Hypoallergenic Formula

About Hypoallergenic Baby Formula

Hypoallergenic infant formula is specially made with ingredients that help relieve and support babies with milk protein sensitivities. These formulas often contain extensively hydrolyzed proteins from cow's milk or rice proteins in vegan formulas, which reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions.

The Guide to Hypoallergenic Formulas

Hypoallergenic Baby Formula

Hypoallergenic baby formulas are designed to minimize allergic reactions and digestive issues in infants. These formulas use hydrolyzed proteins, which are broken down into smaller fragments to be more easily digestible and less likely to cause allergies. Available in both cow's milk-based and plant-based options, hypoallergenic formulas often include added probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health. They are ideal for babies with milk protein sensitivities or parents seeking gentler nutrition. Always consult a pediatrician before choosing a hypoallergenic formula for your baby.

Hypoallergenic formulas are specially formulated to alleviate symptoms such as colic, eczema, and digestive discomfort. They provide essential nutrients while being gentle on sensitive stomachs. Proper preparation and storage are crucial for maintaining the formula's effectiveness. Parents should follow guidelines for mixing and storing formula, and always check with a healthcare professional to ensure the chosen formula is suitable for their baby's specific needs. Hypoallergenic formulas can make a significant difference in a baby's comfort and well-being, offering a reliable solution for infants with dietary sensitivities.

HiPP HA German formula comes in the following stages

HiPP German HA Stage Pre Baby Formula (0-6 months): HiPP HA Stage Pre
HiPP German HA Stage 1 Baby Formula (0-6 months): HiPP HA Stage 1
HiPP German HA Stage 2 Baby Formula (6+ months): HiPP HA Stage 2

HiPP HA Stage Pre (German)

HiPP HA Stage Pre German version is tailored for newborns from birth, providing hydrolyzed proteins that are easier to digest for sensitive infants. This formula reduces the risk of allergic reactions by breaking down milk proteins extensively. It also includes essential nutrients to support early development, ensuring balanced nutrition while being gentle on your baby's stomach.

HiPP HA Stage 1 (German)

HiPP HA Stage 1 German version is suitable for babies from birth to 6 months, featuring hydrolyzed proteins to minimize allergenic potential. Enriched with prebiotics and probiotics, it supports a healthy gut microbiome and immune system. This formula provides comprehensive nutrition, aiding growth and development during the critical early months.

HiPP HA Stage 2 (German)

HiPP HA Stage 2 German version is designed for infants from 6 months and older. It continues to offer hydrolyzed proteins for easier digestion and reduced allergenic risk. This follow-on formula provides the necessary nutrients to support your baby's growing needs as they begin to explore solid foods, ensuring continued healthy development.

HiPP HA Dutch formula comes in the following stages

HiPP Dutch HA Stage 1 Baby Formula (0-6 months): HiPP Dutch HA Stage 1
HiPP Dutch HA Stage 2 Baby Formula (6+ months): HiPP Dutch HA Stage 2

HiPP HA Stage 1 (Dutch)

HiPP HA Stage 1 Dutch version offers the same benefits as its German counterpart for infants from birth to 6 months. With hydrolyzed proteins, it reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions and is fortified with prebiotics and probiotics to promote a healthy digestive system. This formula ensures your baby receives balanced nutrition from the start.

HiPP HA Stage 2 (Dutch)

HiPP HA Stage 2 Dutch version is for babies 6 months and up, continuing the provision of hydrolyzed proteins for easy digestion and reduced allergenic risk. It supports ongoing development with essential nutrients and aids the transition to solid foods while maintaining a gentle approach on sensitive tummies.

Aptamil Hypoallergenic Formula comes in the following stages

Aptamil Pepti Stage 1 Baby Formula (0-6 months): Aptamil Pepti Stage 1
Aptamil Pepti Stage 2 Baby Formula (6+ months): Aptamil Pepti Stage 2

Aptamil Pepti Stage 1

Aptamil Pepti Stage 1 is formulated for infants from birth, offering extensively hydrolyzed proteins to minimize allergic reactions. This formula ensures that babies with sensitivities receive the necessary nutrition without discomfort. It supports healthy growth and development by being gentle on the digestive system from the very beginning.

