Best Organic Baby Formula (2026 Guide)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.When I was researching formula for my kids, I spent weeks reading labels in the baby aisle and scrolling through ingredient lists online at 2 a.m. I wanted organic, but I also needed to understand what that actually meant. Was European formula really better? Did I need goat milk? What about all those scary ingredients I kept reading about?
The truth is, choosing formula felt overwhelming. But after consulting with pediatricians, reviewing over 65 different brands, and testing formulas with both my kids, I’ve narrowed down the cleanest, highest-quality organic options available today.
This guide will help you find the best organic baby formula for your little one without the confusion or endless research. Whether you’re supplementing, exclusively formula feeding, or transitioning from breastfeeding, you’ll find a safe, nutritious option here.
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A Quick Note On Feeding
I strongly believe that FED is best. Whether you breastfeed for a year, six months, or not at all doesn’t make you a better or worse parent. I nursed my daughter for eight months before switching to formula, and it was one of the hardest decisions I made as a new mom. With my son, I supplemented from two months onwards because he was eating way more than I could produce! Both kids are healthy and thriving.
If you need formula, don’t feel guilty about it. Your baby needs you happy and healthy more than anything else.
Top Picks: Best Organic Baby Formulas
Here’s my at-a-glance view of the top organic formulas for different needs:
- Best USDA Organic And EU Organic Formula: Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
- Best Overall Organic Formula: HiPP Dutch
- Best Whole Milk Formula (US Made): Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula
- Best Whole Milk Formula (Made In Europe): Nara Organics
- Best For Breastfed Babies: Kendamil Organic
- Best Goat Milk Formula: Jovie Goat
- Best Budget-Friendly Organic Formula: Baby’s Only Organic A2 Infant Formula
- Best European Formula (Budget): Holle PRE & Holle Stage 1
- Best Hypoallergenic Formula: HiPP HA
Disclaimer & Methodology
This guide is based on over 200 hours of research including peer reviewed studies, consultations with pediatricians and dietitians, collecting feedback from thousands of parents, and personal experience with my two kids. I’m a board-certified health coach and certified nutritionist, and this post has been medically reviewed by Katie Drakeford, MA, RD, CSP, LD, CLC (see my about page for more info about Katie). My recommendations are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician before starting or switching formulas.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve personally researched or used with my own children.
What To Look For In Organic Baby Formula
Before we get into specific brands, here’s what I prioritize when choosing formula:
✅ Certified Organic (USDA or EU certified)
✅ No added sugars, sucrose, syrup solids, or maltodextrin (lactose should be the main carbohydrate)
✅ Contains DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
✅ Includes prebiotics and probiotics when possible (Learn More: Prebiotics For Kids)
✅ 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio (mimics mature breast milk)
✅ No hexane-extracted DHA (or undetectable after extraction)
✅ Palm oil-free (or uses sustainable palm oil, learn more: Palm Oil In Baby Formula)
✅ Non-GMO
✅ No Carrageenan
✅ Good parent reviews for tolerance and mixing
The 8 Best Organic Baby Formulas
1. HiPP Dutch – Best Overall Organic Formula
What It Is: EU-certified organic formula with a complete nutritional profile
Age Range: 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
Why I Love It: HiPP Dutch is one of my top picks when it comes to organic baby formula. It has a whey-to-casein ratio that mimics breast milk, contains both prebiotics and probiotics, and includes DHA and ARA for brain development. The formula is free from GMOs, added sugars, starch, soy, and synthetic preservatives.
I tested HiPP Dutch with my daughter when she was four months old, and she took to it immediately (my son did too when he was born!) The powder mixes easily (even at 3 a.m. when you’re half asleep), and I didn’t notice any increase in spit-up or fussiness. The container is also easier to use than some European brands since it comes in an airtight can instead of a foil-lined box.
The one downside is that HiPP uses hexane to extract DHA and ARA. However, when I spoke to their team, they claimed that all hexane is removed and undetectable in the final product. Given Europe’s strict testing standards, I feel comfortable with this.
