If you thought all European baby formulas were made the same, think again. Besides their different ingredients, European baby formulas are offered in various stages to meet your baby's changing nutritional needs. European baby formula manufacturers offer formulas that are specifically design for each stage of development. There are formulas made for newborns, infants, and toddlers, all of which contain the necessary nutrients for that specific age group.
These different stages are crucial because they aim to mimic the nutritional complexity of breastmilk by catering to babies' needs at different ages. The composition of breastmilk changes throughout the lactation process to better meet a baby's growth rate and metabolic changes during their first year of life.
In the United States, differences among baby formulas are typically labeled as different ages, not specific stages. But, these stages are necessary because the nutrients an newborn needs will be different than that of a 6-month-old, so baby formula needs to reflect that. Makes sense, right?
But, what do all of these stages mean?
We're here to sort it all out for you so that you can make an educated decision when it comes to choosing the right European formula for your baby.
What are the European Baby Formula Stages?
Before we get into the different European baby formula stages, it's important to know that European baby formula falls into one of two categories: infant formula and follow-on formula. Both formulas are made to meet the changing nutritional requirements of babies as they grow and develop.
Infant Formula vs. Follow-on Formula
- Infant formula exclusively meets the nutritional needs of babies until you can start introducing solids to complement their feedings. It is usually given from birth to six months.
- Follow-on formulas are made to be used with other food sources. This type of formula is generally not recommended until babies reach the six-month mark.
Follow-on formula contains significantly more iron. If your baby struggles to get enough iron, they can become tired and irritable. The added iron found in follow-on formulas can be extremely beneficial, especially if your baby is struggling with eating enough foods that contain iron.
Switching to a follow-on formula can also give your baby the DHA they need to grow and develop. DHA is required by law to be included in all European infant formulas, but not required in American-made formulas. DHA is important to your baby's eye health and plays a key role in their development. Research also shows it can lead to better brain health and sleep.
PRE Stage Formula
When shopping for European baby formula, you'll notice that some brands carry a "PRE" stage. This is meant for newborns. It can be their sole source of nourishment or can be given in conjunction with breast milk.
PRE stage formula is the gentlest formula around and contains no starch, making it easier to digest. Some brands can also include probiotics, and prebiotics, to support a baby's health. Many recommend to stop using this formula by the three-month mark.
Stage One
Stage One formulas are also gentle and mimic breast milk. They are most commonly given to babies from one month up to six months of age. With these formulas, you'll find more carbohydrates so little ones can meet their calorie needs as they grow. Stage One formulas are usually made from the whey of cow's milk or goat's milk. With some brands, you'll also find additional DHA, Omega-6, Omega-3, prebiotics, and probiotics. Stage One formulas can be given as a supplement or as a replacement for breastfeeding.
Goat milk based formulas can be a good option for babies who need formula that is easier to digest.
Stage Two
Stage Two is intended for babies six months and older. Some families choose to continue to stay at Stage One at this point, but if your baby has a higher calorie need or just isn't full enough, you'll want to make the switch to Stage Two. These formulas tend to have higher energy levels, which some babies may find more satisfying.
Stage Two formulas contain many of the same ingredients as infant formulas, but typically have higher iron and Vitamin D levels. They may also contain starch and/or maltodextrin to make them creamier.
Stage Three
If you notice that Stage Two is not satisfying your baby, it may be time to level up to Stage Three. This usually happens around the ten-month mark. This baby formula contains a higher starch and maltodextrin concentration which helps babies meet their calorie requirements. By this time a baby's digestive system can handle a higher starch content. Some brands may also add more DHA, palm oil, Omega-3, prebiotics, and probiotics to their Stage Three formulas.
Stage Four
Stage Four formulas are designed for babies one year old and up. By this time, babies have transitioned to solid foods which are meeting their nutritional needs. Stage Four formula is meant to supplement breast milk and meals to make sure there are no missing nutrients.
