HiPP Formula Review: The Better Formula Option?

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Keith Lindner is a devoted dad, doting husband, tech nerd, a research expert and a certified Infant Feeding Technician. With 10+ years of consumer research and product management experience, he became passionate about finding and building products that improve his family's life and fit their lifestyle preferences. He loves sharing this info with other parents to help make life a bit easier during those first few years of life.

How to Pick the Best Organic Formula For Your Baby

Baby formula preparation methods

When it comes to baby formula, there are three main preparation methods available on the market. They are:

1. Powdered: These are the most common when it comes to baby formula powder and the most affordable. They are popular amongst parents because the have a long shelf-life (generally at least one month), meaning they can be bought in bulk and stored until needed. The main downside of the powered formula is how long they take to prepare; they aren’t a ‘grab and go’ option.

2. Liquid: You can ‘grab and go’ when it comes to liquid baby formula because these come pre-mixed. You don’t have to measure out any ingredients or worry about the mess you’re making, meaning they are perfect if you’re in a rush to get out the door. The main downside of liquid formulas is their shelf-life – it’s generally only 48 hours – though the cost comes a close second because they can be expensive.

3. Concentrated Liquid: Unlike the ‘grab and go’ liquid milk formula, when it’s concentrated it needs mixing in much the same way as the powdered version. The difference is, measuring and mixing is much easier. The downside is you pay for the privilege and concentrated liquid infant formulas are quite expensive.

Alternative Types of Baby Formula

HiPP is an organic, cow’s milk-based formula. Formulas based on cow’s milk are the most widely available and most often recommended by pediatricians (be sure to check with your local Pediatrician). Because not all babies can digest these formulas easily, while others may be lactose intolerant or have milk allergies, there are alternatives including:

Goat Milk Formula: This is becoming increasingly popular amongst parents as it is easier for babies to digest (hypoallegenic formulas) and contains many of the same nutrients found in breastmilk. It does still contain lactose, however, so will not work for formula-fed babies who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy (that said, lactose and cow’s milk allergies are often conflated incorrectly). Note: Our preferred goat milk alternative is Holle Goat available here (Holle formula is another reputable European formula brand).
Soy-based Infant Formula: This is suitable for those with milk allergies, lactose intolerance or lactose deficiencies. Like goat milk, it’s growing in popularity because it is also suitable for babies whose parents are raising them on a vegan-based diet. It is worth checking with your doctor before using soy-based formulas to make sure your little one is getting all the nutrients they need.
Hydrolyzed: This formula is another good option for babies with milk allergies as well as those struggling to absorb nutrients because it breaks proteins down into smaller, more digestible parts.
Lactose-free: This formula is designed (as the name suggests) for infants who are lactose intolerant; the lactose sugar is replaced with another form of table sugar, which could include corn syrup solids.

There are pros and cons to each of these alternatives. If you’d like to find out more, check out our list of the best non-dairy formulas on the market (also featuring many organic formulas).

Important ingredients for infant formulas

Baby formula is not like breast milk in which ingredients need to be added to make it nutritionally complete for your little one. Some of these ingredients are important; some, such as cane sugar, less so. The ones you need to see in your baby’s formula are:

Protein: these could be listed as organic whey and/or casein.
Carbohydrates: in soy-based or lactose-free formulas these include modified cornstarch, corn syrup, corn maltodextrin or sucrose.
Fats: these could include coconut, sunflower, soy or palm oil.
Vitamins and minerals: the most important of these are iron, vitamin C and vitamin B5.
Amino acids: in soy-based or lactose-free formulas these will be carnitine or taurine.

If you are looking for only formula that contains dietary fiber per gram or probiotics (or prebiotics), speak to your doctor before you use them. They can be helpful if your baby has diarrhea or is struggling to digest formula, but they can also be harmful so should only be used after taking advice.

It’s worth remembering too that formula is regulated by the FDA, who will recall baby formula if it doesn’t meet federal nutritional requirements. Recalls don’t happen very often but it’s always worth checking if you’re changing the formula you use. We keep a list of any recalls to help parents.

HiPP Review

Founded over 100 years ago in Southern Germany, HiPP is a well-known European manufacturer of organic formulas.

Currently, it offers over 260 different products designed to give your child the best start in life at the same time as honoring their commitment to protecting the environment and HiPP combiotik baby formula, meaning all of their products are 100% organic.

