Choosing the right infant formula for your baby can be overwhelming, but we are here to help simplify the process. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and what may work for one baby may not work for another. The most important thing is that your baby is well-fed, loved, and happy.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider using this formula to guide your decision-making process:
Assess your priorities + Consider your baby’s specific needs = Make a choice and give it a try
By taking these steps, you can narrow down your options and find the formula that best fits your and your baby's needs.
When shopping for baby formula, customers often consider certain priorities such as:
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The ingredients of the formula and how closely it mimics breast milk
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The quality of production, including any organic certifications
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The availability of the formula from a reputable source
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The cost of the formula
When it comes to ingredients and similarities to breast milk:
European formulas are designed to closely approximate the nutritional composition of breast milk as much as possible. They do this by:
- Mimicking the blend of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients found in breast milk and using lactose as the carbohydrate source. European formulas tend to avoid using sweeteners such as sucrose or corn syrup commonly found in American formulas.
- Offering different stages of formula that replicate the changing composition of breast milk over time. Later stages of European formulas are formulated to complement the diets of babies who have begun eating solid foods.
If you are looking for a formula that closely mimics breast milk, a European formula may be the best option for you.
Production quality and Organic formula certifications:
When it comes to production quality and organic certifications, European formulas are known for their stringent standards. Many of them are certified organic by the European Commission. If the highest quality formula is important to you, we recommend HiPP, Holle & Lebenswert Bio brands carrying the highest standards and organic certifications. These certifications are known for their high standards in processing and production, and they require annual renewal, preservation of biodiversity, no GMOs, and more.
Availability and sourcing:
Availability and sourcing are important factors to consider when choosing a baby formula. For some parents, being able to easily purchase formula from a nearby store is important, while others prefer the convenience of having it delivered straight to their doorstep. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the potential risks of relying on local stores for formula, so purchasing from a reputable retailer with a robust supply chain may be a safer option. This can also help ensure availability and lower the cost per ounce. We recommend Holipp as an option for online ordering, and they offer free shipping on all saving packs.
Cost Factor:
The cost of formula feeding can be a concern for many parents. We understand that formula feeding can be expensive, and some may have concerns about the price of European formulas. However, when comparing the cost per fluid ounce of European formulas to regular and specialty American-produced formulas, the cost is similar or even lower in some cases. At most, the cost difference is an additional $3-$4 per day. To reduce the cost even further, purchasing formula in bulk from Holipp is a good option.
When it comes to formula feeding, every baby has unique needs
After considering your own priorities, it’s important to evaluate what your baby needs. Keep in mind that what worked for other babies may not work for yours, as each baby’s feeding journey is unique. Here are our recommendations:
If you are exclusively formula-feeding your baby, we recommend HiPP formula. All HiPP formulas contain prebiotics and most contain probiotics, which are recommended for babies who are exclusively formula fed.
If you are supplementing breastfeeding or combination feeding, we recommend Holle formula. Holle formulas do not contain any prebiotics or probiotics, which is fine for babies who are also getting breast milk as it naturally contains these beneficial compounds.
When choosing a formula for your baby, it’s important to consider their specific needs. Here are some recommendations for different situations:
- If your baby has a cow’s milk sensitivity, try Holle’s goat’s milk-based formulas.
- If your baby needs a hypoallergenic formula, we recommend HiPP HA Hypoallergenic PRE. It is a hydrolyzed formula for babies with milk protein intolerance, which only uses lactose and does not contain corn-derived carbohydrates.
- If your baby suffers from reflux, HiPP AR Anti-Reflux is a good choice as it is thickened with locust bean gum that helps minimize the amount of milk that comes back up the esophagus.
- If your baby has gas or digestive discomfort, try HiPP Comfort. It is a hydrolyzed formula with reduced lactose.
- If you are looking for a well-rounded formula with simple ingredients for a baby who doesn’t have any of these specific feeding needs, try Lebenswert Bio. It is gluten-free, Bioland Certified, and Stage 1 does not include maltodextrin or starch.
If you are still unsure and want more information about these formulas, be sure to check out the Best Organic Formulas Buyer’s Guide before making your final decision.
HiPP HA Combiotic Stage 2 Hypoallergenic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula
$38.88 – $645.12Earn 6,451 Reward Points
Holle Bio Stage 2 Organic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula
$30.88 – $477.12Earn 308 Reward Points
HiPP Bio Combiotic Stage 3 Organic Baby Milk Formula
$36.88 – $597.12Earn 2,790 Reward Points
Holle Goat Stage 1 Organic Infant Milk Formula
$30.88 – $751.68Earn 308 Reward Points
Holle Bio Stage PRE Organic Infant Milk Formula
$24.88 – $571.68Earn 248 Reward Points
HiPP Combiotic Stage 4 Two Year Plus Toddler Milk Formula
$36.88 – $597.12Earn 2,790 Reward Points
Decide & Try!
The best way to find the right formula for your baby is to evaluate your priorities and your baby’s unique needs, make an informed decision, and then try it for a period of 14 days. It can take that long for a baby’s digestive system to adjust to a new formula. To minimize the risk of waste, it is suggested to purchase a small amount of formula, to begin with.
Keep this in mind!
It’s important to keep in mind that the first few months after a baby’s birth can be a challenging time for both parents and infants. Babies are learning and experiencing new things and sometimes learning to eat can be difficult. Their digestive systems are new and have never been used in this way before. Fussiness, colic, and gas are common among babies, especially those under three months old. These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you should change the baby’s formula, as it often means that the baby is learning and adjusting to a new way of feeding by mouth.
Still, unsure which formula to choose?
If you’re still unsure about which formula to choose, contact our team to work with you to determine the formula that best meets your baby’s needs. We are passionate about the amazing products we offer and we love to talk with moms about them. We understand the challenges of being a parent or caregiver, so you can reach out to us through live chat, contact us or send us an email at sns@holipp.com. We look forward to helping you.