Specialty Formulas
Besides these stages, you may also find that some European baby formulas offer specialty formulas. These can include those that are hypoallergenic and those made for premature infants.
Differences in Stages by Brand
Holle Cow Milk Formula
Holle Stage PRE vs. Holle Stage 1
Both Holle Stage PRE and Holle Stage 1 are suitable for babies from birth to 6 months of age. Both contain organic lactose as the primary carbohydrate which is just like breast milk. This makes it very easy for babies to digest.
While both are similar in composition, Stage 1 has a slightly higher calorie, fat, and carbohydrate content. The values of certain vitamins and minerals may also vary.
Holle Stage 1 vs. Holle Stage 2
While Holle Stage 1 is an infant formula, Holle Stage 2 is a follow-on formula. This is only suitable for babies 6 months and older. Stage 1 does not contain starch, which can be difficult for tiny tummies to digest.
Stage 2 is typically given to babies who have started solid foods. It contains organic starch and maltodextrin that can help babies stay full for longer. Stage 2 also has a slightly lower fat content and higher level of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, compared to Stage 1.
Stages PRE and Stage 1 also contain l-carnitine, choline, inositol, and oil from Mortierella Alpina, which you won't find in Stage 2.
Holle Stage 2 vs. Holle Stage 3
Both Holle Stage 2 and Holle Stage 3 are follow-on formulas, but are geared toward different ages. Stage 2 is suitable for babies from 6 months, while Stage 3 is suitable for babies 10 months and up. Stage 3 has a higher fat content than Stage 1 or 2, and more protein and iron.
You'll also find more calories in Stage 3 but fewer carbohydrates compared to Stage 2. Stage 3 also varies in some of its mineral, vitamin, and fatty acid content.
Holle Stage 3 vs. Holle Stage 4
Holle Stage 3 and Stage 4 are both follow-on formulas. But, Stage 4 is only suitable for babies from 12 months and up. Stage 4 has a slightly higher calorie, fat, and carbohydrate content than Stage 3. While both formulas have the same ingredients, there are some differences in the values of certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
Holle Goat Milk Formula
Holle Goat Stage PRE vs. Holle Goat Stage 1
Holle Goat Stages PRE and Holle Goat Stage 1 are both suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. Stage PRE and 1 have no added starch and maltodextrin, just lactose. Both stages are similar, but you'll find slightly higher levels of calories, fat and carbohydrates compared in Stage 1.
Holle Goat Stage 1 vs. Holle Goat Stage 2
Holle Goat Stage 1 is an infant formula, while Holle Goat Stage 2 is a follow-on formula that is only suitable for babies ages 6 months and older.
Stage 1 is starch-free because young babies can have trouble digesting complex carbohydrates. Stage 2 is intended for older babies who have started eating solid foods. It contains organic starch and maltodextrin that can help babies stay full for longer. Stage 2 also has a slightly lower fat content and higher level of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, compared to Stage 1.
Holle Goat Stage 2 vs. Holle Goat Stage 3
Both Holle Goat Stage 2 and Holle Goat Stage 3 are follow-on formulas. Stage 2 is suitable for babies ages 6 months and up, and Stage is only suitable for babies ages 10 months and older. While both formulas are similar in composition, Stage 3 has slightly more calories, fat, and carbohydrates.
Holle Goat Stage 3 vs. Holle Goat Stage 4
Holle Goat Stage 3 and Stage 4 are both follow-on formulas. Stage 4 is only suitable for babies from 12 months and older. Stage 4 also has slightly more calories and fat and a little less carbohydrates than Stage 3. Holle Goat Stage 4 also has a slightly higher percentage of whole goat milk powder than Stage 3.
Holle Goat Dutch Milk Formula
Holle Goat is easily digestible because it's from grass-fed goats producing A2 milk, which makes it ideal for sensitive tummies. Lactose is the main carbohydrate with no starch and maltodextrin, making it nutritionally like breast milk and helping to reduce issues like colic, constipation, bloating, and gas.