Aptamil Pepti Stage 2

Aptamil Pepti Stage 2 is designed for babies from 6 months onwards, providing a continuation of extensively hydrolyzed proteins for easy digestion. This formula supports the nutritional needs of growing infants while being gentle on sensitive stomachs, making it ideal for babies with dietary sensitivities as they start to explore more diverse foods.

What is Hypoallergenic Formula for Babies?

Types of Hypoallergenic Baby Formula

Cow's Milk-Based Hypoallergenic Infant Formula

Hydrolyzed milk proteins may sound complex, but the process is straightforward and crucial for infants with sensitivities. During hydrolysis, milk proteins are broken down into smaller fragments, significantly reducing their allergenic potential. This involves splitting the larger casein proteins into simpler, more easily digestible whey proteins. By removing the complex proteins that are often harder for infants to digest, hydrolyzed formulas help alleviate digestive discomfort and reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions, providing a gentler nutrition option for sensitive tummies.

In summary, Hydrolyzed cow milk proteins are broken down into simpler forms, removing complex milk casein proteins and leaving behind smaller, more gentle hydrolyzed whey proteins that aid digestion.

Rice Protein-Based Hypoallergenic Infant Formula

For babies needing a plant-based alternative, hydrolyzed rice proteins offer a gentle option. Rice is considered the least allergenic type of cereal, and hydrolyzing the proteins makes them easier to digest.

Who Can Benefit from Hypoallergenic Formulas?

Most babies outgrow food allergies by age 1-3, but the first year can be challenging. Extensively hydrolyzed formulas are a potential solution for babies who cannot tolerate regular cow or goat milk formula.

It is estimated that up to 15% of infants experience adverse reactions to cow's milk protein during their first year. Of these, approximately 2%-7.5% are diagnosed with a cow's milk allergy, where the immune system reacts against milk proteins. Other babies may suffer from cow's milk intolerance or lactose intolerance, where the digestive system struggles to process milk sugars or proteins, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Recognizing these conditions is essential for choosing appropriate nutritional options for affected infants.

The definitions of the terms partially hydrolyzed and extensively hydrolyzed vary by country, and there is no global standard for the degree to which milk proteins are hydrolyzed in context of these labels. Partially hydrolyzed formula is typically hydrolyzed by a factor of 86-87%, while extensively hydrolyzed formula is typically hydrolyzed by a factor of +90%.

What Hypoallergenic Formulas Do We Offer?

We offer a variety of hypoallergenic formulas from trusted brands like HiPP and Aptamil. These formulas are designed to be gentle on sensitive tummies while providing essential nutrients. They are suitable for babies with a family history of allergies and aim to minimize allergic reactions.

Nutritional Benefits of Hypoallergenic Baby Formula

Hypoallergenic baby formulas are formulated to be gentle on sensitive stomachs, potentially alleviating symptoms such as allergies, colic, constipation, and gas. They often contain probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive health.

Safe Preparation and Storage of Hypoallergenic Formula

Proper preparation and storage are crucial for your baby’s health. Here are general guidelines for safe formula preparation and storage:

How to Store Hypoallergenic Formula

Store infant formula in a cool, dry place. Once opened, use most hypoallergenic formulas within 3 weeks. Unopened formula can be stored until the expiration date on the container.

How to Prepare Hypoallergenic Formula

Boil fresh water and let it cool to 40°-50°C (104°-122°F).
Pour the correct amount of water into a sterilized bottle.
Use the provided scoop to add the correct amount of formula powder to the bottle.
Close the bottle and shake well to mix.
Cool the formula to about 37°C (98.6°F) before feeding. Test the temperature on your wrist to ensure it's lukewarm.
Use the prepared formula within 2 hours. Once feeding starts, discard any leftover formula after 1 hour.

Additional Benefits of Hydrolyzed Protein

Improved Digestion

Hydrolyzed proteins are broken down into smaller pieces, making them easier for babies to digest. This can reduce the risk of digestive issues and discomfort.

Reduced Allergic Reactions

Extensively hydrolyzed formulas lower the likelihood of allergic reactions compared to standard formulas.

