Which HiPP Formula Is Best? A Stage-by-Stage Guide for Parents

Created by Organic Formula Europe, information for chart sourced from HiPP¹

HiPP formulas are not identical worldwide. The German, Dutch, and UK product lines have slightly different recipes, stage names, ingredient lists, and age recommendations. You can read about the differences between each country's variations further down in the article. 

Each HiPP stage uses a slightly different amount of formula powder, so be sure to closely follow the instructions on each can of baby formula.

Founded in Germany in 1899, HiPP traces its origins to a homemade baby cereal created by confectioner Joseph Hipp. What began as a simple solution for one family eventually grew into one of Europe's best-known baby nutrition companies. Over the following decades, HiPP became an early advocate for organic agriculture, converting its own farm to organic production in the 1950s and later building a network of thousands of organic farmers. Today, the company remains certified organic, applying standards that often go beyond minimum European organic requirements.²

While all infant formulas sold in Europe must meet strict nutritional regulations, HiPP sets itself apart through several formulation choices. HiPP formulas use lactose as the primary carbohydrate rather than ingredients like maltodextrin or glucose syrup, and many include added prebiotics and probiotics inspired by compounds naturally found in breast milk.³

HiPP Stage Pre is a traditional newborn formula. It is suitable from birth and can be used as your baby's sole source of nutrition or alongside breast milk if you're combination feeding. HiPP Stage PRE is made with organic skimmed cow's milk, lactose as the only carbohydrate, added DHA and ARA, GOS prebiotics, and probiotic cultures. 

It has no added starch or thickeners, and is the thinnest formula that HiPP offers. Parents choose HiPP Pre because its carbohydrate profile is designed to resemble breast milk more closely than formulas that do contain added starch. While no formula can replicate breast milk exactly, HiPP PRE provides complete nutrition for infants from birth until they're ready to move to the next stage.

Unlike many parents assume, babies don't have to "graduate" from Pre after a few weeks. Many pediatricians and European feeding experts consider it perfectly appropriate to continue using PRE until around six months of age if your baby is thriving.

HiPP Stage 1 is another infant formula that can be fed from birth to 6 months of age, and it provides complete nutrition during your baby's first months of life.

Like Stage Pre, the protein base is organic skimmed cow's milk combined with an organic whey product. The carbohydrates come from lactose as the primary sugar, with some starch also present (depending on which country the formula is made for). The additional starch can create a slightly creamier, thicker consistency that some babies find more appealing. 

For most healthy infants, both PRE and Stage 1 are acceptable. Neither formula is considered nutritionally superior, and both support normal growth and development.
 

Parents may choose PRE if they want a formula that relies entirely on lactose, while others prefer Stage 1 because their baby seems more satisfied between feeds. Rather than asking which is the "better" formula, it's more helpful to ask which formula suits your baby's feeding habits and what the pediatrician says.

HiPP Stage 2 is a follow-on formula designed for babies around 6 months of age who have started eating solid foods. At this stage, formula remains an important source of nutrition, but it begins to complement a more varied diet rather than serving as the baby's only food.

HiPP Stage 2 contains a nutrient profile tailored for older babies, with age-appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals that support a period of rapid physical and cognitive development. The transition usually makes sense once your baby is regularly eating complementary foods and is ready for the next stage of feeding.

HiPP Stage 3 is intended for older babies and young toddlers who are eating a varied diet. This stage is intended for babies 10-12 months. At this point, children receive the majority of their nutrition from solid food, but formula helps ease the transition to only solids and fill in any nutritional gaps. It continues to provide vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and a prebiotic blend while supporting a toddler's changing nutritional needs.

Not every HiPP market sells a numbered Stage 4 formula. In the Netherlands, this is sold as Dutch HiPP Stage 4, in Germany it's called Kindermilch, while the UK offers it as Growing Up Milk 2+.

Stage 4 isn't considered an infant formula. Instead, it's designed for toddlers who are already eating a varied diet but may still benefit from fortified milk. These products provide vitamins and minerals that can help fill nutritional gaps, but they're optional rather than essential for healthy children.