Holle Goat Dutch Stage 1 vs. Holle Goat Dutch Stage 2
Holle Goat Dutch Stage 1 is a gentle and nourishing formula designed for newborns from 0 to 6 month. Holle Goat Dutch Stage 2 is for 6+ months of age and contains a small amount of starch and maltodextrin, in addition to mainly lactose, to supply additional energy that your baby needs to support their rapid growth and development.
Holle Goat Dutch Stage 2 vs. Holle Goat Dutch Stage 3
While Holle Goat Stage 2 is designed for newborns from 6+ months of age, Holle Goat Stage 3 is ideal for newborns from 10-12 months of age. Stage 3 contains slightly more starch and maltodextrin to supply additional energy that your baby needs to grow.
HiPP Combiotic Formulas
HiPP Combiotic Stage PRE and 1 vs. HiPP Combiotic Stage 2
HiPP Stage 1 is an infant formula, while HiPP Stage 2 is a follow-on formula that is only suitable for babies ages 6 months and older.
You'll find slightly more calories, fat, and carbohydrates with Stage 2. This helps to meet a baby's growing energy demands. There are also minor differences in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
Stages PRE and 1 both contain Mortierella Alpina Oil, choline, sodium citrate, magnesium sulfate, L-Histidine, stabilizer lactic acid, potassium citrate, and vitamin B12. While you will not find those in Stage 2, you will find zinc oxide, emulsifier lecithins, and L-cystine.
HiPP Combiotic Stage 2 vs. HiPP Combiotic Stage 3
HiPP Stages 2 and HiPP Stage 3 are both follow-on formulas. Stage 2 is suitable for babies from 6 months old, while Stage 3 is only suitable for babies 10 months and older. Stage 3 has slightly fewer carbohydrates than Stage 2 and contains no calcium chloride or potassium citrate, but does add the emulsifier lecithin. There are also slight differences in the values of certain vitamins and minerals.
HiPP Dutch Organic Goat Milk Formula
HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 1 vs. HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 2
HiPP Stage 1 is an infant formula, so it can be used from birth. Stage 2 is a follow-on formula that is suitable starting at 6 months old.
HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 1 is easily digestible because it's from grass-fed goats producing A2 milk, which makes it ideal for sensitive tummies. Lactose is the main carbohydrate with no starch and maltodextrin, making it nutritionally like breast milk and helping to reduce issues like colic, constipation, bloating, and gas.
HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 2 contains slightly more calories, fat, and iron suitable for 6+ months of age.
HiPP Dutch Organic Cow Milk Formula
HiPP Dutch Stage 1 vs. HiPP Dutch Stage 2
HiPP Stage 1 is an infant formula, so it can be used from birth. Stage 2 is a follow-on formula that is suitable starting at 6 months old.
HiPP Dutch Stage 1 contains choline, L-phenylalanine, magnesium sulfate, L-histidine, zinc sulfate, and Mortierella Alpina oil. However, Stage 2 adds magnesium carbonate, L-cystine, and zinc oxide.
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 also contains slightly more calories and fat. There are also minor differences in the nutritional value of certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 vs. HiPP Dutch Stage 3
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 is suitable for babies starting at 6 months of age, while stage 3 begins at 12 months old. HiPP Dutch Stage 3 contains fewer calories, fats, and carbohydrates than Stage 2. It also does not contain the whey product, sodium selenate, L-tyrosine, and L-cystine found in Stage 2. The formulas vary in the nutritional value of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids they contain.
HiPP Hypoallergenic Milk Formula
HiPP Stage PRE-HA, Stage HA1, and Stage HA2 are extremely gentle hydrolyzed formulas designed for newborns and infants experiencing digestion problems, symptoms associated with cow's milk protein sensitivity or allergy. Stage PRE-HA and Stage HA1 are infant formulas, so they can be used from birth. Stage HA2 is a follow-on formula that is suitable starting at 6 months old.
