Is European Infant Formula Better?

From private school to expensive sports equipment, American parents have a proud history of looking overseas for the best products for their children. Many parents are now preferring European baby formula over American brands. Is this, however, just another case of American parents becoming engrossed in a new fad without fully comprehending it? Or, does European infant formula live up to its reputation as the best option? In this article, we'll look at what distinguishes European baby formula from that found in the United States, and whether these distinctions imply that European options are better for your child than their American

What is the Difference Between European Baby Formula and US Baby Formula?

I'm sure you've noticed that many parents are curious about feeding European baby formula to their children. This is not a new trend or a passing fad in parenting. For years, parents have trusted brands like HiPP and Holle, and they continue to do so today. Some parents continue to feed their children European formula even after they have graduated to solid foods! But why? And should you think about it for your child? Here's what you need to know about European baby formula and why so many parents love it.

Baby formula in the United States is made from a combination of synthetic vitamins and minerals. In Europe, baby formula is made with real nutrition derived from natural sources.

The quality difference between European and American formulas is noticeable - not only for the sake of your baby, but also for your own. Superior ingredients found in European-made formulas can help you get the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you don't get from your diet or when breastfeeding isn't an option due to work or other factors.

Is European Baby Formula Better?

The first reason European baby formula is generally considered superior to US formulas is the higher quality of the raw materials used to make it. Manufacturers in Europe are required by law to use only milk from cows that graze on grass pastures, ensuring that their milk has a higher protein content than dairy products from North America and Canada. Furthermore, whole grains are more likely to be used in European plant-based proteins than soybeans or other common allergens like nuts or peanuts.

The second reason that many parents around the world consider European baby formula to be superior is that most European manufacturers use a "clean room" manufacturing process developed by NASA during America's space program. This method disinfects all equipment and surfaces before each batch is manufactured (including any necessary repairs), reducing the possibility of contaminants such as salmonella or E Coli bacteria entering the final product.

European Formulas Contain Organic Ingredients Without GMOs

As with many products - a formula may be labeled as organic or non-GMO. Organic formula is made with organically grown ingredients that are free of GMOs. There are no genetically modified organisms in the non-GMO formula (GMOs). Both of these formulas contain fewer chemicals, but it's important to note that most formulas contain some man-made chemicals that you should avoid. If you want to avoid all potential sources of unwanted chemicals in your baby's diet, look for a formula with fewer artificial ingredients. Parents generally have 2 questions about European formulas:

• Question 1: Why are American parents interested in European infant formulas?
• Question 2: What does European baby formula contain and what does it not contain?

Answers

1. Many new parents have recently chosen to incorporate European formulas into their babies' diets. This is because many contain goat milk, probiotics, are GMO-free, and frequently have lactose as their primary sugar.
2. The EU requires the addition of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) to their formulas, which many formula-fed parents find exciting. Many American formulas also include DHA, but this is optional in the United States.
3. European-style baby formulas, unlike most American formulas, contain prebiotics and probiotics, which can support a baby's beneficial gut bacteria and aid in digestion.

Now that we've determined what is included in European baby formula, let's look at what isn't.

1. Carrageenan is a seaweed additive used in infant formulas as a stabilizer to ensure that vital nutrients remain mixed and do not settle to the bottom. It is prohibited in organic formulas because it interferes with infant growth and palatability at higher concentrations (>2500 mg/L).
2. Most baby formulas in the United States contain added sweeteners such as high fructose syrup and corn syrup, which are also found in soft drinks. Added sugars are never tolerated in organic formulas. They prefer natural sweeteners such as lactose instead.
3. European infant formulas never contain genetically modified or engineered ingredients, nor are they mixed with GMO ingredients.
4. Infant formulas contain synthetic preservatives to prevent spoilage. Lutein, lycopene, hexane, L-carnitine, and taurine are examples of synthetic preservatives to avoid. European formulas are free of artificial preservatives because they are made with all-natural, safe ingredients.

European Infant Formulas Come In Age-Specific Stages

European baby formulas are classified according to your infant's developmental stage, whereas most American formulas are "one size fits all" for infant formula, followed by toddler-specific products.

Please keep in mind that this chart represents the stage for the majority of EU formulas. Some EU formulas have different stages based on the development and needs of the child.

