HiPP German Stage 2 Formula
HiPP German Combiotic Stage 2 is an organic German baby formula designed to meet the nutrition needs of babies who are 6 months of age or older. The name “combiotic” refers to the combination of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients alongside prebiotics and probiotics that are intended to support a baby’s gut health and immune system.
HiPP German Combiotic Stage 2 Formula is designed to complement breast milk or solid foods, depending on what your baby needs. It can be a good formula for babies to transition to from HiPP German Combiotic Stage 1 or Pre formula, as it contains a higher amount of energy and other nutrients to keep up with the ongoing development of a child.
This formula is made with skim cow’s milk that is organically certified, as well as a unique blend of organic prebiotics and probiotics to support a baby’s healthy gut microbiome. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals to help support a baby’s growth and development.
All of the HiPP baby formulas are certified organic by the European Union. They are also free of GMOs, refined sugars such as corn syrup, artificial preservatives, pesticides, and hormones to give parents and caregivers the peace of mind they desire when feeding their babies well.
Pros and Cons of HiPP German Stage 2
Pros:
- Made with high-quality organic ingredients sourced from farms that emphasize environmental sustainability and animal welfare
- Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fats to help support brain and eye health
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics to support gut and immune health
Cons:
- Not suitable for babies with lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy
- Not suitable for babies with a fish allergy as it contains fish oil
- Contains palm oil
Ingredients of HiPP German Stage 2
The ingredients in HiPP German Stage 2 are designed to meet the nutritional needs of babies at least 6 months of age or older, including:
Organic Skim Milk, Organic Vegetable Oils [Organic Palm Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil], Organic Whey Powder, Organic Lactose, Organic Starch, Organic Galacto-Oligosaccharides From Organic Lactose, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Organic Emulsifier Lecithin, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Orthophosphates, Calcium Chloride, L-Tyrosine, L-Tryptophan, Magnesium Carbonate, Vitamin C, L-Cystine, Iron Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Natural Lactic Acid Culture (Lactobacillus Fermentum Hereditum), Vitamin E, Niacin, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Potassium Iodate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Manganese Sulfate, Biotin.
This formula contains a blend of organic prebiotics and probiotics, which are known to help support a healthy gut microbiome and ultimately immune function and overall well-being. Specifically, it contains prebiotic fibers from galactooligosaccharide lactose, similar to those found in breast milk.
One of these is Lactobacillus Fermentum Hereditum, a type of lactic acid-producing bacteria that offers food preservation and health benefits. Some studies have suggested it may have beneficial effects on blood cholesterol, liver, and digestive health.
Additionally, it contains fish oil as its primary source of DHA and ARA, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are important for cognitive and visual development. Getting enough DHA is especially important for babies during the first two years of life as it accumulates in the brain. While this is a critical nutrient for babies, those who have a fish allergy should not consume this formula.
This formula uses a blend of organic vegetable oils to provide other fats, which include palm oil, sunflower oil, and rapeseed oils. While palm oil is a common ingredient in baby formulas, there is some research that suggests it reduces the absorption of calcium and fat, and may also contribute to digestive symptoms in some babies. Still, the blend of oils suggests that there’s not a large amount of palm oil in the product.
Unlike many other baby formula brands, HiPP German Stage 2 does not contain gluten, maltodextrin, refined sugar, GMOs, preservatives, or corn syrup.
Nutrients in HiPP German Stage 2
HiPP German Stage 2 formula was developed to complement the nutrition needs of babies who are at least 6 months old and transitioning from relying fully on breast milk to integrating more solid foods.
The nutrition in HiPP German Stage 2 meets the FDA requirements for nutrition in baby formulas. The FDA requires between 0.15-0.30 mg of iron per 100 calories, whereas the European Guidelines require 0.2 mg per 100 calories. This formula provides 1 mg of iron per 68 calories, exceeding the requirements of both.
Side Effects of HiPP German Stage 2
HiPP German Stage 2 should not be consumed by babies who have lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy, as one of its primary ingredients is skim cow’s milk. It also contains fish oil and therefore should be avoided by children with fish and seafood allergies.
Some of the most common potential side effects of baby formula are digestive symptoms, like diarrhea or increased gassiness. The likelihood of side effects depends on the individual child. If your baby has been on a dairy formula previously, it’s less likely that they will experience side effects as they move up and onto HiPP German Stage 2.
How HiPP German Stage 2 Formula Compares
HiPP German Stage 2 formula is a great option for many babies who need something to complement their nutrition alongside breast milk or solid foods. Here’s how it compares to a few other popular baby formulas with similar intentions.
HiPP German Stage 2 vs. Enfamil® NeuroPro™ Infant Formula Powder
Both HiPP and Enfamil formulas have been designed to provide nutrients that support brain health in addition to general nutrition for growing babies. While HiPP is for babies 6 months and older, Enfamil is intended for babies from 0-12 months.
HiPP uses fish oil to provide DHA, whereas Enfamil does not contain this allergen, instead using oil from algae and fungi. Per 100 calories, Enfamil provides 1.8 mg of iron whereas HiPP comes out only slightly less at 1.5 mg per 100 calories. Both formulas start with skim milk, but HiPP uses less lactose than Enfamil based on where it falls on the ingredient list.
HiPP German Stage 2 vs.Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula with Iron Stage 2
Both Happy Baby and HiPP formulas are designed for babies aged 6-12 months old. They contain similar amounts of iron. While HiPP gets DHA and ARA from fish oil, Happy Baby uses algae oil.
The first ingredients in HiPP are organic skim milk, vegetable oils, whey protein, and lactose, while Happy Baby starts with lactose, nonfat milk, palm oil, and soy oil. Both are made with certified organic milk.
HiPP German Stage 2 vs. Lebenswert Stage 2 Organic Infant Milk Formula
Both of these formulas are made with organic cow’s milk and are intended to help support the nutrition needs of babies aged 6-12 months old. They are both suitable for babies who are weaning from breast milk and incorporating more solid foods.
The Lebenswert formula begins with organic skim milk, whey protein, vegetable oils, and maltodextrin, whereas HiPP starts with organic skim milk, vegetable oils, whey protein, and lactose. Both formulas contain a similar amount of iron and both use fish oil as their primary source of healthy fats for infants.
Bottom Line
HiPP German Stage 2 Baby Formula is a great formula option for babies who are either transitioning from a Stage 1 formula or who need the formula to complement their nutrition when weaning from breast milk and adding more solid foods to their diet.
While not suitable for babies who need a hypoallergenic formula or who need dairy- and fish-free options, HiPP German Stage 2 offers a comprehensive formula with iron and omega fats for babies at least 6 months old. Always speak to your pediatrician about the best formula for your infant’s needs.