Also Good:
- HiPP UK Stage 1 ($36.99-$42.99): Similar to HiPP Dutch but more affordable. Contains prebiotics (but no probiotics) and comes in a box instead of a can. Great budget-friendly European option.
- HiPP PRE Germany ($28.99-$37.99): Designed for babies 0-3 months. Contains both prebiotics and probiotics. More affordable than HiPP Dutch and comes in a box.
Price: $42.99-$48.99 per 28.2oz container (depending on quantity purchased)
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar, Bottles & Burps
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mimics breast milk composition | Contains palm oil |
| Contains prebiotics and probiotics | Uses hexane extraction (though removed) |
| EU Organic certified, non-GMO | Not available in US stores (online only) |
| No added sugars or maltodextrin | |
| Easy-to-use container | |
| Contains DHA & ARA |
2. Bobbie – Best US-Made Organic Formula
What It Is: USDA organic, European-style formula made in the US
Options: Organic Infant Formula (skim milk), Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula, Grass Fed Whole Milk (Not Organic)
Age Range: 0-12 months
Why I Love It: Bobbie is the best organic formula made in the US, and it’s the only American brand that meets EU standards for DHA content. Made with milk from Organic Valley pasture-raised cows, this formula is as close as you can get to European quality without importing. Bobbie was created by a mom, Laura Modi, who developed Bobbie after feeling frustrated over a lack of clean formula options for her baby.
Bobbie offers three infant formulas: their Original Organic Infant Formula (made with organic skim milk), their Grass Fed Whole Milk Formula (not organic, made with whole milk) and their newer Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula (made with organic whole milk). The whole milk version has the highest milk fat content of any formula Bobbie makes, with less added vegetable oils since whole milk naturally contains more fat.
I love that Bobbie doesn’t use hexane to extract DHA (though they do use it for ARA extraction, but it’s undetectable in the final product). Both formulas have a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, are modeled after breast milk, and are completely free of palm oil, soy oil, corn syrup, and maltodextrin. And I know I can trust their formula, especially because they were awarded the Clean Label Purity Project award.
When my nephew transitioned from breastfeeding after 8 months, Bobbie’s Original formula was what worked best for him. He didn’t have any digestive issues, and I know we all felt good that he was getting grass-fed organic nutrition. I’ve heard from other moms who prefer the Whole Milk version for their babies.
The only thing missing is prebiotics and probiotics, which you’ll need to supplement separately if you want them. (Learn more: Best Probiotics For Kids). Honestly, if Bobbie included prebiotics and probiotics in their formula, they would be my #1 pick overall too!
Price: $23.40 per 14.1oz can (subscription), $26.49 at Target
Where To Buy: Bobbie website, Target stores nationwide
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA Organic certified, FDA regulated | No prebiotics |
| Made in the US, available at Target | No probiotics |
| 60:40 whey:casein ratio | |
| Meets EU DHA standards | |
| No palm oil, soy oil, corn syrup, or maltodextrin | |
| Lactose is the only carbohydrate | |
| Affordable compared to European formulas | |
| Clean Label Purity Award and Pesticide Free certified | |
| Three options: original (skim milk), grass fed, and whole milk formula |
3. Nara Organics – Best Whole Milk Formula Made In Europe
What It Is: USDA organic whole milk formula, made in Germany
Age Range: 0-12 months
Why I Love It: Nara Organics is a brand-new formula that just launched in 2025 and it is the first and only USDA-certified organic formula made with whole milk and no skim milk. Nara has the highest percentage of milk fat of any formula sold in the US, which means less added vegetable oils. The founder, Esther Hallam, created this formula after struggling to find a clean organic option when her daughter was born.
Made in a state-of-the-art facility in Germany and meeting both EU and US safety standards, Nara underwent a large-scale clinical trial with infants to demonstrate safety and efficacy. The formula includes naturally occurring MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), prebiotics (GOS), and EU-required levels of DHA and ARA for brain development.
What sets Nara apart is the focus on whole milk fats. The formula uses organic whole milk as the primary fat source, then adds a small amount of organic plant-based oils (coconut, sunflower, rapeseed) for essential fatty acids. It’s completely free of palm oil, soy, corn syrup, maltodextrin, and GMOs.