For each age group, these stages have been tailored to EU regulations. These stages are determined by nutritional development rather than age, though they frequently coincide. They are intended to meet your child's dietary needs as they grow and develop at their own pace. Each stage of the formula contains a unique balance of fats, proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates tailored to each child's developmental stage.

Unlike baby formulas in the USA, European baby formula stages are intended to deliver more precise amounts of nutrients that are appropriate to a baby's specific age. The simple explanation is that a younger baby is not able to process high doses of certain nutrients at an earlier age, in comparison to the same doses at a later age. European formula laws are continuously evolving and updated on a yearly basis, whereas the majority of guidelines for infant nutrition in the US were established decades ago and have not been modernized to better reflect the ingredients available to today's parents, as well as not reflecting more recent learnings from studies on infant nutrition that have happened since the original guidance was established. Most pediatricians and nutritionists agree that European baby formula standards are set to a significantly higher level than equivalent standards found in the USA, Canada, and many other countries outside the EU.

HiPP is Europe's leading baby formula brand, and Holle is Switzerland's leading baby formula brand. HiPP is certified organic, and Holle is also certified organic.

HiPP has been in business since 1904, making it one of the oldest manufacturers on this list. The company ensures that only organic ingredients are used in their products and that each batch is tested for quality control before being packaged for sale.

Holle has been in business since 1921, so they are not as old as HiPP, but they are still a well-established company with a history of producing high-quality products at reasonable prices that parents enjoy using every day without hesitation or concern about what might happen if someone else uses them instead.

Most Popular European Infant Formulas

HiPP Dutch Formulas

HiPP Dutch Stage 1 Combiotic Infant Milk Formula is a customer favorite that is suitable for infants from birth. This formula can be used as a complete breast milk substitute for formula-fed babies or as a supplement to supplement natural breast milk. HiPP Dutch Stage 1 is free of GMOs, gluten, soy, starch, corn syrup, and sugar while remaining nutritionally dense.

• Age: (Stage 1: 0-6 months)

HiPP Dutch Stage 2 Combiotic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula is a nutrient-rich organic lactose-based formula for babies aged six months and up. The gentle formula can be used immediately after HiPP Dutch Stage 1, as a supplement to breast milk, or as a complete replacement to breast milk as you wean your baby. HiPP Dutch Stage 2 contains both probiotics and prebiotics for added nutrition, helping to create a perfect jump start to your baby's natural gut microbiome - closely mirroring the nutritional benefits of natural breast milk.

• Age: (Stage 2: 6-12 months old)

HiPP Dutch Stage 3 Combiotic Toddler Formula is a lactose-rich formula based on organic skim milk for babies aged 12 months and up. This gentle formula is clean, with simple ingredients, and nutritious, with essential vitamins and minerals needed to support the rapid growth of babies entering their toddler years.

• Age: (Stage 3: 12+ months)

Holle Goat Dutch Formulas

Holle Goat Dutch Stage 1 is a pure organic formula designed specifically for infants aged six months and up. Holle Goat Dutch Stage 1 is rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are critical for early infancy development. It is soy-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, sugar-free, corn syrup-free, and contains no synthetic ingredients, artificial colors, artificial flavorings, or man-made additives.

• Age: (Stage 1: 0-6 months old)

Holle Goat Dutch Stage 2 Organic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula was created to be gentler on baby stomachs and easier to digest than comparable organic cow's milk formulas. This formula is a natural progression from Holle Goat Dutch Stage 1 and can be given to babies aged six months and up. It contains an increased amount of nutrients and essential minerals that promote early development and a healthy balanced diet. Holle Goat Dutch Stage 2 can also be given to babies transitioning from breast milk, from another formula, or as a supplement to and complement to a breast milk diet.

• Age: (Stage 2: 6-12 months old)

Holle Goat Dutch Stage 3 is an exceptionally nutrient-dense and easy-to-digest organic toddler formula that is specifically designed to provide more essential vitamins and minerals than Holle Goat Dutch Stages 1 and 2. This clean formula can be given to babies aged 10 months and older who have previously been on a breast milk diet as a supplement and complement to their meals, as well as babies who have already begun transitioning to solid foods as a supplement and complement to their meals. Holle Goat Dutch Stage 3 is completely natural, with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

• Age: (Stage 3: 10+ months old old)

Holle Cow Formulas

This biodynamic organic formula offers one of the cleanest ingredients lists while being incredibly nutritious and supportive of a balanced diet for babies from birth onward. Holle Bio Stage PRE Organic Infant Milk Formula can be used on its own or as a supplement to breast milk.

