Holle Bio Stage 2 is an organic European baby formula for babies aged 6 months and older. It is designed to be similar to breastmilk, and an easy-to-digest and nutrient-rich formula for babies transitioning from Holle Bio Stage 1, as well as babies who are starting to wean and beginning to eat solid foods. Holle Bio Stage 2 is similar to many popular US-based brands of sensitive baby formulas but is held to high European organic standards.
Made with organic skim milk, organic whey powder, organic maltodextrin, starch, vegetable oils, vitamins, and minerals, Holle Bio Stage 2 is intended to provide a higher amount of nutrients to supply older babies with what they need to thrive. It has a relatively short ingredient list, which makes it a good option for babies who are transitioning to a formula for the first time as well.
Manufactured and packaged in Germany and undergoes strict testing to high European organic standards. It is made with milk that comes from Demeter-certified farms, which are fully organic, biodynamic, and ethical. In addition to being organic, Holle Bio Stage 2 is non-toxic and free from GMOs, flavors, dyes, chemicals, starch, and artificial preservatives.
Below are some of the pros and cons of the Holle Bio Stage 2 formula.
Pros:
Cons:
Holle Bio Stage 2 was formulated to provide comprehensive nutrition for babies weaning from breast milk and learning how to enjoy more solid foods. The full ingredients in Holle Bio Stage 2 are listed below.
Demeter Skim Milk, Organic Vegetable Oils [Organic Palm Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil], Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Whey Powder (Partly Demineralized), Organic Starch, Demeter Skim Milk Powder, Organic Lactose, Fish Oil, Biodynamic Skim Milk Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Vitamin C, Sodium Citrate, L-Tryptophan, Iron Lactate, L-Tyrosine, Vitamin E, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin K, Folic Acid, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodate, Sodium Selenate, Biotin.
Holle Bio Stage 2 ingredients have been chosen and formulated together to provide comprehensive nutritional support for babies 6 months and older.
Early childhood is a time of rapid growth and development, and babies around 4-6 months of age are starting to incorporate more solid foods into their diet. This can be a time of worry for parents and caregivers who are concerned about meeting the increased nutrition needs of their children.
Holle Bio Stage 2 contains high-quality ingredients that provide the calories, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals babies need. In comparison to Holle Bio PRE and Holle Bio Stage 1, Holle Bio Stage 2 contains a larger amount of macronutrients and micronutrients to support the needs of growing babies.
Holle Bio Stage 2 was formulated to meet the increased macronutrient and micronutrient needs of older babies, as they begin weaning and adding solid foods to their diet. This formula contains the omega-3 fatty acids DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (Arachidonic acid) which are derived from a combination of milk, fish oil, and vegetable oils. DHA and ARA are critical for brain development, and DHA has been shown to collect in a child’s brain up through their first two years of life. However, note that this formula sources omega-3 fats partially from fish oil, which is one of the top eight allergens.
Additionally, Holle Bio Stage 2 contains iron to help prevent iron deficiency. Infants and children are at a heightened risk of not getting enough iron because of their rapid growth, so supplementing iron beginning in infancy is important.
This formula also contains maltodextrin, a powdered food additive derived from corn or other starches and often used as a thickening agent. Some research suggests that maltodextrin could alter the balance of gut bacteria and come with digestive symptoms, other studies have found that it may actually have favorable effects on gut health. Whether a parent wants to choose a baby formula with maltodextrin in it is a personal preference.
Holle Bio Stage 2 doesn’t pose any major side effects for most babies. However, there is always a risk for babies to experience side effects from various formulas. Some babies may not tolerate it as well as others. Because of the similarities between Holle formulations, babies who are transitioning up to Stage 2 from PRE or Stage 1 are more likely to tolerate it well.
However, Holle Bio Stage 2 contains milk and whey, so babies who are lactose intolerant or who have an allergy to either of these ingredients shouldn’t use this formula. Some of the most common symptoms of baby formula intolerance include gas, diarrhea, and upset stomach.
Note that Holle Bio Stage 2 should not be given to babies under 6 months of age, or babies who are over 10-12 months. There are other stages of Holle formulas that are designed specifically to meet the unique nutrition needs of these age groups.
Holle Bio Stage 2 is designed to be similar to breast milk and a good transitional formula for babies who are either weaning from breast milk, moving up in the stage of formula, and starting solid foods. There are many other baby formulas on the market that are designed for similar purposes. Here is how Holle Bio Stage 2 compares to some other options.
Holle Bio Stage 2 is made in Germany, while Enfamil products are made in the United States. Both of these formulas are intended to be similar to breast milk to allow for babies to receive the nutrition they need, however, Holle Bio Stage 2 is for babies at least 6 months of age and Enfamil Enspire is for babies up to 12 months old.
Enfamil Enspire does contain a blend of Lactoferrin & MFGM components, which they state is associated with fewer digestive and respiratory issues among infants, as well as a proprietary blend of Dual Prebiotics. Both formulas provide iron, DHA, and ARA, but Holle Bio Stage 2 contains maltodextrin as a thickening agent as well.