Nara was awarded the Clean Label Purity Award, which means it’s been rigorously tested for contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides. The formula has a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio (just like mature breast milk) and uses lactose as the only carbohydrate.
Price: $45 per 24.7 oz can, $40.50 per can for 4-can subscription
Where to buy: Nara.com, Target.com
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA Organic certified, FDA regulated | Brand new (launched 2025), so less long-term parent reviews |
| 60:40 whey:casein ratio | Mainly available online (limited availability in stores) |
| Meets EU standards, made in Germany | No probiotics |
| No palm oil, soy, corn syrup, or maltodextrin | |
| Lactose is the only carbohydrate | |
| Contains MFGM, prebiotics, DHA, and ARA | |
| Clean Label Purity Project Award | |
| Highest milk fat percentage of any formula |
4. Kendamil Organic – Best European Whole Milk Formula
What It Is: UK organic formula made with whole milk
Age Range: 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
Kendamil is similar to Nara Organics and Bobbie’s Whole Milk formula because it’s made organic whole milk instead of skim milk, which means less added vegetable oils. It contains HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides), a prebiotic that supports immune health, and includes DHA and ARA.
The formula is completely free of palm oil and soy oil, and uses coconut oil as one of the main fat sources. Parents consistently mention that Kendamil smells sweet and tastes good, making it one of the best options for picky breastfed babies who are resistant to formula.
I recommended Kendamil to many parents during the formula shortage in 2022, and heard good feedback that it mixed well and most babies took to it without fussiness.
The formula doesn’t contain probiotics, so you’d need to add those separately if you want them. It also contains taurine, l-carnitine, and nucleotides, but Kendamil doesn’t use chemical solvents to extract these nutrients.
Price: $42.49 for a 28.2oz container at Target, $41.13 with subscription – $52.99 per 28oz container online
Where To Buy: Target, Bottles & Burps, Organic’s Best
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with organic whole milk | No probiotics |
| Lactose is the only carbohydrate | |
| Contains HMOs for immune support | |
| No palm oil or soy oil | |
| Contains prebiotics, DHA, ARA (non-hexane extracted) | |
| Available online and at Target | |
| Clean Label Purity Project Award | |
| Highest milk fat percentage of any formula |
5. Jovie Goat – Best Goat Milk Formula
What It Is: EU organic goat milk infant formula
Age Range: 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
Why I Love It: Jovie is the best goat milk formula available, and it’s a great option for babies who have trouble digesting cow’s milk. Made with organic whole A2 goat milk, this formula is easier on sensitive tummies since goat milk contains only A2 protein (versus both A1 and A2 in cow’s milk).
The ingredients are 100% organic and non-GMO, with added prebiotics and a whey-to-casein ratio similar to breast milk. Jovie is also free of glucose syrup solids, maltodextrin, palm oil, and soy oil.
I recommended Jovie to a friend whose baby was having constant spit-up and gas on cow’s milk formula. Within three days of switching to Jovie, her baby was sleeping better and much less fussy.
One thing to note: Jovie uses fish oil for DHA, so it’s not vegetarian-friendly. It also doesn’t contain probiotics. (Learn More: Jovie Formula Review).
Price: $56.99-$64.99 per 28.2oz container (depending on number ordered)
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with A2 organic whole goat milk | No probiotics |
| EU Organic certified | Expensive |
| No palm oil or soy oil | Not vegetarian (contains fish oil) |
| Contains prebiotics | |
| Contains DHA/ARA | |
| Can be easier to digest than cow’s milk | |
| No added sugars |
6. Baby’s Only Organic – Best Budget-Friendly US Formula
What It Is: USDA organic formula available in US stores
Age Range: 0-12 months (infant formula) and 12+ months (toddler formula)
Why I Love It: Baby’s Only Organic is the most affordable USDA organic formula you can buy in the US. It’s made with organic A2 milk, is non-GMO, and is Clean Label Purity project certified. The formula contains no palm oil, no corn syrup, and no glucose syrup solids.