Holle Bio Stage 1 Organic Infant Milk Formula is a popular additive-free organic formula that is designed for babies aged up to six months of age. This simple clean formula is designed to be a complete and nutritious meal with no unnecessary additives and only healthy ingredients for early infant development.

Holle Bio Stage 2 Organic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula is a complete source of nutrition for babies aged six months and above. This formula can either be used as the natural transition from Holle Bio Stage 1, Holle Bio Stage PRE, or can be introduced to babies who have previously been breast fed or used a different brand of baby formula.

Holle Bio Stage 3 is an entirely organic cow's milk based formula intended for babies and toddlers 10 months and above. This formula is exceptionally clean and contains no GMO's, no corn syrup, no sugar, no additives, no soy, and originates from Demeter certified organic farming in Germany.

Holle Bio Stage 4 is a nutritious and organic formula for babies ages 12 months and above, free from any soy, sugar, corn syrup, wheat, or GMO's - supporting a healthy immune system. This formula can be used as a complete substitute for breast milk, or as a complement and substitute to breast milk as your toddler is weaned. You can give Holle Bio Stage 4 after other previous Holle baby formulas, or after finishing stages 1 through 3 of a different brand baby formula.

Lebenswert Formulas

Achieving Bioland certification, Lebenswert ensures the use of 100% organic cow's skim milk from biodynamic pastures, where cows graze freely in fields free of pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, and antibiotics.

Kendamil Formulas

Crafted with EU-certified organic cow's whole milk from Red Tractor-accredited farms, Kendamil Organic formula offers three stages of passionately crafted organic options. Dedicated to mimicking natural breast milk, Kendamil uses full cream cow's milk and incorporates a natural fat source Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) for cognitive development.

Kendamil Classic formula is carefully designed to replicate the whey:casein ratio found in natural breast milk, featuring an easily digestible 60:40 whey/casein blend. Kendamil also sources its plant-based DHA from marine algae, making it a suitable option for vegetarian families.

Kendamil Goat is one of the most favored goat formulas in Europe. This formula adheres to Red Tractor certification, emphasizing animal welfare and conscious farming as integral to the manufacturing process. With HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) akin to natural breast milk, Kendamil Goat is an all-natural, clean formula you can rely on for your baby's nourishment.

Kabrita Formulas

Moving away from the common perception of a "goaty" flavor and smell often linked with goat milk, Kabrita guarantees parents that its infant formulas provide a gentle taste. This result is accomplished through the utilization of fresh Dutch goat milk and an effective manufacturing procedure.

Nannycare Formulas

Nannycare is known for using only the purest, ethically sourced ingredients in their baby formulas. By using 100% premium New Zealand goat milk as a foundation, Nannycare provides high-quality nutrition that's easier to digest than cow milk formulas.

Aptamil Formulas

Aptamil Nutribiotik features a patented mix of natural prebiotics that support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Scientific oligosaccharides promote Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, while inhibiting harmful bacteria. A balanced gut is vital for your baby’s digestion and immunity as they grow.

Aptamil Gold+ is a carefully crafted cow's milk formula, free from GMOs. It's designed to match growing infant nutritional needs. Packed with probiotics, prebiotics, and crucial DHA, this advanced blend supports your baby's overall health. DHA aids brain and eye growth, and GOS promotes a balanced gut for digestion.

If you're curious about feeding your baby organic baby formula from Europe, you're not alone!

You're not alone if you want to feed your baby organic baby formula from Europe. Many parents are concerned about the ingredients in the food they eat and feed their children, and for good reason: they want to ensure that their children are as healthy as possible.

European Specialty Formulas

Isn't it peculiar that some European baby formulas have specialty formulas that aren't available in the United States? Let me show you some of the specialty formulas and what they are useful for.

