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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?

The European formula is becoming standard in more North American households. Parents seek the best for their babies and want to know what they give their precious little ones. 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 filled with added sugars, soy, and chemicals. European brands such as HiPPHolle and Bebe-M 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 and the purpose of each stage is to meet the specific nutritional needs of a particular age. Organic Formula Shop offers the following 5 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 six months of age
  • Stage 3: which can either be for 10+ months (All German formulas) or 12+ months (UK and Dutch formulas)
  • Stage 4specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing toddlers of one year (12+ months) or older. 

What are the Differences Between the 5 Stages?

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 aligns 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 Organic 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

HiPP Hypoallergenic Formula - Stage Pre

  • 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

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.


Holle Organic Goat Formula - Stage Pre

Holle Goat Stage Pre Organic Formula - 1a

•    For babies from 0 to 6 months
•    easy-to-digest formula for babies with cow milk sensitivities
•    Organic milk from happy goats!
•    No added sugar, No starch, No gluten, and no GMOs
•    Prebiotics & probiotics + Omega 3 & 6
•    Essential vitamins and nutrients
•    Clean formula similar to breast milk
•    Made in Germany for the German Market.
•    Certified Organic to European standards

 

Stage 1 - European Organic 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 called "Stage 1" or "Newborn/Infant Formula." It provides all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients 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 perfect 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

HiPP Dutch Stage 1 Combiotic Infant 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

Bébé M Organic Rice Anti-Reflux (AR) - Stage 1

Bébé M Organic Rice Anti-Reflux (AR) - Stage 1

  • Appropriate from birth onwards
  • 100% Plant-based (Vegan)
  • Dairy-free
  • Suitable for babies with dairy allergies
  • Gluten, Soy, and Palm-oil Free
  • Essential vitamins and nutrients
  • Chemical & hormone-free agriculture and manufacturing
  • Certified Organic by AB-France
  • Comes in an easy-to-dispense, airtight container

Holle Goat Milk Stage 1 Organic Baby Formula

Holle Goat Stage 1 Organic Infant Milk 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

Holle Bio Stage 1 Organic Infant Formula_A

 

HiPP HA Stage 1 Combiotic Hypoallergenic Organic Infant Formula

HiPP HA1 Hydrolyzed Stage 1 Combiotic 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 Hydrolyzed Dutch Formula - Stage 1

HiPP Hydrolyzed Dutch Formula - Stage 1

  • For babies from birth to 6 months
  • Suitable for both supplementing or replacing breastfeeding
  • No starch for easy digestion
  • Contains Prebiotics & Probiotics, Omega-3, and 6 LCPs (DHA and AA)
  • No wheat, no egg, or peanut, which are ingredients to avoid for babies prone to allergies
  • 100% Gluten-free
  • Comes in a handy 800-gram stackable containers
  • Manufactured By Hipp-Germany for the Dutch market
  • Certified to EU standards 


HiPP German Stage 1 Combiotic Organic Baby Formula

HiPP German Stage 1 Combiotic Infant 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

HiPP Comfort Milk Formula

  • 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

HiPP AR Anti-Reflux Milk Formula

  • 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

HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 1 Formula

  • 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

https://organicformulashop.com/products/hipp-uk-organic-formula-stage-1

  • 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 requirements of this development. The second stage of European baby formula is known as "Stage 2" or "Follow-on Formula." and is designed for infants six months and older. At this age, babies start to eat solid foods but 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 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

HiPP Dutch Stage 2 Combiotic Follow-on 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

HiPP HA2 Hydrolyzed Stage 2 Combiotic Follow-On 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
  • German version 600g / 21oz of formula powder

 