The Hipp organic infant milk formula can be used for babies from birth through to one year of age, both on its own or in combination with your breast milk. It is available as:

As well as being organic it contains all the essential nutrients your baby needs including vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. The milk it uses comes from organic farmers and can be traced back to its source. It is EU certified and non-GMO.

Note: HiPP does offer a variety of different organic baby formulas label from different European Union countries e.g. HiPP Dutch formulas, HiPP German, etc… as well as HiPP stage products. The stage generally refers to which age group (e.g. infant formula vs toddler formula by months) while the origin doesn’t typically vary the ingredients or quality (each country MAY have slightly different labeling criteria or ingredient profiles).

HiPP Nutritional Features and Ingredients

Certified organic by the EU
Non-GMO modified
Contains all essential nutrients your baby needs including Vitamins A, C, and D as well as fatty acids and iron
Manufactured in a protective environment
Contains dietary fibers that replicate those found in breast milk, ensuring they are safe for your baby, as well as natural lactose; no artificial sweeteners are used.

Pros

Certified organic and can be traced to the source
Doesn’t contain any added sugar such as maltodextrin.
Doesn’t contain any added coloring or flavors.
Doesn’t contain any synthetically derived or genetically modified ingredients.
Gentle on your baby’s sensitive tummies, reducing the risk of gas, constipation and bloating
Easy to use powder form
Does not contain corn syrup or carrageenan

Cons

Contains lactose so isn’t suitable for babies who are lactose intolerant or have milk protein allergies
Is only available online. The best formula place to order I’ve found is via MyOrganicCompany.store (use code THEBABYSWAG to save 5%), via OrganicBabyShop.com (use code BABYSWAG5 to save 5%), and finally via LittleBundle.com right here.

Discount Code - TBS10

Save 5% on European Formula

TheMilkyBox offers some of the LOWEST prices and best SELECTION of organic European baby formula in BULK. They have generously offered our readers and additional 5% OFF orders with code TBS10 at checkout!

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HiPP Alternatives | How other baby formulas compare

Generic Options: Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula

HiPP is a powered formula that you need to measure and mix before you use it. If you are looking for a liquid formula that is ready to go, Enfamil offers one of the most popular on the market.

Designed to replicate breast milk it contains MFGM and DHA fat proteins that have been proven to support your baby’s brain development and are easy to digest. This makes it a great supplement for breastfed babies. It is suitable for children up to one year of age (infant formula) and comes ready to use, meaning there’s no messy measure involved, you just pour the formula into your baby’s bottle.

Features:

Suitable for newborn babies and those up to one year old.
Designed to mirror the benefits of breast milk
Has been proven to support brain development with additional DHA

Pros:

Easy to use, especially when you’re out and about
Easy to digest and gentle on the stomach
Contains all the nutrients your baby needs, including those found in breast milk and supplemantal DHA
Includes nutrients designed to support the immune system, making it ideal for smaller babies
It can also be helpful for babies with acid reflux issues.

Cons:

It’s expensive compared to powdered formula
Can take a while for your baby’s body to adjust to the formula
Not Organic

Which is the better option?

We looked at a both a powered and liquid formula here just to show what the difference was, including one of the most popular and highly recommended names on the market when it comes to baby formula so that you could what your other options were. However, for us, there isn’t a comparison.

HiPP offers so much more than most of the brands out there you can buy at your local grocery store. The company has a history of producing high-quality products and a supply chain that can be traced back to the pastures the cows it makes its formula from are fed on.

It’s EU certified organic product, which gives us a lot of confidence in the product and reviews from parents who use it couldn’t be more positive when it comes to how much their babies enjoy it and the benefits they seem to be getting from it.

It’s also more affordable – as are all powered formulas – which means it’s not just better for your baby, it’s better for your purse too. You can buy in bulk (as long as you are happy buying online) and store it for use for up to a month; the Enfamil formula, you need to use within a few days, meaning more trips to the shop and potential waste if you’re looking for it to supplement rather than replace breast milk.

Other Organic, European Baby Formulas

Holle Formula: Very similar ingredient profile, contains maltodextrin but also offers a GOAT-based formula. Read the full Holle Baby Formulas Review.

