Being a new mom can definitely keep you up at night. You wonder endlessly about what is good for your baby. Especially when it comes to what you will feed your little one.
We all know these three golden words: Breast is best.
But while breastfeeding is a no-brainer for some moms, for others, it may be more challenging. Not just because some choose not to, but some moms encounter difficulties:
- Their baby can’t latch.
- They don’t have enough milk.
- They have mastitis.
- They work and have no place to pump.
- Their nipples are bleeding and blistered.
The need for baby formula to supplement or replace is very real. So then the question becomes: What is the best baby formula for my baby?
Because what matters is that your baby is fed, healthy, and happy, however way you feed them. Choosing the baby formula that is good for your little one can be very hard.
You have to consider what makes up these formulas and if these ingredients are essential or harmful to your baby.
The hurdle is that many American baby formulas have ingredients that are unhealthy — or worse, they are not upfront about their ingredients!
The good thing is that there are organic baby formulas available that are of high quality and are made with a lot of care and study to ensure that they are beneficial to your baby’s health and well-being.
HiPP vs Holle: Two good baby formula choices for babies
HiPP and Holle both produce baby formulas that are organic and optimal for your baby’s health. They are made in Europe, where standards are higher for organic baby formula production than in the US.
HiPP and Holle are brands that have been around for a long time, cultivating the healthiest options for infants. They are both certified organic, and follow very stringent EU standards. They are transparent about their resources, farming, ingredients, and production.
Hipp and Holle are both EU certified organic formulas. This means that its a healthier and safer choice for babies. There are no dangerous or harmful ingredients or additives compared to non-organic formulas, which can bring a lot of damage to bodies.
But what exactly is HiPP and Holle?
So, HiPP vs Holle? Not familiar with these words? No worries — we’re here to help you out!
The 4-1-1 on HiPP
Joseph Hipp was a baker in Germany. He was also a doting father and husband. He founded HiPP in 1899 because his wife, Maria Oster, was having difficulties in breastfeeding their children. The baker in this father found a way to help her: He made the milk more filling by enriching it with rusk flour!
That certainly seemed to do the trick — he had a large family with over seven kids! By 1970, rusk flour was still flourishing in the German market for infants.
Joseph’s descendant, George Hipp, then set on to manufacture his family’s formula. He also started to source from only organic farms. The HiPP brand grew bigger and now has many products, all the while always using safe ingredients to provide baby formula that is tasty, healthy, and most importantly, baby safe.
The 4-1-1 on Holle
Holle has been making organic formulas for babies for over eight decades! The company originated in Switzerland and began in 1933. From the very start, their products have all been preservative-free. Incredible, right? Even more incredible, Holle’s organic formulas are of Demeter quality. And they have more than just formulas – they have porridges, milk, and plenty more for your baby! Wholesome ingredients + holistic formula = baby-safe formula for all babies!
HiPP vs Holle: Pros and Cons
Okay, so you’re acquainted with both HiPP and Holle. Now it’s time to get to know them better.
HiPP
HiPP’s organic baby formula has a lot of features and ingredients that are good for optimal baby health – always a big factor.
HiPP Pros:
- GMO-free
- Sweetened by lactose (no artificial sweeteners)
- High content of essential fatty acids
- No pesticides as well as other chemicals
- Compared to other brands, it has a lower amount of mycotoxins and heavy metals
- It has prebiotics — and some formulas also have probiotics
- An excellent substitute for breastmilk and can also be fed to a baby alongside of it
- Ideal for infants with sensitive stomachs
- Absence of wheat, soy (in most products) and peanut ingredients
- Gluten-free
- Big selection of formulas for baby growth stages and needs
HiPP Cons:
- Significant aluminum levels
- Contains palm oil
Holle!
The ingredients of Holle’s organic baby formulas are as clean as can be, making it a wise choice for babies.
Holle Pros:
- All baby formulas are EU-certified organic
- GMO-free
- Nutritionally-balanced and has added iron, vitamins, and minerals
- Absence of preservatives, chemicals, steroids, or hormones
- High content of natural essential fatty acids
- Offers a choice between cow’s milk and goat’s milk
- No additives, corn syrup, soy, wheat, or peanut ingredients
- Formula is close to breastmilk and is another ideal substitute or supplement
- Babies will be able to digest easily, and it also helps with constipation
- Gluten-free
- Certified Biodynamic by Biolands
Holle Cons:
- Contains palm oil
HiPP vs Holle: FAQ
To help you make a more informed decision, we’ve laid out a few similarities and differences:
Are they both organic and grass-fed?
