holle Bio Stage 1 Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified (Organic ++)
- Chemical-free farming and positive animal husbandry
- Gluten-Free
- Iron-fortified
- Organic Maltodextrin comes from corn
- GMO-Free
- 400g / 14oz of formula powder
HiPP HA Stage 1 Combiotic Hypoallergenic Organic Infant Formula
- Hydrolyzed proteins for reduced allergic reactions
- Not certified organic due to the hydrolyzed milk protein is not available in organic form
- Vitamin D for better calcium absorption and bone strength
- Vitamin A and C for a healthy immune system
- Omega-3 and 6 LCPs (DHA and ARA) for brain development
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- GMO-Free
- 600g / 21oz of formula powder
HiPP German Stage 1 Combiotic Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- Prebiotics/Probiotics for better digestion
- No wheat, soy, or peanut ingredients
- Iron-fortified
- Omega-3 and 6 LCPs (DHA and ARA) for brain development
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- 600g / 21oz of formula powder
HiPP Comfort All Stages for Colic & Constipation
- Reduced Lactose Content: Natural Sugar.
- Not certified organic due to the hydrolyzed milk protein is not available in organic form
- Split Proteins by Proteolysis: Smaller Proteins and Fat.
- Easily Digestible and Smooth.
- GOS (Obtained from Lactose).
- LCPs (Omega 3 & 6).
- 600g / 21oz of formula powder
HiPP Anti Reflux All Stages for reflux
- Includes locust bean gum for a creamy product that is easier for your little one to keep down
- Not certified organic due to the locust bean gum, which is not available in organic form
- LCPs (Omega 3 & 6).
- GMO-free & antibiotic and hormone-free
- 600g / 21 oz of formula powder
HiPP Dutch Goat formula Stage 1
- EU-certified Organic
- From A2 goat milk: Goat milk is naturally rich in A2 beta-casein
- Essential (non-synthetic) vitamins and minerals
- No Soy or Added Sugar
- No GMOs
- Contains essential non-synthetic vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E, K, C, B1, B2, and B12
- Rich in DHA/Omega-3, which is important for brain and nerve cell development
- 400g / 14 oz of formula powder
HiPP UK Stage 1 Combiotic Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- Essential non-synthetic vitamins and minerals
- No added sugar & No starch
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- Prebiotics for better digestion
- NO wheat, soy, or peanut ingredients.
- Gluten-Free & Iron-fortified
- Omega-3 and 6 LCPs (DHA and ARA) for brain development
- Free of GMOs
- 800g / 28oz of formula powder
Stage 2 European Baby Formula
For age: 6 months and older
Your little one is growing and growing. To support this growth, European formulas are tailored to meet the nutritional requirement of this development. The second stage of European baby formula is known as "Stage 2" or "Follow-on Formula." and is designed for infants who are 6 months and older. At this age, babies start to eat solid foods, but they still need to get most of their nutrition from formula or breast milk. The formula typically contains a higher percentage of iron and other essential nutrients to support the growth and development of older infants. Stage 2 European follow-on formula is the perfect choice for parents who want to ensure that their baby gets complete nutrition during the important transition period from newborn to toddler.
Organic Formula Shop carries these premium stage-two EU formulas.
Order yours today and give your baby the best start in life!
