HiPP German Stage Pre formula provides all the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support the nutrition needs of babies from birth to 6 months old. This formula can be used to supplement breast milk or be the sole source of nutrition for bottle-fed babies.
HiPP German Stage Pre is a cow’s milk baby formula fortified with vitamins, minerals, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), ARA (arachidonic acid), prebiotics, and probiotics. This formula is certified organic according to European standards, which ensures it doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients, preservatives, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). HiPP’s baby formulas are also made without added sweeteners, dyes, or flavorings.
HiPP is a family-owned manufacturer of organic baby formulas based in Germany. They offer a full product line that includes stages for babies up to one year old, hypoallergenic formula for babies with milk protein allergy, a comfort formula for sensitive digestive systems, and an anti-reflux formula for babies experiencing reflux.
Pros
Cons
Here is the full ingredient list for HiPP German Pre formula:
Skim Milk*, Whey Product*, Vegetable Oils* (Palm Oil**, Rapeseed Oil*, Sunflower Oil*), Lactose*, Galactooligosaccharides* From Lactose*, Fish Oil¹, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, M. Alpina Oil, Choline, Sodium Citrate, L-Phenylalanine, Calcium Orthophosphates, L-Tryptophan, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, L-Histidine, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Stabilizer Lactic Acid, Vitamin C, Natural Lactic Acid Culture (Lactobacillus Fermentum Hereditum®²), Vitamin E, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Potassium Iodate, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin K, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin B12
HiPP German Pre formula uses organic cow’s skim milk and whey as the protein sources and lactose as the primary source of carbohydrates. These ingredients are chosen to closely resemble the composition of breast milk, which contains lactose as the main source of carbohydrates. Breast milk also contains some of the same whey and casein proteins found in cow’s milk.
It also contains a blend of palm oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil for fat. Palm oil is a common fat source in baby formulas, but it’s somewhat controversial. The sourcing of palm oil is linked to environmental concerns like deforestation. However, HiPP is committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients so the palm oil in this formula may come from a sustainable source.
Palm oil is also high in saturated fat, but since this formula contains a blend of vegetable oils it has a nice mix of saturated and mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Older research suggests palm oil may interfere with fat and calcium absorption, but this is more likely to be an issue in formulas that contain palm oil as the only fat source versus a blend of oils.
HiPP German Stage Pre contains added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids DHA and ARA, which are essential for healthy vision and brain development. However, the DHA in this formula is sourced from fish oil, which is a potential allergen.
Since babies under 6 months source all of their nutrition from formula and/or breastmilk, it’s hard to know whether a baby this age has a potential fish allergy. If you have questions about formulas that contain fish oil and the risk of an allergic reaction, talk with your child’s doctor.
HiPP German Pre is formulated to provide complete nutrition to babies from birth to 6 months old. That means this formula can be used as the sole source of nutrition or as a supplement to breast milk for young babies.
HiPP German Stage Pre contains all of the vitamins and minerals that the FDA requires to be present in American-made baby formulas. In Europe, the European Commission is responsible for establishing minimum nutrient requirements for baby formula. There may be some difference in the nutrient amounts required between these two agencies.
HiPP German Stage Pre provides 0.76 milligrams of iron per 66 calories which exceeds the FDA’s minimum of 1 milligram per 100 calories and the European Commission’s iron requirement of 0.2 milligrams per 100 calories.
HiPP German Pre formula is likely to be well-tolerated by most healthy babies between the ages of birth and six months, with the exception of babies with lactose intolerance and/or a diagnosed milk protein allergy.
Because this formula contains fish oil, there is a potential for an allergic reaction in babies with a fish allergy.
This formula should not be used in babies older than six months of age. For appropriate nutrition, babies six months and up should be transitioned to HiPP Stage 1, Stage 2, or Stage 3 formula depending on age.
Here’s how HiPP German Pre formula compares to other organic infant formulas:
HiPP German Pre vs Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula with Iron
Earth’s Best Organic Dairy formula is designed for babies 0 to 12 months old. Both formulas are designed to be as similar to breast milk as possible. They’re both made with organic milk and contain whey protein, lactose, and a blend of vegetable oils that includes palm oil.
They both also have added DHA and ARA, but these essential fats are sourced from algae oil in Earth’s Best, which doesn’t have the same allergenic potential as the fish oil in HiPP. However, Earth’s Best contains soy in the form of soy oil, which is another common allergen. HiPP formulas are soy-free.
This Earth’s Best formula contains more iron than HiPP German Pre, with 1.8 milligrams per 100 calories versus 0.5 milligrams per 66 calories. This is likely due to the increased iron needs of older babies since maternal iron stores are depleted around 6 months of age. HiPP’s Stage 2 and Stage 3 cow’s milk formulas are for babies 6 months and older and provide 1 milligram of iron per 68 calories, which is closer to the amount in Earth’s Best.
HiPP German Pre vs HappyBaby Organic Stage 1 Infant Formula
HappyBaby Organic Stage 1 formula is intended for babies from birth to 12 months old, whereas HiPP German Pre is for babies up to 6 months old. Both formulas are designed to mimic breast milk and contain organic milk, whey protein, lactose, and a blend of vegetable oils that includes palm oil.
They both have added DHA, ARA, and prebiotics, but HappyBaby lacks probiotics. The DHA in HappyBaby is sourced from algae oil versus fish oil. However, HappyBaby contains some soy ingredients, which is a potential allergen, while HiPP is soy-free.
HappyBaby provides slightly more iron, with 1 milligram per 100 calories whereas HiPP German Pre provides 0.5 milligrams of iron per 66 calories.