If your baby suffers from symptoms such as uncomfortable bloating, gas, constipation, or colic, HiPP Comfort could be your new best friend! HiPP Comfort was created to be one of the gentlest formulas that is kind to your baby's sensitive stomach. This formula can be used from birth and, due to its special gentle nature, is appropriate even well past the one-year mark, when your baby has begun eating solid foods. What is the secret to HiPP Comfort's gentleness? HiPP Comfort contains less lactose, which is replaced with an easily digestible vegetable oil blend beta palmitate, providing the same important natural fatty acids that are critical to your baby's early development as a traditionally lactose-rich cow's milk-based formula.

Does your baby have frequent acid reflux, spit-up, or regurgitation? HiPP AR Germany Anti Reflux Milk Formula has been specially formulated to replace some of the more difficult-to-digest ingredients with ingredients that are organic but have been shown to be more soothing and significantly easier to digest for young babies. This formula can be given from birth and, due to its gentle nature, is even suitable until your baby begins eating solid foods in toddlerhood. It can be used as a complete substitute for breast milk or as an additive to improve your baby's diet and nutrition. For optimal results, HiPP recommends allowing the formula to settle for 7 minutes post-mixing before feeding it to your baby. This brief waiting period ensures that the formula attains a thicker consistency, providing added comfort during feeding.

HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Stage 1 Combiotic is designed for the most sensitive babies who may be experiencing discomfort due to ingredients found in other baby formulas. How is this hypoallergenic formula created? HiPP HA Stage 1 contains long chain milk proteins that have been hydrolyzed into smaller pieces, with casein from cow's milk excluded. Smaller whey protein is easier to digest and, as a result, has a lower risk of adverse reactions to allergenic ingredients naturally found in milk. Because the hydrolysis process reduces the viscosity of milk, a small amount of starch has been added to keep the formula from becoming too runny. HiPP HA Stage 1 is high in lactose because it is based on cow's milk, just like breast milk.

When it comes to food and drink, there is no shortage of chemicals to which we may be exposed on a daily basis. These chemicals are either intentionally added by manufacturers (to make a product last longer or look better) or unintentionally added by packaging companies (as part of the processing process). Some chemicals have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and other health issues, but they are still commonly found in our food supply.

With so much information available online these days, especially on social media platforms like Facebook, it can be difficult for new parents who don't have much experience researching nutrition labels on grocery store shelves or reading scientific studies published in academic journals (or both). So, when someone says something like "your baby needs organic formula because it contains fewer toxins than regular milk powder" without citing any sources. Well, let's just say it raises questions!

HiPP UK Comfort is a well-loved choice for babies with digestion concerns, offering gentle relief for colic, constipation, and other discomforts. Featuring less lactose and hydrolyzed protein, this formula combines natural prebiotics and fibers to support healthy gut function and encourage softer stools.

HiPP Dutch HA is HiPP's latest hydrolyzed formula and is an excellent choice for infants dealing with constipation, allergies, or sensitivity to cow's milk. It contains hydrolyzed milk proteins to minimize allergic reactions and offers complete nutrition with prebiotics and probiotics.

Aptamil Comfort is specially designed to provide relief for babies experiencing discomfort due to gas and colic. Formulated with gentle ingredients, this baby formula helps ease digestive discomfort and reduces the likelihood of excessive gas formation.

Aptamil Anti Reflux is a thickened formula tailored to tackle reflux symptoms like discomfort, irritability, and frequent spitting up. It offers relief to babies while ensuring their complete nutritional needs are met. This thickened formulation is designed for infants experiencing frequent regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux (GER) problems.

The hydrolyzed protein in Aptamil Pepti has undergone thorough processing, creating a formula with lower allergenic properties. This reduces the chance of allergies and offers a suitable alternative for infants with CMPA who can't tolerate regular cow's milk formulas. The formula also contains a patented mix of prebiotics, GOS/FOS (9:1), supporting your baby's natural gut bacteria development.

European vs. American Baby Formula - In Summary

You're not alone if you want to feed your baby organic baby formula from Europe. The European market for these products is booming, and parents who want to give their babies the best possible start in life have plenty of options. We hope that our article has provided you with enough information to make an informed decision about whether to use European brand formulas or ones made right here in America for your child.

Top 3 European Formulas

1. Hipp Dutch
2. Holle Goat Dutch
3. Holle Bio Cow Formula