Best European formula

Holle Organic Baby Formula

Holle has been making organic baby formula for nearly 90 years. They hold the highest organic certifications you can get in Europe which lots of parents love to see. Use code 'BabySwag' for 5% off at TheMilkyBox.

Try Holle

Lebenswert Formula: Also very similar to Holle (above). Read the full Lebenswert Formula Review.

Our Pick

Where to buy Lebenswert

Our friends at TheMilkyBox are the best supplier of Lebenswert. They ship promptly, have great customer service and are always super competitive on pricing. Use code 'BabySwag' for 5% off at checkout.

Buy at TheMilkyBox

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Bambinchen Formula: Another Non-GMO goat formula to try. Read the complete Bambinchen Formula Review.
Kendamil Formula: This one is a relatively new organic European formula (with great early reviewS). Read our full Kendamil Formula Review.

Kendamil Baby Formula

This is the only formula produced in the UK, and used by the royal family, your baby will feel like royalty when they taste Kendamil.

Buy at Organics Best

Read our full organic baby formulas list from other organic brands here.

FAQs

Question: Can I use both baby formula and breast milk?

Answer: You definitely can use both – many parents do if they are looking to share feedings or are going out and have to leave their baby with a babysitter. You can also switch between formulas. You could, for example, use HiPP as your main formula then Enfamil if you are going out for the day and won’t have access to water in order to mix up additional bottles as needed.

Remember, though, that babies can take time to adjust to formula so, while you can switch, it’s not a good idea to switch too often. Check the ingredients each time you use a different formula too to make sure that – if your baby has allergies – the formula is safe for them.

Question: How do I know if the formula is working for my baby?

Answer: You should know pretty quickly if the formula works for your baby. It could be something as simple as them simply refusing to drink it or pushing the bottle away before they’ve finished. If they are struggling to digest it, they may be fussy or cranky after drinking or suffer from gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. Sometimes, it can take a few days for a baby’s stomach to get used to formula, but if these symptoms are severe, it isn’t worth persevering; it’s much better to try another formula.

Question: Which formula is closest to breast milk?

Answer: Of the two we’ve looked at today, the Enfamil formula is closest to breast milk because it was designed to replicate it. However, both it and the HiPP formula contain all the nutrients you can find in breast milk.

Question: Is organic formula better for my baby?

Answer: While there isn’t any evidence to show that organic formula is better for babies when it comes to nutrients, it will limit your baby’s contact with products that could harm your baby’s development in the longer term, pesticides, for example, or synthetic fertilizers.

Question: When can my baby move on from formula to regular milk?

Answer: In general, you can start giving your child regular milk after they turn one year old. At this point, they should be able to digest it easily (they will struggle before then). However, you can also use follow-on baby formulas designed for toddlers.

Question: What type of bottle should I use with the formula?

Answer: There are a number of different bottles on the market that work well with formula and the choice is really down to you. However, if you are looking to reduce the number of potentially harmful chemicals your baby comes into contact with, look for ones marked BPA-free.

Hipp Formula Review: The Bottom Line

As we’ve seen already, there are lots of different types of baby formula available on the market, all of which claim to be the best formula for your baby.

Of the two we’ve looked at today, there are definite benefits to both. They are made by well-known and trusted brands and neither would be a bad choice for your baby if you are looking to either make the change to formula or use it to supplement breastfeeding.

However, for us, the HiPP is the better option, even if it takes a bit longer to prepare than the Enfamil liquid formula. First, it’s certified organic, meaning you aren’t risking your baby ingesting the residue from pesticides or fertilizers. Plus, it’s full of all the nutrients your baby needs.

Finally, while the Enfamil liquid formula is great for occasional use, the HiPP is more practical for regularly formula feeding your baby. It comes in larger quantities and has a longer shelf-life, making it more affordable in the long run.

Bottom Line: Going with an Organic, Non-GMO formula like HiPP is PERSONALLY the choice our family made. The ingredients are simple, pure, and as such, a hypoallergenic formula too. Again, you can purchase via MyOrganicCompany.store here (use code THEBABYSWAG for 5% off) OR, OrganicBabyShop.com here, and finally you can get it at LittleBundle.com here (use code TBS5OFF to save 5%)

I would recommend checking ALL of the above options for the best pricing and availability (frequently changes).