HiPP German Stage Pre vs Enfamil Simply Organic Baby Formula
While HiPP German Pre is designed for babies from birth to 6 months old, Enfamil offers an organic option that can be used from birth up to 1 year old. Both formulas are fortified with vitamins, minerals, DHA, ARA, and prebiotics. Enfamil does not contain probiotics like HiPP does, but it contains more iron per serving.
Both formulas contain a blend of vegetable oils that includes palm oil and use organic milk as a base, but only HiPP includes whey protein to more closely resemble breast milk. HiPP contains only lactose for carbohydrates, while Enfamil contains both lactose and maltodextrin.
Maltodextrin is a highly processed food additive that can cause digestive upset in some babies due to its rapid absorption in the intestines. Lactose is the main source of carbohydrates in breast milk, which makes the HiPP formula closer to breast milk than Enfamil.
HiPP German Stage Pre formula is a good starting formula for babies being bottle-fed from day one of life. It can also be used to supplement breast milk. Designed to mimic breast milk, HiPP German Pre contains lactose for carbohydrates and whey protein.
This formula provides complete nutrition from birth up until 6 months. HiPP also offers a Stage 1 formula that is very similar to Pre except for the addition of starch which may offer enhanced satiety for perhaps more time between feedings.
Because this formula is certified organic, it’s an excellent choice for parents looking for wholesome ingredients from trusted sources. Of course, it’s best to speak with your child’s doctor regarding any formula you’d like to offer your child.
No, the “pre” in the name does not stand for “preterm” or “preemie.” HiPP’s German Pre formula is designed to provide complete nutrition to bottle-fed and breast-fed babies requiring supplementation from birth to 6 months of age.
This formula is fortified with iron. It provides 0.9 milligrams of iron in 3 ounces of prepared formula, which is more than the minimum amount of iron the FDA requires in baby formulas.
Both of these formulas are designed for babies aged 0 to 6 months old. Both formulas contain organic skim milk, whey, lactose, a vegetable oil blend, vitamins, minerals, DHA, ARA, prebiotics, and probiotics.
The main difference between them is the addition of starch in the Stage 1 formula, which may enhance satiety. Stage 1 also contains a bit more iron with 0.6 milligrams versus 0.5 milligrams per 100 mL. It also contains more choline, a nutrient important for vision and brain development, with 26 milligrams per 100mL versus 4.9 milligrams in HiPP German Pre.
HiPP produces product lines for both Dutch and German markets. The HiPP Dutch line includes Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 formulas. The HiPP German line contains Pre, Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 formulas. The formulas are essentially the same with the exception of where they are packaged and the language used on the label. HiPP Dutch Stage 1 is similar to HiPP German Pre and both formulas are starch-free. HiPP German Stage 1 contains starch.
Yes, HiPP’s baby formulas, including HiPP German Pre, are safe. All of HiPP’s formulas are certified organic according to the European Union’s regulations. The organic seal ensures this formula is free from dyes, preservatives, synthetic pesticides, hormones, and GMOs. Baby formulas manufactured in Europe must also meet the European Commission’s requirements for nutrients in baby formula, which are similar to FDA regulations.
Since HiPP German Pre is manufactured in Germany, it is not under the jurisdiction of the FDA. The FDA only approves baby formulas produced in the United States.
| Age | Water (ml) | Scoops | Ready-made Formula (ml) | Meals per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks | Consult your pediatrician | |||
| 3-4 weeks | 90 | 3 | 100 | 5-7 |
| 5-6 weeks | 120 | 4 | 135 | 5-6 |
| 7-8 weeks | 150 | 5 | 170 | 5 |
| 3-4 months | 180 | 6 | 200 | 5 |
| 5+ months | 210 | 7 | 235 | 5 |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 66 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.5 g |
| Saturates | 1.2 g |
| Monounsaturates | 1.5 g |
| Polyunsaturates | 0.7g |
| Total Carbs | 6.9 g |
| Sugars | 6.7 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Protein | 1.6 g |
| Salt | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
| Potassium | 88 mg |
| Chloride | 41 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Phosphorus | 28 mg |
| Magnesium | 5.1 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Zinc | 0.5 mg |
| Copper | 40 mcg |
| Iodine | 10 mcg |
| Selenium | 2.1 mcg |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Manganese | 17 mcg |
| Fluoride | 5.2 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 70 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0.7 mg |
| Vitamin K | 5.1 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.06 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.08 mg |
| Niacin | 0.40 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folic Acid | 10.5 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.15 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.50 mg |
| Biotin | 1.6 mcg |
| Carnitine | 1.7 mg |
| Choline | 4.9 mg |
| Inositol | 11 mg |
| LCPs | 20 mg |
| Galacto-oligosaccharide | 0.3 g |
Skim Milk*, Whey Product*, Vegetable Oils* (Palm Oil**, Rapeseed Oil*, Sunflower Oil*), Lactose*, Galactooligosaccharides* From Lactose*, Fish Oil¹, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, M. Alpina Oil, Choline, Sodium Citrate, L-Phenylalanine, Calcium Orthophosphates, L-Tryptophan, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, L-Histidine, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Stabilizer Lactic Acid, Vitamin C, Natural Lactic Acid Culture (Lactobacillus Fermentum Hereditum®²), Vitamin E, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Potassium Iodate, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin K, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin B12
*From organic production
** Organic palm oil from sustainable cultivation certified by independent inspection bodies
¹ Contains DHA (required by law for infant formula)
² Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716
Allergens: milk, whey, lactose, fish oil