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 Organic Combiotic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- Prebiotics/Probiotics
- No Maltodextrin or starch
- Gluten-Free
- Omega-3 and 6 LCPs (DHA) for brain development
- 800g / 28oz of formula powder
Hipp HA Stage 2 Combiotic Organic Baby Formula
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- Hydrolyzed proteins for reduced allergic reactions
- Not certified organic due to the hydrolyzed milk protein is not available in organic form
- Gluten-Free
- Omega-3 and 6 LCPs (DHA and ARA) for brain development
- 600g / 21oz of formula powder
Holle Goat Milk Stage 2 Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- The main carbohydrate is Organic Goat milk
- No Palm Oil
- Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
- Gluten-Free
- Iron-fortified
- 400g / 14oz of formula powder
HiPP German Stage 2 Combiotic Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- No starch
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- Essential non-synthetic vitamins and minerals
- Prebiotics/Probiotics for better digestion
- Gluten-Free
- Iron-fortified
- Omega-3 and 6 LCPs (DHA) for brain development
- 600g / 21oz of formula powder
Holle Bio Stage 2 Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
- Gluten-Free
- Iron-fortified
- Organic maltodextrin
- 600g / 21oz of formula powder
- EU-certified Organic
- From A2 goat milk: Goat milk is naturally rich in A2 beta-casein
- Prebiotics for a healthy gut flora
- No Soy or Added Sugar
- No GMOs – according to EU Organic Farming Guidelines
- Contains essential non-synthetic vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E, K, C, B1, B2, and B12
- Rich in Omega-3 (DHA & ALA), which is essential for brain and nerve cell development
- 400g / 14oz of formula powder
HiPP UK Stage 2 Combiotic Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- No Starch
- Gluten-Free & Iron-fortified
- Essential non-synthetic vitamins and minerals
- The Main carbohydrate is lactose
- Prebiotics for better digestion
- NO wheat, soy, or peanut ingredients.
- Omega-3 and 6 LCPs (DHA and ARA) for brain development
- Free of GMOs
- 800g / 28oz of formula powder
Stage 3 European Baby Formula
Age – 10 months and older
The third stage of European baby formula is referred to as "Stage 3" or "Growing-up Formula." This stage is designed for infants over 10 months and is meant to provide continued support for growth and development as babies approach their first birthday. The formula typically contains a higher percentage of fat and protein to support older infants' and toddlers' increased energy needs. At this age, babies are starting to eat a more varied diet, but they still need to get some of their nutrition from formula or breast milk.
Please note: The Dutch and UK range of HiPP formulas are developed for babies ages 12 months and older, while the HiPP German and the Holle Cow Formulas & Holle Organic Goat Formulas are developed for 10 months and older. Click here for our baby formula comparison chart to help you understand the differences between our offered formulas.
Organic Formula Shop carries these premium stage-three EU formulas.
Order yours today and give your baby the best start in life!
HiPP Dutch Stage 3 Combiotic Organic Baby formula
- EU-certified Organic
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- Folic Acid
- Natural prebiotics for better digestion
- Gluten-Free
- Iron-fortified
- 800g / 28oz of formula powder
HiPP German Stage 3 Combiotic Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- Folic Acid
- Prebiotics/Probiotics for better digestion
- Gluten-Free
- Iron-fortified
- 600g / 21oz of formula powder
Holle Goat Milk Stage 3 Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- Grass-fed, goat milk
- Easier to digest with less lactose
- No Palm Oil
- Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
- Gluten-Free
- Iron-fortified
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- 400g / 14oz of formula powder
Holle Bio Stage 3 Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- The main carbohydrate is lactose
- Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
- Iron-fortified
- Organic maltodextrin
- 600g / 21oz of formula powder
HiPP UK Stage 3 Combiotic Organic Baby Formula
- EU-certified Organic
- Skim milk & Prebiotics
- Lactose as a natural carbohydrate
- Essential vitamins and nutrients, including Vitamins A, C, and D, support the immune system.
- Iron for cognitive development.
- No soy & No synthetic preservatives or nutrients
- GMO-free
- 600g / 28oz of formula powder
When Should I Change Formula Stage?
We can give you a straightforward answer; when your baby reaches a specific age, it is time to change and go up into the formula stage.
Please note:
It's important to keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and your baby's individual needs may vary. Consult with your pediatrician to determine the best formula stage for your baby based on age, growth, and nutritional needs. Additionally, be sure to read the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as overfeeding can have adverse health effects.
We are happy to help!
If you have any questions about the stages or wonder which stage or formula is right for your little one, please email us at support@organicformulashop.com
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