Regardless of whether your baby is trying baby formula for the first time or is transitioning from a stage 1 baby formula, you need to choose a formula that is quite similar to breast milk. Some parents prefer to use organic baby formulas because they don’t have GMO ingredients, corn syrup, sucrose, or glucose syrup. Even better, they are also free from artificial colors, synthetic preservatives, and pesticides.
At every stage of your little one’s feeding journey, you should remember that a well-fed infant is a happy infant. You can choose whatever feeding approach to make sure that your baby is healthy and happy. Whether you intend to use HiPP UK Stage 2, best baby formula to supplement breast milk, or exclusively formula feeding, you must ensure that your little one is getting all the necessary nutrients. This post discusses the best baby formula for babies six months and up.
Understanding stage 1 and stage 2 baby formulas
The European baby formulas are sold in stages to correspond to the age of a baby. The idea of formula baby stages is good because it means the nutrient levels of the baby formula closely correspond to the particular needs of infants at a certain age.
You can find stage 1 and stage PRE baby formulas that are formulated for babies from birth onwards. These baby formulas are sometimes known as first infant milk. They are usually a full source of nutrition, so you can use them on their own or even supplement breast milk. When it comes to stage PRE baby formulas, they are the same as Stage 1 baby formulas, though they don’t have starch to make them easier to digest for younger babies.
Stage 2 baby formulas are formulated for older babies who are six months old and up. These baby formulas are also popularly called follow-on formulas. They are quite similar to stage 1 baby formulas, but these baby formulas tend to have different quantities of certain nutrients and slightly more protein. They have these to provide the babies with the right nutrition they require at this age. These baby formulas usually have more casein proteins than whey proteins, meaning they can take longer to digest and are more filling.
Besides providing a baby’s increasing diet of solid foods, these stage 2 baby formulas give the nutrition an older baby needs. You can choose to use them in combination with breast milk or on their own. Some parents decide to stay with stage 1 baby formulas rather than changing to stage 2 baby formulas even after their baby reaches the age of six months, which is fine. But stage 2 baby formulas are not ideal for infants younger than six months old.
Some other parents choose to transition to a stage 3 baby formula which is also called a toddler formula, once their baby reaches the age of one. At this point, your baby may be eating a lot of solid foods, so stage 3 baby formula can be a great alternative to whole cow’s milk.
6+ months baby formulas
It can be a little confusing to figure out the right stage 2 baby formula which is suitable for your little one, especially when supplementing or even switching to baby formula for the first time. It’s natural for you to look out for the highest-quality and healthiest baby formula for your little one. Remember that every infant is unique, meaning they tend to have their preferences, sensitivities, and needs, so any baby formula your little one likes should be a great option for you.
That said, you can find a variety of stage 2 baby formulas on the market that are nutritious and tasty. Also, most of these baby formulas are made using the highest organic standards. These baby formulas are suitable for your baby when they reach a six-month milestone.
One of the best baby formulas is called HiPP UK Stage 2 formula which is ideal for babies who are six months and older and have previously used HiPP UK Stage 1. It’s also an excellent option for infants who are switching to baby formula for the first time. You can even use this formula by combining it with breast milk. You should note that HiPP UK Stage 2 formula is a good source of full nutrition, and can complement an infant’s expanding solid food diet.
This baby formula doesn’t have starch, maltodextrin, gluten, and soy. Instead, it has great organic ingredients like organic lactose, organic skim milk, and organic whey. It also contains minerals, vitamins, prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-6 fatty acids.
You can also decide to use HiPP Dutch Stage 2 baby formula. This formula is a good option for babies who are also six months and older. Regardless of whether you were using HiPP Dutch Stage 1 baby formula or you intend to use it for the first time, this formula is a great option. It also provides complete nutrition and works well when it comes to supplementing breast milk.
HiPP Dutch Stage 1 baby formula is suitable for little ones who have started eating solid foods. It has a base of organic lactose, organic skim milk, organic whey, and organic vegetable oils. Also, it has essential minerals and vitamins, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids like ALA and DHA to assist in building a healthy nervous system and brain.
As if this is not enough, HiPP Dutch Stage 1 baby formula also has prebiotics which are galacto-oligosaccharides from organic lactose as well as probiotics. These are included in this product to help strengthen the immune system and digestive tract. This formula doesn’t have GMO ingredients and doesn’t contain starch, maltodextrin, gluten, or soy. You should remember that HiPP Dutch Stage 1 baby formula also comes in stage 3 baby formulas for babies aged one year and older.
As you can see, there is a wide range of baby formulas for babies who are six months old and above. Therefore, make sure that you understand the needs of your baby before purchasing any formula. In this way, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have made the right buying decision.