Holle Bio Stage 2 is made in Germany, while Similar 360 Total Care is made in the United States. Both of these formulas are designed for babies Similac contains both milk and soy, whereas Holle only contains milk. Both formulas provide iron, DHA, and ARA.
Additionally, Similac 360 Total Care contains 5 HMO prebiotics structurally identical to those in breast milk and is intended to be a good option for babies with sensitive tummies. However, only Holle Bio Stage 2 contains organic ingredients.
Holle Bio Stage 2 is made in Germany, and Up&Up Advantage Powder is made in the United States. Up&Up has a longer ingredient list than Holle Bio Stage 2 but also contains lutein, a carotenoid known to help support visual health.
While Holle Bio Stage 2 is soy-free, Up&Up contains both milk and soy ingredients. Additionally, while both are GMO-free, only Holle uses organic ingredients. Holle Bio Stage 2 is for babies who are at least 6 months old, but Up&Up can be used for the first 12 months of life.
Holle Bio Stage 2 is an organic European baby formula designed for infants who are at least 6 months old. It has been formulated with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients, including organic Demeter-certified milk. Holle Bio Stage 2 contains the macronutrients and micronutrients that growing babies need to thrive, including iron as well as DHA and ARA for brain and visual development.
Keep in mind that every formula is not right for every infant. When selecting a formula, it is best to speak to your pediatrician about the brand, protein, and type of product that is best for your baby.
Holle Bio Stage 2 is designed for infants who are at least 6 months old and ready to wean from breastmilk and start adding solid foods to their diet. This formula was created for babies between 6 and 12 months of age.
The FDA is a United States regulatory agency. Holle Bio Stage 2 is a European baby formula, which means it is not regulated by the FDA. However, Holle brand products are being imported into and sold in the US and are FDA registered as required.
Any infant formula can come with potential side effects. Holle Bio Stage 2 is suitable for most healthy babies between the ages of 6 and 12 months who are ready to transition from breast milk and start solid foods.
However, this formula is not intended for babies who are lactose intolerant or who have a milk or whey allergy. Babies who have these conditions could experience digestive or allergic symptoms if they consume Holle Bio Stage 2.
Holle Bio Stage 2 was formulated for babies aged 6 to 12 months. Babies may transition to Holle Stage 3 at 10 months or Holle Stage 4 at 12 months old. These two formulas are for babies who are weaning or simply ready for the next nutritional step up in the Holle Bio line.
To prepare Hollie Bio Stage 2, start by boiling fresh drinking water and allowing it to cool down. Then, add half of the amount of water called for to your sterilized bottle. Fill the measuring spoon and level it out, adding the directed amount to the bottle with water. Attach the lid to the bottle and shake the mixture and water thoroughly until there are no clumps. Always be sure to test the formula before offering it to your baby to make sure it has cooled down enough.
The stages in the Holle Bio infant formula line have been designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing infants. While Holle Bio Stage 1 is intended for babies 0-6 months old, Holle Bio Stage 2 is the next step for babies who are at least 6 months of age. The macronutrient and micronutrient content is increased to meet the growing needs of these older babies.
| Age | Water (ml) | Scoops | Ready-made Formula (ml) | Meals per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6+ months | 150 | 5 | 170 | 2-3 |
| 180 | 6 | 200 | 2-3 | |
| 210 | 7 | 235 | 2-3 |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 67 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.2 g |
| Saturates | 1.2 g |
| Monounsaturates | 1.4 g |
| Polyunsaturates | 0.6 g |
| Linoleic acid | 566 mg |
| Linolenic Acid (Omega 3) | 49 mg |
| DHA | 19.7 mg |
| Total Salt | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 27 mg |
| Potassium | 75.6 mg |
| Total Carbs | 8.1 g |
| Sugars | 4.5 g |
| Lactose | 4.3 g |
| Starch | 1.0 g |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
| Calcium | 63.0 mg |
| Iron | 0.79 mg |
| Phosphorus | 37.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 5.06 mg |
| Chloride | 51.9 mg |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Zinc | 0.47 mg |
| Copper | 0.049 mg |
| Iodine | 16.4 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.014 mg |
| Selenium | 2.8 mcg |
| Fluoride | <0.010 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 61.0 mcg RE |
| Vitamin A | 62 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 1.6 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.061 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.15 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.049 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.18 mcg |
| Folic Acid | 12.5 mcg |
| Folate | 19.3 mcg DFE |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.47 mg |
| Vitamin K | 7.0 mcg |
| Biotin | 1.8 mcg |
| Niacin | 0.47 mg |
Demeter Skim Milk, Organic Vegetable Oils [Organic Palm Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil], Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Whey Powder (Partly Demineralized), Organic Starch, Demeter Skim Milk Powder, Organic Lactose, Fish Oil, Biodynamic Skim Milk Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Vitamin C, Sodium Citrate, L-Tryptophan, Iron Lactate, L-Tyrosine, Vitamin E, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin K, Folic Acid, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodate, Sodium Selenate, Biotin.