Baby’s Only is free of syrup solids and added sugars, and while it doesn’t contain DHA, ARA, prebiotics or probiotics, I like Baby’s Only for parents who want organic nutrition on a budget. The formula has full-fat nutrition and a simple ingredients list. It’s been a trusted brand for over 20 years and is widely available both online and in stores.
Price: $30 per 21oz can
Where to buy: Amazon, natural grocery stores like Sprouts
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable organic option | No probiotics |
| No palm oil | No DHA or ARA |
| Clean Label Purity Project certified | No prebiotics |
| Contains prebiotics | |
| Available in stores and online |
7. Holle PRE – Best Budget European Formula
What It Is: Demeter biodynamic certified organic formula from Germany
Age Range: [PRE] 0-3 months, [Stage 1] 0-6 months, [Stage 2] 6+months
Why I Love It: Holle PRE is one of the most affordable European formulas, and it carries a Demeter biodynamic certification, which is even stricter than regular organic standards. This ensures the highest animal welfare standards and commitment to sustainability.
The formula is simple and clean, with organic ingredients and no added maltodextrin (though Stage 2 does contain some). Holle PRE now includes DHA and ARA, which wasn’t always the case with older formulations.
I like Holle PRE for parents who want to supplement with their own probiotics and prebiotics. The formula doesn’t include these, so you have full control over what you’re adding.
One limitation is that Holle PRE is designed for babies 0-6 months (ideally 0-3 months). After that, you’ll need to switch to Stage 1 or Stage 2. Additionally Holle (across all stages) doesn’t have a whey:casein ratio that matches breastmilk, so that might cause digestive discomfort in some babies
Price: $21.85-$27.49 per 400 gram box
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar, Bottles & Burps
Also Good:
- Holle Goat Stage 1 ($25.71-$33.99): Made with organic A2 goat milk. Bioland certified. Good option for babies sensitive to cow’s milk, though the whey-to-casein ratio doesn’t mimic breast milk, which can be constipating for some babies. Contains maltodextrin.
- Holle Bio Stage 1 ($21.85-$27.49): Similar to Holle PRE but for ages 0-6 months. Demeter certified. Contains DHA and ARA. Includes maltodextrin (unlike Holle PRE).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable European formula | No probiotics |
| Demeter biodynamic certified | No prebiotics |
| EU Organic certified | Stage 1 & 2 contains maltodextrin |
| Contains DHA and ARA | Whey:casein ratio doesn’t match mature breastmilk |
| No maltodextrin in PRE stage |
8. HiPP HA – Best Hypoallergenic Formula
What It Is: European hypoallergenic formula for cow’s milk sensitivities
Age Range: 0-3 months (Stage PRE), 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
HiPP HA is the best option if your baby has a cow’s milk protein sensitivity (but not a full allergy). The formula contains extensively hydrolyzed protein (86-87% broken down), which is easier for sensitive tummies to digest.
It’s 100% whey with no casein, and includes prebiotics, probiotics, DHA, and ARA. The lactose content is the same as regular formula, so if your baby has severe lactose intolerance, this may not work.
A friend of mine switched to HiPP HA after her baby had constant gas and fussiness on regular formula. Within a week, her baby was sleeping through the night and much happier overall.
While HiPP HA isn’t technically certified organic (because the hydrolyzed protein requires more processing), all other ingredients are organic.
Price: $31.71-$42.99 per 600 gram container
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar
Also Good:
- HiPP Comfort ($30.85-$42.99): Meant to relieve gas, fussiness, and digestive discomfort, HiPP Comfort is even more broken down than HiPP HA. Contains extensively hydrolyzed protein, (86-87% broken down), 100% whey (no casein), reduced lactose content and modified fats.
