Determining how to choose the best baby formula for your child can be deeply frustrating. Many brands use unhealthy ingredients or try to keep you in the dark about how the food is made.
That’s why we’re happy to recommend Holle formula and HiPP formula. Both are made in Germany, which has much higher standards for organic formulas than the U.S. for organic formulas than the U.S.
Unfortunately, the USDA is not adopting all of the recommendations of the National Organic Standards Board, so the term “organic” on U.S. baby formula means something different than most people expect.
There are many reasons to use formula. You may be traveling, you may need to supplement breast milk, or your babies may never have latched properly.
Regardless of whether you use baby formula all the time or as a breastmilk supplement, you should seriously consider Holle formula and HiPP formula.
Are Organic Baby Formulas for You?
If it seems like you could spend the entire day in the supermarket, mass merchandiser, or baby store and not understand the right choice to feed your baby, you’re not alone.
This stuff is really confusing.
We’re actually going to add to your options now, but don’t worry, it’s worth it.
If you haven’t yet considered European organic baby formula, please do.
It’s not as exotic as it sounds (after all, European parents feed their babies these formulas every day!) and it can really help your baby thrive.
Why Organic Formula?
Not to scare you, but why would you want to support American formula companies who are doing the equivalent of experimenting on your baby?
For some reason, American-made formula companies have escaped the regulations and rules that prevent one or two organizations from controlling the entire market share.
When two companies call all the shots, it’s called a duopoly, and it’s bad for everyone but those organizations.
With baby formula, that means these groups can decide to cut corners, use artificial ingredients, and stick with the cheapest production because they can.
In fact, we hear about issues like this all the time.
Back in 2012, the Consumer Products Safety Commission flagged rice something new parents should avoid.
Rice can contain inorganic arsenic, which doesn’t belong in any person’s body, much less a baby. FYI: Inorganic arsenic is a common ingredient in pesticides and farming. Not so hungry now, are you?
These companies are taking the easy way out, but the results can be harmful and long-lasting. Not so easy at all.
Now, selecting organic formula for your baby does not have to be hard.
And by the way, getting your hands on European organic baby formula is simple.
Why European Baby Formulas are Superior
There are several reasons that mindful parents across the United States are moving to European organic baby formula instead of American-made products.
Questionable Ownership
Unfortunately, there are only three producers of organic baby formula in the United States, and they are all owned by pharmaceutical companies.
- PBM Nutritionals makes many brands of organic baby formula. They are owned by Perrigo, a major manufacturer of store-brand over-the-counter medicines.
- Similac Organic is made by Abbott Laboratories. Abbot is a major manufacturer of pharmaceuticals.
- Baby’s Only Organic Formula is produced by Nature’s One, who has positioned themselves as a “medical nutrition” company. The formula is marketed as a toddler formula, although it also meets FDA standards for infant formula.
Sweeteners
American organic formulas can include some unusual ingredients that aren’t very healthy for your baby.
One of these categories is sweeteners. Breast milk is very sweet, so baby formulas use sweeteners to mimic the taste.
The sweetener that most closely mimics human milk is lactose, but this cow’s milk-based choice is expensive so many manufacturers use a plant-based option. Sucrose was banned by the European Union in 2009 due to concerns about obesity and overfeeding, but is still used in the U.S.
Other unhealthy sweeteners used in the U.S. are corn syrup, brown rice syrup (which contains arsenic), and cane sugar.
By contrast, HiPP formula uses lactose, which is the best but a bit more expensive. Holle formula uses maltodextrin and includes less of it than American manufacturers, which means it’s healthier for your baby.
Other Unusual Ingredients
There are a lot of things that we just shouldn’t put into our bodies. Of course, as adults we are far from perfect when it comes to eating healthfully, but we should give our babies the best start possible and avoid these ingredients:
- Soy: Soy is a healthy plant protein for adults, but it’s not a great ingredient for baby formula. It contains a high level of phytoestrogens, and should only be used if a baby is allergic to dairy.
- Sucrose: The sugary taste may help the child eat more, but it also leads to sugar cravings, overeating, and obesity.
- DHA/ARA: The chemicals used in artificially creating these essential fatty acids can have harmful side effects, especially in a small and rapidly developing infant.
- Carrageenan: This is used as a thickener, and studies have linked carrageenan to stomach issues and even cancer. It’s banned in European baby formula but is still used in the U.S.
Why You Should Buy Holle Organic Baby Formula
Using Holle formula has a lot of benefits over American-made organic baby formula. Holle is a cow-based formula and provides four stages based on the age of your child.
Stage 1 is for birth to six months, Stage 2 is for six months to 10 months, Stage 3 is ten months to 12 months, and Stage 4 is from one year to weaning.