Some parents opt to feed their babies hypoallergenic formula even if their child does not have a cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). This choice is often made because hypoallergenic formulas, with their extensively hydrolyzed proteins, are gentler on the digestive system. These formulas can help reduce the risk of digestive discomfort and are perceived as a preventative measure for potential sensitivities, providing peace of mind for parents concerned about their baby's comfort and well-being.

Common Symptoms Indicating the Need for Hypoallergenic Formula

Symptoms of Milk Protein Allergy

Skin rashes and eczema
Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea, colic)
Respiratory problems (wheezing, coughing)

A cow's milk protein allergy is an immune system reaction where the body mistakenly identifies proteins in cow's milk as harmful, leading to symptoms like hives, wheezing, and vomiting. Intolerance, on the other hand, involves the digestive system and occurs when the body has difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar in milk, causing symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. While an allergy can be severe and life-threatening, intolerance typically causes discomfort but is not life-threatening.

Consultation with a Pediatrician

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if hypoallergenic formula is suitable for your baby, especially if they exhibit these symptoms.

These formulas may not be suitable to be used by children who have beend diagnosed with, or are suspected of having a cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). Only use these formula under the recommendation, guidance, and supervision of your child's pediatrician.

Key Ingredients in Hypoallergenic Formulas

Prebiotics and Probiotics

These ingredients support a healthy gut microbiome and boost the immune system.

DHA and ARA

Essential fatty acids that support brain and eye development. These ingredients are found commonly in European hypoallergenic baby formula.

Transitioning to Hypoallergenic Formula

Gradual Introduction

Mix hypoallergenic formula with your baby's current formula, gradually increasing the proportion of the hypoallergenic formula over a week.

Safety and Quality Standards

Certified Organic Options

Some hypoallergenic formulas are available with organic ingredients, ensuring no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used. However, because hydrolyzed milk protein is a man-made process, there is no way for a hydrolyzed baby formula to be certified as organic.

Sustainability Practices

HiPP HA and Aptamil use sustainable practices in their production processes.

Organic Life Start Answers

What makes a good baby formula?

Choosing the right baby formula doesn't need to be complicated. Start by understanding these seven considerations about newborn nutrition and meal addatives, which are the main differentiators in baby formulas.

1. Choosing A Carbohydrate

Lactose Carbohydrates

Natural breast milk is full of lactose as the main carbohydrate. Formulas that are abundant in lactose will be the most similar to breast milk. Even from an early age, most infants have the lactase enzyme that allows them to digest and absorb lactose carbohydrates. Infants that are abnormally sensitive to lactose can be placed on special low-in-lactose formulas that are goats milk based.

Babies that consume lactose from an early age are faster to develop healthy gut bacteria. In comparison to processed and refined sugars, lactose has a lower glycemic index, aiding in the absorbtion of calcium.

Lactose-rich formulas are more typical in European baby formulas than US formulas. You can identify a lactose based formula by looking at the ingredients list. Read the ingredients and find formulas that are based on cow's milk, "organic cow's milk," or "organic skimmed milk" to identify formulas that contain lactose.

Refined Sugar Carbohydrates

Unlike European formulas, US formulas use corn syrup, processed sugars, syrup solids, or brown rice addatives. These ingredients represent the carbohydrate component of US baby formulas, and unfortunately these ingredients are ultimately less healthy than natural lactose found in cow's milk.

In fact, processed sugar addatives are banned in European formulas due to concerns about childhood obesity. Formulas that use sugars as the carb base are considerably more processed than formulas high in lactose.

If your family has a history of obesity or diabetes, it is especially important to consider which type of carbohydrate is the best for babies.

Organic Life Start only delivers lactose-rich formulas because we believe they are genuinely healthier than sugar based alternatives.

2. Prebiotics vs. Probiotics

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics help develop natural gut bacteria, and are found in natural breast milk. Prebiotics actually aren't digested by your baby's organism, but rather when consumed they help develop cultures of bacteria that "kickstart" your baby's tummy to eventually transition into eating more "adult like" foods. Baby's that are breastfed receive natural prebiotics, so it is important to consider formulas (breast milk supplements) that are high in prebiotics.

