HiPP Dutch Stage 1 Formula
HiPPs Dutch stage 1 formula is designed to meet the nutrient needs of the youngest babies, ages 0-6 months. It can be used as a supplement in addition to breast milk or as a sole source of nutrition when breastfeeding is not possible.
It is slightly different from the other HiPP formulas in that it is made to meet the specific standards of the Dutch market, which is slightly different from the European Union requirements.
The HiPP formula brand was founded in Germany over 100 years ago. It has since become a well-established, reputable manufacturer of baby formulas. The Dutch Stage 1 is a quality choice for families looking for an organic infant formula.
The word “Combiotik” is loosely translated to mean that the formula contains pre- and probiotics to support digestive health. The addition of these beneficial fibers and bacteria helps make the formula more similar to natural breast milk, although there is no man-made formula that is exactly the same.
HiPP is a well-established German company with a line of over 250 different products for babies and mothers. All of its infant formulas are certified organic by the European Union, which has some of the strictest standards in the world. HiPP has also introduced its own HiPP organic seal which exceeds European Union organic standards.
The HiPP formulas are all free of artificial preservatives, pesticides, hormones, refined sugar, corn syrup, and GMOs.
Pros and Cons of HiPP Dutch Stage 1
Pros:
- 100% organic formula made with high quality, environmentally sustainable ingredients
- Contains pre- and probiotics for digestive health
- Provides DHA and choline, essential for brain development
Cons:
- Not appropriate for babies with lactose intolerance or a cow’s milk allergy
- Contains palm oil, which is high in saturated fat and may interfere with nutrient absorption
- Not suitable for babies with a fish allergy
Ingredients of HiPP Dutch Stage 1
The ingredients in HiPP Dutch Stage 1 formula are designed to meet the nutritional needs of babies from birth to 6 months and are as follows:
Organic Skim Milk, Organic Whey, Organic Vegetable Oils [Organic Palm Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil], Organic Lactose, Organic Galacto-Oligosaccharides (Obtained From Organic Lactose), Whey Protein, Fish Oil, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, Choline, Mortierella Alpina Oil (ARA), Sodium Citrate, L-Phenylalanine, Calcium Salts of Orthophosphoric Acid, Magnesium Sulfate, L-Tryptophan, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Lactic Acid, Vitamin C, Lactic Acid Culture [Hereditum® Lactobacillus Fermentum CECT5716], Vitamin E, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Potassium Iodate, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin K, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin B12.
HiPP Dutch stage 1 contains skim milk and organic whey, which provide cow-based protein. This formula is not ideal for babies with cow’s milk allergy.
The fats are a blend of multiple oils, which results in a wide range of essential fatty acids present in the formula. It contains fish oil, a source of DHA, ARA, and omega-3s, beneficial for brain development. The use of fish oil means that this formula should be avoided by infants with a fish allergy.
Carbohydrates come from lactose and galactooligosaccharides. Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in breast milk, but may not be well tolerated by some infants.
HiPPs formula contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, which are exactly what babies need for healthy development and growth at this stage.
HiPP formulas are unique with the addition of pre-and probiotics. Prebiotics are found in the galacto-oligosaccharides, a type of fermentable fiber that may support healthy digestion and beneficial gut bacteria. Additionally, this particular formula contains probiotics from lactic acid cultures. These cultures are derived from human breast milk, a nice addition for babies who are exclusively formula fed.
Nutrients in HiPP Dutch Stage 1
HiPP Dutch Stage 1 is intended to be a complete baby formula that meets the needs of Dutch baby formula regulations. It is designed to provide 100% of the nutritional requirements for babies from 0-6 months old.
The primary difference between the HiPP Dutch and German formulas is a very slight modification in the nutrient composition of the formula. When compared to HiPP’s German line of formulas, the Dutch version is higher in sugar and lactose, but lower in protein. The Dutch version does not contain starch, which is why more sugar and lactose are added to ensure adequate carbohydrates are present in the formula.
There are also some slight variations in the vitamins and minerals present in each formula, but none are significant enough to make a major difference in the nutritional adequacy of the product.
The one difference to note is that the Dutch formula is lower in iron when compared to the German version. European formulas are already lower in iron and do not meet FDA requirements, therefore that is something to keep in mind. Speak to your pediatrician about your baby’s iron needs, as some babies do not need iron supplementation before 4 months, so this formula may be appropriate.
Side Effects of HiPP Dutch Stage 1
There are no significant side effects to note with HiPP Dutch Stage 1, but not every formula is right for every baby.
HiPP’s Dutch Stage 1 formula is made from cow’s milk and contains lactose. A baby with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance may not tolerate this formula. As previously mentioned, it also contains fish oil, therefore should not be used by infants with a fish allergy.
The product contains a blend of vegetable oils for fat. This blend includes palm oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil. Palm oil is found in many baby formulas, however, there are some concerns about its ability to impact nutrient absorption or increase the risk of heart disease. At this time, palm oil is considered safe to use in baby formula.
How HiPP Dutch Stage 1 Formula Compares
Here’s how HiPP Dutch Stage 1 compares to other similar-stage European and US-based formulas:
HiPP Dutch Stage 1 vs Holle Bio Stage 1
Holle is the most comparable formula to HiPP. Both HiPP and Holle make organic infant formulas and are focused on high quality farming and ingredients. Many Holle formulas are Demeter certified an indication that their production process meets certain standards of sustainability. While HiPP does not have this type of certification, the brand is still highly reputable and uses organic, sustainable ingredients.
HiPP Stage 1 formula has pre- and probiotics, which are not found in the Holle brand. The addition of these beneficial bacteria makes the HiPP brand slightly more comparable to breast milk. Otherwise, the nutrient composition of the formulas is fairly similar.
HiPP Dutch Stage 1 vs Earth’s Best Organic Formula
Earth’s Best is an organic baby formula, similar to HiPP’s Stage 1, but is meant for infants 0-12 months. Like HiPP stage 1, it contains DHA, ARA, and prebiotics. The prebiotics in each formula are from different types of fiber. Earth’s Best formula does not contain probiotics, one of the major benefits of the HiPP formula.
Both products are free of GMOs and corn syrup. Since Earth’s Best is a US-based formula, it is higher in iron, compared to HiPP’s products. Earth’s best does contain soy, not found in the HiPP brand.
HiPP Dutch Stage 1 Formula vs Gerber Good Start SoothePro
Most US-based baby formulas contain prebiotics, but not probiotics. Gerber Good Start SoothePro contains a probiotic called L. reuteri that has been found to reduce colic in infants. This is different from the Lactobacillus found in the HiPP formula, which is the type of healthy bacteria found in breast milk. Both products contain prebiotics, fermentable fibers that are beneficial for gut health.
The Gerber formula is not organic. The main ingredient in the Gerber formula is corn maltodextrin. It does not use lactose as a source of carbohydrates, making it more appropriate for infants with lactose intolerance.
Bottom Line
HiPP Dutch Stage 1 formula is a high-quality, organic, cow’s milk based European baby formula designed for babies from 0 to 6 months old. This formula is nutritionally complete and made using HiPP’s meticulous manufacturing and sustainable farming practices.
When choosing a formula for your baby, it is best to speak to your pediatrician about which formula will meet your baby’s unique nutritional needs.