While it’s true that breast milk provides all the nutrients needed in the first six months of life, you can feed your baby infant formula from day one. The general recommendation is one or two ounces every two to three hours if the child is only getting formula and no breast milk.
But what’s the best kind of formula milk? Should you choose one containing cow’s or goat’s milk? Is powdered or ready-made formula better?
The answer depends on your baby’s nutritional needs. Take HiPP vs. Holle, for instance. Both brands offer organic infant formulas containing the highest quality ingredients. Yet, they’re not created equal.
HiPP has several formulas for babies with food allergies, acid reflux, or digestive issues. Holle, on the other hand, uses goat milk in some of its products. Goat milk formulas are easier to digest than those based on cow’s milk.
Both brands are EU-certified and meet the highest safety standards. Yet, there are subtle differences between the two. Let’s take a closer look at Hipp vs. Holle formula ingredients and nutritional profile!
Why Use Organic Baby Formula?
Holle and HiPP have emerged as two of the most popular organic infant formulas on the market. But is organic really healthier?
A 2017 study conducted on over 500 baby food products found that 65% contained arsenic.
More than half of all products were high in cadmium, and one-third contained lead. About 80% of infant formulas were contaminated with arsenic, a toxin that may increase the risk of developmental defects.
Homemade baby formulas are not safer either. Many times, they contain raw milk, liver, and other animal ingredients that may be contaminated with bacteria. Raw milk, for example, may carry Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella, and other pathogens.
Another advantage of organic formulas is that they contain no artificial flavors, GMOs, and fillers. On top of that, these products have no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. The latter carry potential health risks and may affect digestion.
But which one is best for your baby? Here’s what you should know about HiPP vs. Holle!
HiPP Nutritional Profile
HiPP baby formula has a similar composition to breast milk and comes in several varieties for different age groups and dietary needs. Most products are lactose-based and have natural prebiotics and probiotics added to the mix.
The brand uses lactose as a natural sweetener and source of carbs. Breast milk is naturally rich in lactose, a sugar with beneficial effects on the baby’s microbiota. This compound provides steady energy throughout the day and doesn’t stimulate the brain’s reward center like sugar does.
If your child has a sensitive stomach, you can always opt for HiPP Anti-Reflux.
This EU-certified organic infant formula is lower in lactose and higher in maltodextrin than other varieties. Maltodextrins are a class of carbs derived from corn, potato starch, rice, and other vegetable sources.
The nutritional value of HiPP baby formulas varies from one product to the next. All HiPP formulas are jam-packed with essential fatty acids and contain no gluten, soy, wheat, nuts, and other common allergens.
HiPP Organic Combiotik Pre, for instance, provides similar levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as breast milk. It also offers vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients, including:
- Protein
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Biotin
- Dietary fiber
A three-ounce serving supplies 66 calories, 1.2 grams of protein, 7.3 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of fat, and 0.3 grams of fiber. These nutrients come from whey, cow’s milk, and vegetable oils. The company uses organic palm oil tested and certified by third parties.
Although HiPP is slightly pricier than other brands, it meets the highest quality and safety standards. All products are approved in the EU and make a healthy choice for babies with sensitive stomachs.
Hopp Nutrition Facts
Like HiPP, the European brand Holle doesn’t use wheat, soy, nuts, and other allergens in its products. All formulas are sugar-free and contain no synthetic ingredients.
Most products contain lactose and maltodextrin as the primary source of carbs. The only exception is Holle Bio Stage PRE, which doesn’t contain maltodextrin.
Holle formulas are made with organic cow’s or goat’s milk. As mentioned earlier, the latter is easier to digest, making it ideal for babies with colic or digestive distress.
Goat’s milk is lower in lactose than cow’s milk, and therefore, it’s gentler on the stomach.
It also offers some of the same prebiotics as breast milk. On top of that, it contains mostly short-chain fatty acids. These healthy fats are easier to absorb and break down compared to the long-chain fatty acids in cow’s milk.
When it comes to HiPP vs. Holle, both types of formula meet your baby’s nutritional needs. HiPP offers a more diverse range of products, but none of them contains goat’s milk.
Holle formulas don’t have added probiotics or prebiotics. However, you can buy these supplements from most health stores. Note that milk and whey are naturally rich in probiotics.
HiPP vs. Holle: Which Formula Is Best for Your Baby?
Both HiPP and Holle formulas are rich in protein, carbs, and healthy fats that support infant growth. They also boast large doses of vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients required for growth and development. Choosing one over the other depends on what you’re looking for.
If, say, your baby is suffering from colic and constipation, then Hipp Comfort Formula may help. Holle goat milk formula, on the other hand, may prevent indigestion due to its reduced lactose content.
Interested to know more about HiPP vs. Holle? Visit our online store and take your pick or contact us to discuss your needs!