- HiPP AR ($30.85-$40.99): Meant to ease reflux in infants, HiPP AR contains locust bean gum that thickens the formula slightly to prevent reflux and/or reduce spit up.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hydrolyzed protein for easier digestion | Not fully organic |
| No casein (100% whey) | Regular lactose content (not suitable for severe lactose intolerance) |
| Contains prebiotics | May not work for diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy |
| Contains probiotics | |
| Includes DHA and ARA | |
| No added sugars |
Organic Baby Formula Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of all the formulas featured in this guide:
| Formula Brand | Type Of Milk | Pre-biotics | Pro-biotics | DHA & ARA | Palm Oil? | Soy Oil? | Malto-dextrin | Price Per Can |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HiPP Dutch | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $42.99 – $48.99 |
| Bobbie Original | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $25 |
| Bobbie Whole Milk | Organic Whole Milk, Skim Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $28 |
| Nara Organics | Organic Whole Milk | ✓ (GOS) | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $45 |
| Kendamil Organic | Organic Whole Milk, Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ (HMOs) | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $41.13 – $52.99 |
| Jovie Goat | Organic Whole Goat Milk | ✓ | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $56.99 – $64.99 |
| Baby’s Only Organic | Organic Grass-Fed Milk, Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | No | ✓ (DHA only) | No | No | No | $30 |
| Holle PRE | Organic Whole Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $21.85 – $27.49 |
| HiPP HA | Hydro-lyzed Whey (No Casein) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $31.71 – $42.99 |
| HiPP UK | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | No | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $36.99 – $42.99 |
| HiPP PRE Germany | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $28.99 – $37.99 |
| Holle Goat | Organic Goat Milk | No | No | ✓ | Yes | No | Yes | $25.71 – $33.99 |
| Holle Bio Stage 1 | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | Yes | No | Yes | $21.85 – $27.49 |
Key: ✓ = Contains this ingredient/feature; No = does not contain; Yes = contains
Notes:
- All formulas listed are certified organic (USDA or EU)
- All formulas are non-GMO
- All formulas use lactose as the primary carbohydrate (no corn syrup solids)
- DHA extraction methods vary by brand (some use hexane extraction with undetectable residue, others use fish oil or algae)
European vs. American Baby Formula
You’ll notice that many of my top picks are European formulas. Here’s why:
European formulas have stricter standards:
- No corn syrup solids or processed sugars allowed
- Minimum 30% of calories must come from lactose
- No synthetic nutrients extracted with chemical solvents
- More transparent testing for trace contaminants
- Required DHA in all formulas (not required in US)
US formulas are improving: Brands like Bobbie are now meeting EU standards while being made in the US. This gives you European-quality nutrition with the convenience of buying at Target.
Both EU and US organic formulas must be 95% organic and free from growth hormones, GMOs, and antibiotics. The main difference is that Europe regulates more strictly when it comes to added ingredients and testing standards.
All US-based formulas are regulated by the FDA, and all European formulas are regulated by the European Commission, which also certifies formulas as organic. Additionally, Europe has designations that are “beyond organic” like “Demeter” which essentially means biodynamic farming on top of organic farming.
A note on organic labeling: Certified organic does not mean the same thing as “made with organic ingredients.” If a package has the label “made with organic ingredients,” it means that only 70% of the ingredients are organic, not 95%. (source).
Understanding Formula Stages (European Formulas)
European formulas come in stages to match your baby’s changing nutritional needs:
- Stage PRE/1 (0-6 months): Gentlest formula, often 100% lactose-based, less iron since babies have iron stores until 6 months
- Stage 2 (6-10 months): More iron, adjusted vitamins and minerals for growing babies
- Stage 3 (10-12+ months): Designed to supplement solid foods
US formulas typically have one stage for 0-12 months, then a separate toddler formula for 12+ months.
What About Palm Oil And Hexane?
I have heard from so many parents that two of the most common ingredients that concern parents are palm oil and hexane-extracted DHA.
Palm Oil: Palm oil is added to mimic palmitic acid in breast milk, but it can cause digestive issues in some babies. It reacts with calcium in the gut and may lead to constipation or harder stools. Formulas like Bobbie, Kendamil, and Jovie are palm oil-free, which I prefer.
Hexane-Extracted DHA: Hexane is a petroleum-based solvent used to extract DHA and ARA from algae. While this sounds scary, the hexane is removed after extraction and should be undetectable in European formulas due to strict testing.