HiPP Stage PRE-HA is an extremely gentle lactose-only formula designed for newborns from 0 to 6 months experiencing digestion problems, symptoms associated with cow's milk protein sensitivity or allergy. HiPP Stage HA1 has slightly more energy content (thicker and slightly more filling) than HiPP PRE-HA.
HiPP Stage HA2 contains slightly more calories, fat, and iron than Stage HA1.
Kendamil Cow Milk Formulas
Kendamil Stage 1 vs. Kendamil Stage 2
Kendamil Cow Milk Stage 1 is an infant formula that can be used from birth. Since Stage 2 is a follow-on formula, it is only suitable to use starting at the 6-month mark.
Stage 2 has a higher lactose and calorie content but slightly less fat. Stage 1 mimics the composition of early breast milk. It contains a whey to casein milk protein ratio of 60:40, which changes to 40:60 in stage 2 to reflect the composition of mature breast milk. Kendamil Stage 2 also adds a small amount of fluoride.
Kendamil Stage 2 vs. Kendamil Stage 3
Kendamil Stage 2 can be used starting at 6 months, while Kendamil Stage 3 can only be started once a baby is 12-months-old.
Stage 3 has a whey-to-casein ratio of 80:20, which is the same ratio found in cow's milk. Stage 3 also removes the whey protein powder, increases the whole milk lactose content, and adds fluoride. Stage 3 has a higher protein, calcium, and phosphorus content compared to stage 2.
Stages 1 and 2 also contain sodium citrate, Mortierella Alpina oil, choline bitartrate, inositol, taurine, nucleotides, magnesium chloride, and potassium chloride, which Stage 3 does not.
Kendamil Goat Milk Formulas
Kendamil Goat Stage 1 vs. Stage 2
Kendamil Goat Stage 1 is meant for babies from birth to 6 months. It contains all of the vitamin essentials that your baby needs to grow. It can be used as the sole source of nutrition or as a supplement to breastfeeding.
Kendamil Goat Stage 2 is geared towards babies ages 6-12 months. It increases the iron content which is crucial for brain development. It is also packed with the essential vitamins and nutrients babies need to grow. This formula is easy to digest and easy on tiny tummies.
Kendamilk Goat Stage 2 vs. Stage 3
While Kendamil Goat Stage 2 is for babies 6-12 months, Kendamil Goat Stage 3 is geared towards babies who are one-year-old and beyond. At this point, your baby has started solids, so formula is given as a supplement to ensure they are getting all of the essential vitamins and nutrients.
How do I Know It's Time to Change Stages?
All babies should start their formula journey with an infant formula. When to switch to the next stage is often done by recommendations listed on the cans. It's always best to check with your pediatrician about the different stages of baby formula so you can see where your baby falls compared to the recommendations.
All babies are different when it comes to how fast they gain weight and how their diet progresses. These factors should be taken into consideration when it comes to changing formula stages.
FAQ About European Baby Formula Stages
Why should I switch to a follow-on formula?
You should switch to a follow-on formula if your pediatrician recommends doing so and if your baby needs more iron in their diet. Always consult with your pediatrician when starting any new formula.
What are my choices when it comes to European baby formula brands?
Popular European baby formula brands include Holle, HiPP, and Kendamil. Each comes in various stages to support your baby's changing nutritional needs.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to European baby formulas, different stages are available to meet your baby's changing nutritional needs. While early stages can be your baby's only food source, formula can be used as a supplement as solid foods are introduced into their diets.
The need to change stages will depend on your pediatrician's recommendations and your baby's growth. Some babies need to change stages sooner to satisfy their hunger and prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Being aware of your baby's growth and changing nutritional needs is key when it comes to different baby formula stages. Always talk to your pediatrician before making any switch to your baby's diet.