Compared to the US, there are higher, more extensive standards in Europe for something to be considered organic. HiPP and Holle are both EU certified organic (except for a few of HiPP’s specialty formulas)
HiPP: Almost all of their formulas are EU certified organic except for these varieties — HA, AR, and Comfort, which need to have protein hydrolysates not found organically (but all their other ingredients in these baby formulas are organic)
Holle: All of Holle’s formulas are EU certified organic AND Demeter Biodynamic certified, which means they meet some of the most particular criteria for sustainability as well as animal-friendly and environmentally-friendly farming with no chemicals (like pesticides) and GMOs.
What’s their carbohydrate content?
Carbohydrates are very important for babies. The main carbohydrate that is in breast milk is called Lactose — and that’s why when it comes to baby formulas, Lactose is the best option. The European Commission dictates that lactose should make up 30% of carbs in baby formulas – the US has no such standard. Table sugar (sucrose) is not allowed in EU baby formulas. But some formulas do have organic maltodextrin derived from starch.
HiPP: All of HiPP’s baby formulas are purely lactose-based, except for Anti-Reflux, which has maltodextrin to help babies with sensitive little tummies.
Holle: While many of Holle’s baby formulas are completely lactose-based, their Goat formulas and Holle Bio do also contain maltodextrin.
And what about protein?
It’s crucial that babies have the right kinds of protein in their diets! Breast milk has 60% whey proteins and 40% casein proteins. Cow’s milk has 20% whey and 80% casein. Casein may be harder for babies to digest so always make sure that your formula also has whey.
HiPP: Most HiPP baby formulas contain a protein ratio similar to breast milk. A few of their formulas are 100% whey.
Holle: All baby formulas from Holle include whey so that the ratio of protein is balanced for babies.
Do they contain prebiotics and probiotics?
Prebiotics and probiotics are found in breast milk. These make babies’ immune systems stronger and boost beneficial gut bacteria in their digestive systems; probiotics are essential in aiding digestion, preventing eczema, improving immune response, and minimizing colic.
HiPP: All baby formulas fro HiPP have prebiotics. Some of their selections have both prebiotics and probiotics.
Holle: Unlike HiPP, none of Holle’s formulas have prebiotics nor probiotics. There are supplements available on the market to supplement these types of formulas.
How about DHA and ARA?
When it comes to babies’ developing brains, vision, immune systems, and nerve, Omega-3 fatty acids (like ALA and DHA) and Omega-6 fatty acids (like ARA) are important. US formulas are not required to have these in baby formulas, but EU requires DHA in all their baby formulas.
HiPP: All HiPP formulas have been altered to include DHA. Their Stage 1 formulas have both ARA and DHA.
Holle: Before 2020, Holle’s baby formulas did not have DHA. But now all their baby formulas had DHA from fish oil or algae.
Do they provide specialty options (for reflux, colic, sensitivities, allergies, etc)
Many babies are okay with regular baby formula — but some babies find it a little more difficult to digest it. That’s why some special formulas are being offered for little ones who may have special requirements.
HiPP: HiPP has options for infants who may have difficulty digesting, like Anti-Reflux, Comfort, and Hypoallergenic (HA).
Holle: Holle’s goat milk is a good alternative for babies who find it difficult to digest regular formula. It’s a good choice for them because goat milk proteins are less allergenic and smaller.
Hmm, but what about palm oil?
Palm oil is controversial. There is a lot of concern about palm oil because studies have linked it to a reduction of bone density.
HiPP and Holle: Their baby formulas both contain palm oil. BUT the amount is said to not be enough to be harmful.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, what matters is this: When it comes to feeding your babies, do not skimp on nutrition. Do your research and find what’s best — don’t cut corners. Your little one’s diet will affect their health long-term, all the way into childhood and adulthood.
Hey there, Martha here, a full-time mom of two, currently trying to bring a small impact in everyone’s life whom I can reach through The Queen Momma. I usually write on topics related to parenting, pregnancy and motherhood. Having gone through a few rocky relationships myself, I consider myself somewhat of an “expert” on topics related to dating and relationships.
I formerly worked at Special Needs Network Inc and BrightStar Care of Beverly Hills as a head manager. I have a passion for assisting organizations and individuals in achieving their objectives and have had the opportunity to do so throughout my professional career. At present, writing for The Queen Momma is a great addition to my professional career.