As baby's consume prebiotics, their microbiome develops and prepares them for solid foods. Many of Organic Life Start's formulas contain prebiotics. You can find formulas with prebiotics by checking the ingredients list to find prebiotics like Fructooligasaccharides (FOS) and Galactooligosaccharides (GOS).

What are probiotics?

A baby's gut is full of natural bacteria, called probiotics. As a baby ages and matures, this bacteria develops and becomes more complex over time.

Breast milk makes up about 30% of a newborns probiotics. If a baby will not be breastfed, or not breastfed for very long, it is important to consider how you will substitute for these naturally occurring probiotics. Diets low in probiotics will lead to much slower development of your baby's gut, and can increase the likelihood of food-based sensitivities later in life. Probiotics also help your baby's immune response, prevent eczema, and reduce colic. If you see the ingredients Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium then you are choosing a formula that contains probiotics.

Our opinion is that probiotics should be strongly considered when looking for a new formula, or looking to switch formulas towards a healther alternative.

HiPP Dutch products are rich in probiotics.

3. DHA and ARA

What is DHA?

DHA, also known as Omega 3, is a long chain fatty acid that is critical to the development of fatty soft tissues such as a baby's eyes and brain. In fact, DHA is so helpful in improved brain development that it is a mandatory component of all European infant formulas. All Organic Life Start formulas contain DHA.

Natural DHA is found in breastmilk, and is a naturally ocurring nutrient. If you are considering formula for your baby, DHA addatives should be a must-have because babies do not produce as much DHA as is required to support growth spurts and early stage mental development.

What is ARA?

Similar to DHA, ARA is another naturally ocurring fatty acid found in breastmilk. ARA helps regulate inflammation and improves the connectivity of neurological synapses.

Formulas rich in ARA are preferrable to those that do not have ARA (or those that contain very little ARA).

4. Formula Preservatives

Preservatives improve shelf life, but can be toxic.

Synthetic prefervatives such as ascorbic palmitate and beta carotene are commonly found in US made formulas. Synthetic preservatives are often much harder for the body to digest and can build up over time, especially when consumed from a young age.

While the intent of preservatives is to extend shelf life, the reality is that these preservatives allow manufacturers to extend the time in which they can sell very old product stock. Natural formulas with dehydrated milk have equally long shelf life, but do not contain toxic preservatives. Synthetic preservatives are banned in European formulas, which should make anyone think twice before committing to ingredients they can't pronounce.

5. Nutrients

Avoid man-made nutrients in baby formulas

Early stage development is a sensitive period of time for our little one's life. Many synthetic nutrients are inherently toxic or are processed with highly toxic solvents. Manufacturers prefer to use these nutrients over naturally ocurring nutrients because they are cheaper to source and can be delivered to manufacturing facilities in quantities that will last a manufacturer several years worth of formula.

Avoid nutrients such as lutein, lycopene, taurine, L-carnitine, and L-methionine. All of these man made nutrients are banned in European formulas, but unfortunately are commonplace in US manufactured formulas.

6. Palm vs. Soy

Palm oil in baby formula

Palm oil is commonly found in both US and European baby formulas. Palm oil may cause some digestive issues such as gassiness, but if your baby experiences gassiness you can opt for a formula that is low in palm oil or palm oil free. Palm oil is generally accepted as a healthier alternative to soy oil.

Soy oil in baby formula

A formula that does not contain palm oil will most likely contain soy oil. For some children, soy oil is a bit easier to digest, however there is evidence that consumption of soy oil early in life leads to severe menstural cramps later in life. Palm oil is considered the safer option between palm and soy oils.

7. 360 Balanced Formulas

The best formulas are inherently simple in composition.

A balanced baby diet should take similar considerations into account as you would with your own diet. The only difference is that because a baby's stomach is still developing, it is more sensitive to what you put into it.

When choosing a baby formula and reading formula ingredients lists, pay special attention to the types of carbohydrates, the sources of fats, whether a formula contains healthy supplements like as DHA and ARA, and whether a formula is free of man-made and toxic preservatives.

Give your newborn the best start in life by choosing healthy baby formulas.