As a new parent, you’re faced with seemingly endless decisions about how to care for your little one, and one of the biggest decisions you’ll be faced with after birth is how to feed your baby.
While breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition, in reality, many parents include formula as part of their routine for one reason or another. These days, lots of families who are concerned about what exactly goes into their babies’ bottles are turning to European infant formula for its strict quality standards and penchant for mimicking the dynamic changes of breast milk.
So, if your formula feeding is a part of your journey, we’re here to walk you through how to find the best infant formula from Europe to suit your newborn’s unique needs.
Understanding Stage PRE and Stage 1 Infant Formulas
One of the advantages of human milk is that its composition changes throughout lactation, delivering essential nutrients tailored to a baby’s age. Because baby formula is static in composition, many European baby formula manufacturers, such as HiPP infant formula, have sought to mirror the dynamic qualities of breast milk by offering formula in distinct stages tailored to critical developmental milestones.
For starters, infant formula is a general category of products that refers to any breast milk substitute intended for babies from birth. Within this category, you may see infant formulas labelled as Stage PRE or Stage 1. Sometimes parents mistakenly assume that PRE stands for premature, but that’s not the case; it simply means the earliest stage and is designed to be closest to breast milk.
Whether your formula of choice is named Stage PRE or Stage 1, both can be fed to your baby from birth as the sole source of nutrition from 0-6 months and then as part of a mixed diet with solid foods from the 6th month.
Key Differences Between Stage PRE and Stage 1 Formulas
The main differences between Stage PRE and Stage 1 are that PRE formulas always feature lactose as the sole source of carbohydrates, but some Stage 1 formulas might also include complementary carbohydrates like starch or maltodextrin. Another notable but minor difference is that Stage 1 formulas typically contain slightly more calories than PRE formulas.
Depending on your baby’s needs and your carbohydrate preferences, you should always review the ingredient list and nutritional values for the most accurate information.
Lactose-only formula is great for little ones with more sensitive digestion systems, as lactose is a simple carbohydrate that’s easier for tiny tummies to break down. It’s also the primary carbohydrate in breast milk, so it’s naturally well tolerated by most healthy babies!
A formula with starch and/or maltodextrin, on the other hand, offers a creamier consistency, which can sometimes help with mild spit up, and it also ensures a more satiating blend due to it’s slower to digest complex carbs, which can be beneficial for babies that may not be full enough with lactose-only PRE milk.
Is Stage PRE or Stage 1 Better for Newborns?
Stage PRE and 1 are both great options for newborns since they’re specially formulated for infants from birth. Regardless of which stage you choose, remember to pay close attention to the infant formula ingredients.
It’s often recommended by infant nutrition experts to choose a purely lactose-based infant formula because it mimics the main carbohydrate source in breast milk, is easily digestible, provides sustained energy, aids mineral absorption, and supports gut health.
Can Babies Switch Between PRE and Stage 1 Infant Formula?
Yes, you can switch between Stage PRE and Stage 1. Some formula infant formula brands recommend transitioning your baby from PRE to 1 if they seem unsatisfied after their feedings, as Stage 1 can be a more satiating option, but this varies between types of infant formula recipes and whether or not complementary carbohydrates are included. Before switching stages, it’s advisable to consult your pediatrician first.
Organic Infant Formula Safety Standards in Europe
Some parents prefer EU-certified organic formula over conventional options because the additional guidelines it’s subject to provide them with peace of mind about ingredient purity and safety.
In Europe, organic infant formula is made without GMOs, artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives, and is made with milk from animals raised without growth hormones or routine antibiotic use, on pastures where chemical pesticide use is strictly limited.
Where to Buy the Best Infant Formula
If you’re looking for a first infant formula for your little one, we highly recommend checking out Organic’s Best Shop. They’re a family-run online retailer based in Germany with a wide selection of premium European formulas, including organic options. For sensitive babies, their goat milk infant formula and hypoallergenic infant formulas are especially popular!
They have a 4.9-star Trustpilot rating, with over 4,000 reviews, and are the number one shop for families in America and Canada seeking European nutrition products. Head to their site now to score the best deals on HiPP German Stage 1 organic infant formula, Holle Stage 1 organic infant formula, Kendamil Organic Stage 1 UK, and loads more of their bestsellers!