If you're deciding whether to continue using Stage 4, it's worth remembering that toddlers obtain most of their nutrition from solid foods and can now drink regular cow's milk.⁴

Not every baby thrives on a standard formula. Some experience excessive gas, frequent spit-up, or temporary digestive discomfort during the first few months of life.⁵ For these situations, HiPP offers several specialty formula options that are designed for specific feeding needs. These products should only be used when appropriate and, ideally, under the guidance of your pediatrician.

HiPP Comfort is formulated for babies experiencing common digestive issues such as excessive gas, colic, constipation, or fussiness related to feeding. Unlike the standard formulas, HiPP Comfort contains partially hydrolyzed milk protein, making it easier for some babies to digest. It also has a modified carbohydrate blend and fat composition to support comfortable digestion.

If your baby doesn't have digestive concerns, there's usually no reason to switch away from PRE or Stage 1.

HiPP HA formula (hypoallergenic) is designed for babies who may have an increased risk of developing allergies. Like HiPP Comfort, HiPP HA contains extensively hydrolyzed milk protein, meaning the proteins are broken into smaller pieces that may be less likely to trigger an allergic response.

It's important to note that HiPP HA is not intended to treat a diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy. Babies with a confirmed allergy often require a specialized medical formula recommended by their healthcare provider.

HiPP Anti-Reflux (AR) Formula is a specialty formula designed for babies who frequently spit up or experience reflux under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Unlike standard HiPP formulas, it is naturally thickened with organic locust bean gum, which helps the formula stay in the stomach and reduces the amount that flows back into the esophagus. It provides complete nutrition for infants while still containing carefully selected organic ingredients, lactose as the primary carbohydrate, DHA, ARA, and prebiotics to support healthy growth and digestion.

HiPP also produces two stages of goat milk formula for parents who prefer an alternative to traditional cow's milk-based products. Goat milk naturally has a different protein and fat structure than cow's milk, and some families find that their babies tolerate it better than cow's milk. However, goat milk formula is not hypoallergenic and shouldn't be considered a solution for true cow's milk allergies.⁶

One of the most common questions parents ask is about the differences between HiPP formulas sold in different countries. While all three product lines come from the same brand, there are small variations in recipes, packaging, language, stage names, and availability.

HiPP German offers one of the largest selections of formulas, including PRE, Stage 1, HiPP Stage 2, HiPP Stage 3, specialty formulas, goat milk products, and Kindermilch toddler milks.

HiPP Dutch follows a more traditional stage-based naming system, with formulas labeled PRE, Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 based on a baby's age and nutritional needs. While the product names closely resemble the German range, the recipes are formulated to comply with Dutch and European regulations while supporting healthy growth and development.

HiPP UK uses slightly different product names than its continental counterparts. Instead of emphasizing numbered stages after infancy, the UK line often refers to products as Follow-on Milk and Growing Up Milk. The recipes are still designed to meet local regulations while supporting healthy development.

There isn't one universally superior version. All three product lines follow the same strict quality standards and are made by HiPP. Instead of focusing on which country is "best," consider:

• Which formulas are most readily available and easiest to purchase consistently
• Whether you prefer PRE or Stage 1 for your newborn
• Your baby's tolerance of the ingredients
• Your pediatrician's recommendations

Overview: How to Choose the Right HiPP Formula

If you're choosing between HiPP products, remember that age is the biggest factor. Whichever you choose, most HiPP lines and stages will be prepared similarly. 

• Birth to 6 months: PRE or Stage 1 are the standard choices.
• Around 6 months: Consider Stage 2 once solids become a regular part of your baby's diet.
• 10–12 months and beyond: Stage 3 may be appropriate for some toddlers who need extra nutritional support as they transition to solids
• 2 years and older: Some families continue with Stage 4 (growing up milk or toddler milk), while the majority transition away from formula altogether as they eat a diet of solid foods and milk

If your baby has persistent digestive concerns, discuss HiPP Comfort, HiPP HA, or another specialty product with your pediatrician before switching. For most healthy infants, however, a standard organic infant formula is all that's needed.

The key to choosing the right HiPP formula isn't selecting the most popular option, but rather finding the one that's appropriate for your baby's age, nutritional needs, and feeding tolerance. By understanding the different formula stages, comparing the regional products, and knowing when each stage is intended to be used, you'll be better equipped to choose the right formula with confidence. Whichever HiPP formula you choose, you can feel comforted by the fact that every product follows the same strict ingredient sourcing and organic standards.