HiPP Hydrolyzed Dutch Formula - Stage 2

HiPP Dutch HA2 Hydrolyzed Formula Stage 2

  • For babies from 6 months onwards
  • Suitable for both supplementing or replacing breastfeeding
  • No starch for easy digestion
  • Contains Prebiotics & Probiotics, Omega-3, and 6 LCPs (DHA and AA)
  • No wheat, no egg, or peanut, which are ingredients to avoid for babies prone to allergies
  • 100% Gluten-free
  • Comes in a handy 800-gram stackable containers
  • Manufactured By Hipp-Germany for the Dutch market.
  • Certified to EU standards 

Bébé M Organic Rice Anti-Reflux (AR) - Stage 2

Bebe M Organic Rice-Based Formula Stage 2

  • Appropriate from 6 months onwards
  • 100% Plant-based (Vegan)
  • Dairy-free
  • Suitable for babies with dairy allergies
  • Gluten, Soy, and Palm-oil Free
  • Essential vitamins and nutrients
  • Chemical & hormone-free agriculture and manufacturing
  • Certified Organic by AB-France
  • Comes in an easy-to-dispense, airtight container

 

Holle Goat Milk Stage 2 Organic Baby Formula

Holle Goat Stage 2 Organic Follow-On Infant Milk Formul

  • 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

HiPP German Stage 2 Combiotic Follow-On 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

Holle Bio Stage 2 Organic Follow-On 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

HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 2

HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 2 Formula

  • 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

https://organicformulashop.com/products/hipp-uk-organic-formula-stage-2

  • 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 called "Stage 3" or "Growing-up Formula." This stage is designed for infants over ten months and will provide continued support for growth and development as babies approach their first birthday. The formula typically contains more 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 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 ten 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

    HiPP Dutch Stage 3 Combiotic Formula Toddler

    • 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

    HiPP German Stage 3 Combiotic Organic Toddler 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

    Bébé M Organic Rice Anti-Reflux (AR) - Stage 3

    Bébé M Organic Rice Anti-Reflux (AR) - Stage 3

    • Appropriate from 10+ months onwards
    • 100% Plant-based (Vegan)
    • Dairy-free
    • Suitable for babies with dairy allergies
    • No synthetic preservatives or nutrients
    • Gluten, Soy, and Palm-oil Free
    • Essential vitamins and nutrients
    • Chemical & hormone-free agriculture and manufacturing
    • Certified Organic by AB-France
    • Comes in an easy-to-dispense, airtight container

    Holle Goat Milk Stage 3 Organic Baby Formula

    Holle Goat Stage 3 Organic Toddler Formula

     

    Holle Bio Stage 3 Organic Baby Formula

    Holle Bio Stage 3 Organic Formula Toddler

     

    HiPP UK Stage 3 Combiotic Organic Baby Formula

    HiPP UK Organic Formula - Stage 3

    • 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 and no synthetic preservatives or nutrients
    • GMO-free
    • 600g / 28oz of formula powder


    Stage 4 Organic Formulas (12-36 Months)

    Introducing Stage 4 European Organic Baby Formula, specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing toddlers of one year (12+ months) or older. This stage is intended as a supplement to solid foods for toddlers and will support your little one after their first birthday all the way through their toddler years. Our Hipp and Holle Stage 4 formulas provide a balanced blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

     

    Hipp Dutch Organic Formula - Stage 4

    Hipp Dutch Organic Formula - Stage 4

    • From 24 Months onwards
    • Contains Prebiotic & Probiotics
    • Contains Omega 3 & 6 LCPs (DHA & AA)
    • Does not contain starch, soy, or gluten
    • Biodynamic and Organic certified (No GMOs)
    • Made in Germany for the Dutch Market.
    • Certified to EU standards

      Holle Organic Baby Formula - Stage 4

      Holle Organic Baby Formula - Stage 4

      • Ideal for babies 12 to 24 months
      • Premium quality organic baby food
      • Organically grown ingredients
      • Milk from cows raised on biodynamic (Demeter Certified) farms
      • No genetically modified ingredients & no artificial chemicals or preservatives
      • Certified to EU standards

      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 remember that these are general guidelines, and your baby's 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 suitable for your little one, please email us at support@organicformulashop.com  

      Happy Feeding!