HiPP Dutch Stage 2 Formula
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 is an organic milk-based infant formula made for babies who are aged 6 months and older. It is meant to complement solid foods as babies transition from other formulas — like HiPP Dutch Stage 1 — or breast milk.
The word “Combiotik” used in the full product name — HiPP Dutch Stage 2 Combiotik Baby Formula — is loosely translated to indicate that it contains both prebiotics and probiotics that support a baby’s digestive health. While formula can never mimic breast milk exactly, the addition of these beneficial ingredients helps bring it as close as possible.
HiPP baby formula is made in Germany and this now widely used brand was started in 1899. The company uses organic-biodynamic farming and is partnered with over 6,000 farmers producing raw materials. Biodynamic agriculture is centered around the lunar calendar and focuses on viewing the farm as a living organism itself. It is a more homeopathic routine to farming than conventional farming.
Pros and Cons of HiPP Dutch Stage 2
Pros:
- Added Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFAs for eye and brain development
- Organic-biodynamic agriculture practices
- Guaranteed 6-month shelf life
Cons:
- Not a good option for babies with lactose intolerance or milk allergy
- Potentially a high monthly cost for families depending on how much the baby is eating
- Not suitable for babies with a fish allergy
Ingredients of HiPP Dutch Stage 2
The ingredients in HiPP Dutch Stage 2 baby formula are designed to meet the nutritional needs of babies 6-12 months old and are as follows:
Organic Skim Milk, Organic Lactose, Organic Vegetable Oils [Organic Palm Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil], Organic Whey, Organic Galacto-Oligosaccharides (obtained from Organic Lactose), Fish Oil, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Salts Of Orthophosphoric Acid, Calcium Carbonate, L-Tyrosine, L-Tryptophan, Sodium Citrate, Magnesium Carbonate, Vitamin C, Iron Sulfate, Lactic Acid, L-Cystine, Niacin, Zinc Oxide, Lactic Acid Culture [Hereditum® Lactobacillus Fermentum CECT5716], Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Potassium Iodate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Biotin.
Its primary ingredients include organic skim milk, organic whey, and organic vegetable oils. Note that this formula is completely free from any starch, gluten, soy, added sugars, preservatives, corn syrup, hormones, pesticides, refined sugar, and GMOs. However, it does contain milk and fish, which are two major allergens.
Furthermore, HiPP Dutch Stage 2 contains organic prebiotic and probiotic blends, in the form of organic lactic acid bacterial cultures, to support infant gut health while being easily digestible. These prebiotics have been shown to alter a baby’s gut bacteria in a positive way.
HiPP is a well-established and respected German company with over 250 products for babies and mothers under its name. All of the HiPP infant formulas are certified organic by the European Union, which means they are held to some of the highest organic standards in the world.
Nutrients in HiPP Dutch Stage 2
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 is designed to provide all of the nutritional needs of infants aged 6-12 months old.
There is only a small nutritional difference between the Dutch and German formulas in the HiPP line. Dutch formulas are lower in protein while being higher in sugar and lactose, which act as additional carbohydrate sources because these don’t contain starch.
While there are some small differences in vitamin and mineral content between the HiPP Dutch and German formulas, the most notable one is iron. Many European infant formulas are lower in iron per serving than ones manufactured in the United States, and therefore many do not meet FDA requirements for this nutrient.
Additionally, note that this formula relies predominantly on fish oil to provide polyunsaturated fatty acids DHA and EPA, which are critical for brain and eye development. While these are important nutrients, fish may be a major allergen for some babies.
Side Effects of HiPP Dutch Stage 2
This formula is not intended for babies under six months of age or for babies who have a cow’s milk allergy, lactose intolerance, or who are allergic to fish and seafood.
Not every baby formula is right for every baby, so it’s important to pay attention to how your baby responds. The most common side effects reported with most baby formulas are related to digestion, such as increased gassiness and fussiness or diarrhea. However, this formula is designed to be easily digestible for most babies and includes organic blends of prebiotics and probiotics to help minimize the risk of these side effects.
If your baby experiences side effects with this formula, or any other formula, it’s always best to speak with your pediatrician or registered dietitian to determine a good alternative if needed.
How HiPP Dutch Stage 2 Compares
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 is designed to meet the nutrition needs of infants 6-12 months of age and complement a baby’s first solid foods as they wean from other formula or breast milk. Here’s how this formula compares to some similar brands on the market.
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 vs. Happy Baby Organic Stage 2
Both of these formulas are designed for babies aged 6-12 months old. Happy Baby ingredients are similar to HiPP, including the dual prebiotics mix to aid in digestion. The prebiotics include a combination of galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides. One big difference in the formulas is there are no fish oils used in Happy Baby, making it fish- and eggshell-allergen-friendly. However, Happy Baby does contain soy ingredients which HiPP Dutch does not.
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 vs. Lebenswert Folgemilch Stage 2 Organic
Both of these formulas are certified organic and in compliance with European organic standards, which are stricter than those of the United States. HiPP Dutch is of course a Dutch formula while Lebenswert is made in Germany.
They are both milk-based formulas for babies 6-12 months of age. While both contain fish oil and an array of micronutrients, Lebenswert notably also contains vitamin B12. HiPP contains lactose while Lebenswert contains whey powder. HiPP is the only one that contains added prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health support.
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 vs. Holle Stage 2 Goat Milk Formula
The biggest difference between these two formulas is that HiPP is cow’s milk-based while Holle is goat milk-based which may be less allergenic than cow’s milk. HiPP is suitable for babies 6-12 months, while Holle is intended for 6-10-month-old babies.
Both contain DHA and ARA, as well as other fatty acids for brain and eye health, but Holle is free from palm oil. Furthermore, HiPP contains added pre- and probiotics not found in Holle, which help make it more comparable to breast milk. Many Holle formulas, including this one, are Demeter-certified for biodynamic agriculture.
Bottom Line
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 formula is an organic skim milk-based formula designed for babies who are 6-12 months of age. It is intended to be used as a nutritional complement to solid foods and breast milk as babies get older and expand their palate. If you are looking for organic baby formula to help support your older baby’s growth and development, including their digestive health, HiPP Dutch Stage 2 may be a good option.
Remember that when choosing a formula for your baby, it’s always best to speak to your pediatrician about which formula will meet your baby’s unique needs.