If this concerns you, I recommend choosing formulas that use non-hexane extracted DHA (like Bobbie or Kendamil).
Best Supplements For Baby Formula
I have gotten a lot of questions about what to supplement with if your baby is on a formula that doesn’t have DHA added, what probiotic to use, or what to do if your baby is getting some breast milk along with their formula (in which case you need to add Vitamin D). Here’s what I recommend:
Best Vitamin D Drops: Bobbie Vitamin D Drops (USDA organic, vegan, Clean Label certified, only 3 drops per day)
Best Probiotic Drops: Bobbie Probiotic Drops (1 billion live cultures, can be mixed into anything, helps with colic and crying)
Best Prebiotics: BeginHealth (for infants 0-12 months, no artificial flavors or stabilizers)
Best DHA Supplement: Nordic Naturals Baby’s DHA (pure, no preservatives, includes Vitamin D)
Ingredients To Avoid In Baby Formula
Here are the ingredients that I recommend avoiding in baby formula, whenever possible:
❌ Corn Syrup Solids/Maltodextrin: Cheaper alternatives to lactose that provide empty calories without nutritional benefit.
❌ GMOs: May contain trace pesticides.
❌ Hexane-Extracted DHA/ARA: While DHA and ARA are important for brain development, some are extracted using hexane (a neurotoxic solvent). Look for formulas with non-hexane extracted versions or algae-based DHA.
❌ Carrageenan: Added as a stabilizer in ready-to-feed formulas; linked to intestinal inflammation and banned in EU.
❌ Palm Oil: Can bind with calcium in baby’s gut, causing digestive issues and harder stools.
❌ Soy Protein: May contain phytoestrogens that may not be suitable for infants. Always consult your pediatrician before using soy formula. (Source: Check out this study about soy).
FAQs
What is the closest formula to breast milk?
Any formula with a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio and key vitamins and minerals is very close to breast milk. HiPP Dutch, Bobbie, Kendamil, and Nara Organics all mimic breast milk composition.
Is organic formula really better?
Organic formulas are free from antibiotics, chemical fertilizers, hormones, and pesticides. While research doesn’t show huge long-term health advantages, many parents (including myself) prefer organic for peace of mind. If you can afford it, it’s worth the investment.
However, not all families may be able to choose organic formula, in which case I firmly believe that fed is best, and you should choose the formula that works for your budget and your baby. Other considerations such as price, or needing a hypoallergenic formula (which by definition will not be organic due to the hydrolyzed proteins), or availability should also be kept in mind when choosing a formula.
How long is baby formula good for?
Most formulas need to be used within one month of opening. Unopened formula is typically good for 6-12 months (check the expiration date on the container).
Can you mix formulas?
Technically yes, but this can be tricky. If you want to mix formulas (to transition between brands or because your baby does well with a blend), consult your pediatrician first to make sure you’re following correct mixing instructions.
How do I know which baby formula to choose?
Here are some steps to help you make an informed choice when deciding which is the right formula for your baby:
1) Talk to your pediatrician first – they can provide recommendations based on your baby’s specific needs.
2) Determine the type of formula – cow’s milk, goat’s milk, hypoallergenic, vegan, etc. based on your baby’s age and any allergies or dietary restrictions.
3) Consider the ingredients list and choose formulas that have no sugar or syrup solids added, are non GMO and/or organic, contain DHA/ARA, and meet your baby’s nutritional requirements.
4) Consider cost & budget! Always choose a formula that meets your budget constraints.
What if my baby doesn’t like the formula I chose?
Not every baby likes every formula. Some formulas can cause constipation or upset stomach in certain babies while keeping others perfectly happy. If you try a formula and it doesn’t work after 4-6 weeks, it’s ok to switch to something else.
Other Helpful Resources
I have specific guides for each type of formula, if you’re looking for more detailed information! Here are my guides to the best goat milk formula, the best hypoallergenic formula, the best toddler formula, and the best vegan baby formula.
