HiPP Comfort vs. HiPP Hypoallergenic

What Makes HiPP Comfort and HiPP HA Different Than Regular Formulas?

HiPP Comfort and HiPP HA formulas are considered specialty formulas because of the way they use hydrolyzed proteins. Hydrolyzed proteins are broken down into smaller peptides. The size of the peptides helps to determine whether they are partially hydrolyzed or extensively hydrolyzed.

Partially Hydrolyzed Formula

The partially hydrolyzed peptides have a molecular weight of 3-10 kDa while extensively hydrolyzed peptides weigh more. Since they are not broken down all the way, large protein molecules remain. This type of formula can be suitable for babies with mild digestion issues. If your baby has more serious sensitivities, you may need to try an extensively hydrolyzed formula.

Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula

Extensively hydrolyzed formulas, such as HiPP Comfort and HiPP HA formula, break down milk proteins into smaller fragments, making them easier to digest. This is key for babies who have trouble digesting regular formula. If your baby has a cow milk protein allergy, they will need this type of formula. Note, many outgrow cow milk protein allergy after 12-24 months of age.

A Closer Look at HiPP Comfort Formula

Good for babies of all ages, HiPP Comfort Formula is made for babies with constipation, bloating, gas, and colic. HiPP Comfort is available in a UK and German version.

As with the hypoallergenic formulas, the milk proteins in the comfort formula are split for easier digestion. It also reduces the risk of allergies caused by whole milk proteins.

Here are some key things to know about HiPP Comfort Formula:

• Lactose-based formula: HiPP Comfort Formula contains a reduced lactose content to make digestion easier for babies who are sensitive to lactose. But, if your baby is lactose intolerant, this formula may still bother their stomachs.
• Extensively Hydrolyzed Proteins: HiPP Comfort Formula uses extensively hydrolyzed proteins, making them easier to digest. It is 87% hydrolyzed, similar to HiPP HA-- which in Europe is considered extensively hydrolyzed and generally works well for most babies with cow milk protein allergy.
• Prebiotics and Probiotics: These help to support immunity and digestive health.
• Non-certified Organic: Due to the proteins that are broken into smaller fragments, HiPP Comfort Formula is not technically eligible for full organic certification as other HiPP formulas, but it is GMO and gluten-free.
• Beta palmitate: Beta palmitate can improve calcium and fat absorption, making for easier bowel movements. It is a high-quality blend of fatty acids extracted from palm oil and is designed to mimic the fat found in breast milk.

Unlike HiPP HA which uses lactose as the primary carbohydrate, the Comfort formula uses a blended carbohydrate base of starch, maltodextrin, and lactose. HiPP Comfort also contains essential vitamins and minerals as well as natural acid cultures, and Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are important for a baby's healthy eye and brain development. It's important to note, that HiPP Comfort is primarily designed to ease digestive issues like gas and colic, while HiPP HA aims to lower the risk of allergic reactions.

A Closer Look at HiPP HA

HiPP is a well-known German formula brand that dates back over 100 years. HiPP produces a hypoallergenic formula that features low allergenic proteins, no added sugar, and is easy to digest. While this formula shares many similar ingredients to HiPP Comfort, HiPP Hypoallergenic formulas have an intended purpose designed for babies with cow protein milk allergy.

Here are some key things to know if you are considering buying this type of formula:

• Extensively Hydrolyzed Milk Protein: HIPP HA formulas are roughly 87% hydrolyzed. While some American formulas are slightly more hydrolyzed (Enfamil Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum), we recommend trying HiPP HA first due to the significantly superior quality. In the EU, this formula is considered extensively hydrolyzed and generally works well for most babies with cow milk protein allergy.
• Lactose as Main Carbohydrate: While HiPP Comfort has a blend of starch, maltodextrin, and lactose, HiPP HA uses lactose as its main carbohydrate. This helps mimic the composition of breast milk.
• Essential Vitamins and Minerals: HiPP HA formula also has Vitamins A, C, and D, as well as Omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids mimic those that are naturally present in breast milk and natural lactic acid. This gentle acid is naturally produced in the gut and helps to promote a healthy immune system. It also contains palm oil, sunflower oil, and rapeseed oil to provide babies with essential fatty acids.
• Prebiotics and Probiotics: Both the HiPP German and Dutch HA formulas contain prebiotics and probiotics to promote a healthy gut and support immunity.
• Not Certified Organic: Like the Comfort formula, HiPP HA is not eligible for the organic certification but is GMO-free.

HiPP HA is available in stages PRE, Stage 1, and Stage 2, so babies can take it from birth to 12+ months. It's important to note, HiPP Comfort is primarily designed to ease digestive issues like gas and colic, while HiPP HA aims to lower the risk of allergic reactions. So if you are concerned about protein milk allergy or sensitivity, we recommend HiPP HA Stages Pre - 2.

HiPP HA Stages

HiPP HA Stage PRE

The HiPP Stage PRE is designed as a complete substitute for breast milk from birth and its lactose only formulation is designed to be easily digestible and is starch-free. HiPP Stage PRE includes the highest-quality organic ingredients and is free from GMOs, artificial colors, and preservatives. You'll also find DHA and ARA, the essential fatty acids that are crucial for brain and eye development.

HiPP HA Stage 1

Stage 1 is suitable for babies from birth to six months and is often used interchangeably with Stage PRE. The main difference is Stage 1 contains organic starch, keeping your baby full for longer periods. As with the PRE stage, you'll find the highest-quality organic ingredients as well as DHA and ARA, the essential fatty acids that are crucial for brain and eye development. HiPP Stage 1 is also GMO-free and free of artificial colors, and preservatives.

HiPP HA Stage 2

HiPP's hypoallergenic formula also comes in Stage 2. This formula is specifically for babies 6-12 months old. It is similar to Stage 1 but contains a higher iron content, making it ideal for babies transitioning to solid foods. Also, it introduces more casein so babies feel fuller longer as they start trying solid foods. You will find all of the essential vitamins and nutrients that the PRE Stage and Stage 1 include.

Differences Between HiPP HA and HiPP Comfort Formula

When comparing the two formulas, it's important to look at the side-by-side differences in several key areas:

Carbohydrates

• HiPP Comfort uses a blend of starch, maltodextrin, and lactose.
• HiPP HA relies solely on lactose as its primary carbohydrate.

Hypoallergenic Qualities

• HiPP HA is hypoallergenic.
• HiPP Comfort is not hypoallergenic. It works to ease digestion.

Fat Composition

• HiPP HA uses vegetable oils as its fatty acid ingredients.
• HiPP Comfort contains beta-palmitate.

Probiotic & Prebiotic Composition

• HiPP HA includes both prebiotics and probiotics in its German and Dutch versions. The ready-to-feed product contains only prebiotics.
• HiPP Comfort German has both prebiotics and probiotics.

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