The formula is simple to prepare. The included scoop allows you to mix the proper ratio of one flat scoop for one ounce of water. Every 3 ½ scoops, you get an extra half-ounce of formula – in other words, 3 ½ scoops and 3 ½ ounces of water creates four ounces of formula.
Many parents are concerned about finding a regular, reliable supplier of Holle formula since it isn’t sold traditionally in the U.S. Fortunately we at Formuland can offer you regular shipments of all stages at a reasonable price.
Holle does contain palm oil, which is controversial because some babies react poorly to it. If your infant has an upset stomach or unusual stools, you may want to use other brands of formula.
Why You Should Buy HiPP Organic Baby Formula
Another excellent European option is HiPP formula. Hipp formula is organic, which has more nutrients than standard options. Hipp organic formula is crammed with plenty of antioxidants and vitamins, especially Vitamin E. They also have high concentrations of Beta-carotene and Lutein. Plus, many non-organic formulas are made in the United States – and they contain ingredients that have been deemed unsafe in Europe. Hipp formula isn’t sold traditionally in the U.S., but Formuland can provide you with both the UK version and the German version of this healthy organic food.
HiPP has the advantage of offering a wide variety of baby formulas, including special preparations for acid reflux, sensitive stomach, allergies, and gassiness.
HiPP also has…
- A reduced heavy metal content
- Less residue from pesticides and other chemicals
- Is GMO-Free
- A higher content of healthy fatty acids to urge proper growth/development
- A lower content of mycotoxins than other brands
- Different levels/stages of formula, so HiPP can see your baby through more months and growth stages
The sweetener in HiPP is simply lactose, which is the closest to natural breast milk. There is no maltodextrin, and you get a variety of vitamins and antioxidants in the formula.
Like Holle formula, HiPP formula has no refined, high-concentrated sweeteners, no synthetic DHA or ARA, and no artificial preservatives. HiPP also analyzes all its agricultural projects for traces of over 1,000 different substances.
This makes it a better option if you’re concerned about palm oil or if your baby has problems with the regular formula. There are many different formulations from HiPP that address a variety of issues.
Other HiPP Organic Products We Love
HiPP isn’t just trusted by parents everywhere when it comes to formula. Their product line is also seriously addicting!
First, we love their range of “Free From” bath products.
You already know just how sensitive your baby’s skin can be. Plus, if your infant suffers from even a mild skin condition, you need to be extra careful about the kinds of products you use.
There are lots of products in the “Free From” range, including:
- “Head To Toe” Baby Gel/Wash
- “Good Night” Baby Bath
- “Baby Shampoo”
- “Baby Foaming Handwash”
Since the entire range is designed to be hypo-allergenic, all of it is safe for your baby. Plus, the handwash dispenser can really help you to teach your children about developing good hygiene habits – and it’s fun to use!
Sometimes, you don’t need to give your baby a complete bath to get them clean – especially after mealtimes.
That’s why we also love HiPP Organic’s “Baby Soft Face And Hand Wipes.”
Sold in packs of twenty, not only are the moist towelettes soft and soothing on your baby’s skin, they’re also right for infants with sensitive skin issues.
They’re hypo-allergenic as well, namely because they aren’t made with any oils or perfume, which can irritate a baby’s skin. Also, there are no chemicals that contribute to artificial coloring, making them even safer to use.
Finally, we know that when you’re a parent, every dollar counts. Even wasting one wipe, let alone an entire pack can be pretty frustrating. That’s why we especially appreciate the fact that HiPP Organic baby wipes are designed to be re-sealable.
The packaging prevents your wipes from drying out, and it keeps any external germs from getting inside the packaging – and therefore on your baby’s skin.
Finally, when your baby is ready to graduate to the baby food stage, HiPP is there to help, too.
Their line of “Growing Up Meals” is also (of course) organic, and includes options like Vegetable And Beef Casserole, Cheesy Vegetable Pasta (with zoo animal shapes!) and containers of healthy fruits like strawberries, apples, and pears.
They’re easy for parents to prepare too!
Plus, they’re made with sustainable, environmentally-friendly packaging. This means that you can feed your baby without increasing your carbon footprint.
Your baby will start to develop a refined palette at an early age thanks to HiPP!
In the end, which formula you choose is up to you. Both Holle formula and HiPP formula are similarly priced, easy to obtain from Formuland, and far better than their American competitors. They are both certified by European organic farming standards, which require organic, sustainable agriculture and great animal treatment practices.
Ultimately, your baby will probably make the choice for you. Regardless, you’ll be glad you chose either Holle formula or HiPP formula.