If you’re choosing a European formula, I also have translated instructions and guides for each one! Here they are: HiPP Dutch, HiPP PRE Germany, Holle PRE, Holle Bio, Holle Goat
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right formula for your baby is a personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one baby might not work for another, and that’s completely normal. If you try the formulas I recommend and they don’t work for your baby, that is ok!
If you can afford organic European formulas like HiPP or Kendamil, or European style options like Bobbie, those are your best bets. And if you’re on a tight budget, just try to find a formula free of syrup solids, maltodextrin and added starches.
The most important thing is that your baby is fed, healthy, and happy. Whether you breastfeed, formula feed, or do a combination of both doesn’t define you as a parent.
You’re doing an amazing job. Trust your instincts, consult your pediatrician, and know that you’re making the best choice for your family. I hope this post helped you find the right baby formula for you and your little one!
Hi, I want to get the european formula like hipp or holle but finds that there are 2 version of it. I’ve trying to figure out but no information of such thing.. Do you know by any chance what is the difference between Hipp combiotik from UK and Hipp Bio Combiotik from Germany ?
And holle vs holle lebenswert ?
Thank you so much for your time 🙂
Hi Amelia! I believe the two HiPP formulas are actually the same thing — I think it’s just the brand sold in the UK vs. Germany. I looked at the websites for both and they look pretty identical except for the language 🙂 So I’d just go with the UK one since it’ll probably be easier to order & ship! For the two Holle formulas — I couldn’t find the ingredients list for Holle Lebenswert so unfortunately I couldn’t compare the two — but another reader just let me know that Holle Lebenswert doesn’t have maltodextrin and it does have organic lactose and organic skimmed milk powder, so it might be the better option between the two! Hope that helps!
Hi Ladies!!!
Amelia, I just ordered the Holle Lebenswert from https://www.organicbabyfood24.de/cat/index/sCategory/23
The stage 1 is the one that doesn’t have Maltodextrin and does have organic lactose & organic skimmed milk powder. They actually have a deal right now on the 15 box kit! Stage 2 & 3 do have Maltodextrin but from organic farming. This link lets you see the ingredients in the products. I agree with Anjali…I prefer Holle over HiPP. Hope this helps 🙂
Thanks so much Ariana! Amelia – I hope this helps! Oh and I think Holle and HiPP are both great options 🙂 When I was using formula for Layla, I used HiPP because I couldn’t find a way to get Holle shipped to the US — but now with organicbabyfood.com you can probably get either option pretty easily!
Thanks so much Anjali and Ariana! It really..really helps me! 🙂
Anjali and Ariana, if i’m not mistaken what is the reason you prefer Holle over HIPP… is it because of aluminium issue or other stuff ? I found an article that address aluminium issue and wanna know what do you think about it …. here is the link https://hippformulausa.com/hipp-formula-aluminum-study/
Please let me know…
Thank so much for your time and informative site!
Thanks so much Anjali and Ariana! It really..really helps me! 🙂
Anjali and Ariana, I just post another question below… what do yo think about the addreesed article about the issue?
Just replied below! 🙂
Have you tried the Holle lebenswert? I’ve been using the regular Holle which baby loves and am running out and it’s out of stock everywhere! Do you know the main differences between the 2 products? I’m in need of a good formula before I run out!
Thanks
Tonia
Hi Tonia! I haven’t tried Holle Lebenswert – but it is very comparable to Holle. You can see the two ingredients lists here: 1) For Holle Lebenswert: https://www.organicbabyfood24.de/organic-baby-formula-und-milk/holle-baby-milk/86/holle-lebenswert-infant-formula-1?c=23 2) for regular Holle: https://www.organicbabyfood24.de/organic-baby-formula-und-milk/holle-baby-milk/4/holle-organic-infant-formula-stage-1?c=23 — so you can definitely use Holle Lebenswert instead of Holle! Hope that helps!
Thank you! Indeed comparable so I will give it a try. Appreciate all the info you provide on your blog.
No problem! So glad it’s helpful! 🙂
Hi Tonia,
I’m waiting for my shipment to arrive! If you look at my previous post, I posted the website I ordered from. I believe it’s directly from Germany. The main difference was with the stage 1 contents. I ordered the Lebenswert but if they didn’t have it, I was going to order the original Holle. Good luck!
Thanks so much for your reply. I am still using stage 1. The ingredients were comparable to Holle stage 1 so I just ordered a batch! Hopefully taste is similar and baby enjoys it. Let me know how it goes for you!
Hi, Tonia, Anjali and Ariana! I bought Holle Bio Lebenswert last week. But I bought from ebay, the seller that sells Holle Lebenswert is in USA, so I got the fast shipment in just 3 days and get my baby drink the milk. Besides the ingredients of Maltodextrin in regular Holle, there’s one thing I asked the seller about the difference are that regular Holle follows Demeter regulations and Holle Lebenswert follows Bioland regulations and . Under both, the cattle providing the milk must remain as nature intended. Bioland standards also require only organic grasses unless imminent malnutrition and then only 25% of the daily rations can be hay; they also allow cut horns. Other than that, the only difference is the amount you get per box. In stage 1 you get 100 extra grams in Lebenswert Bio.
I think Lebenswert Holle is better… from the point of *no maltodextrin, extra 100 grams and Bioland is a bit stricter I think than demeter… but this just my opinion… 🙂
Hi, my son just turned one and had been exclusively on breastmilk. He’s not a picky eater but is on the 25th percentile for weight and 16th percentile for height. He was born on the small side 5lb 14 oz and is now 19.6lb at one year.
I wanted to switch him to cows milk now that he is a year old but my pediatrician said they recommend for all their patients to be on breastmilk or formula until 2 years of age. They said I can switch him to the toddler formula.
My concern is the toddler formula is flavored with vanilla and such. There hasn’t been much reviews about toddler formula as there is for baby formula.
What are your thoughts about switching him to baby’s only whey formula and adding dha from Nordic naturals instaed of switching him to the baby’s only pediasmart? Or any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for your time and informative site!!
Hi Susan! So first of all – kudos to you for exclusively breastfeeding for a year! That’s a huge accomplishment and you should feel great about that 🙂 That’s interesting that your pediatrician recommended only breastfeeding or formula for 2 years. That’s pretty contrary to what most pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics says (which is that you can move to cow’s milk after 1 year). But given that your peds said to stick to formula — you should actually be able to use the Baby’s Only Whey Formula + Nordic Naturals DHA since the Baby’s Only Formula is technically a toddler formula (not an infant formula!) So I think you should be good to go with that. You might want to double check with your pediatrician, but that’s what I would do. Hope that helps!
Thanks for this! What are your thoughts about concerns over high aluminum levels in some formulas, including HIPP?
Oops, sorry, just saw this was addressed already. Disregard! (-=
Aw haha no problem! 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions!
Just saw your other comment – will reply there 🙂
Thank you for all this great information. When using Baby’s Only Whey formula and supplementing with Nordic Naturals baby DHA, does that take care of ARA as well?
No problem Stephanie! Glad you found it helpful. Baby’s Only Whey Formula contains Alpha Linolenic and Linoleic Fatty Acid, which are precursors for DHA & ARA, so I think between that and the Nordic Naturals baby DHA you should be good to go (but I’d also double check with your pediatrician to make sure they are ok with it!)
Hi, I just thought I would share what my doctor said, “I think the extra DHA will likely be beneficial. I certainly don’t think there would be any harm in it. I wouldn’t try too hard to find a supplemental ARA, though.” Also, we switched over formulas this week and I am so happy with Baby’s Only! It smells really good, and what makes me really happy is the change in spit up. We have normal spit up now, haven’t had one projectile spit up since we switched over 🙂
Baby took Nordic Naturals DHA fine in his formula as well. I am feeling good! 🙂
Thanks for sharing Stephanie – that is super helpful. And I’m so happy to hear that Baby’s Only + Nordic Naturals is working out well for you and your little one! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know!
Anyone know where to order Hipp from that will ship to US? We really liked it and used it as a supplement with breast milk. Artisana has apparently gone out of business (and have taken my money with them, I never received my order from 2+ months ago). Any help is appreciated. I’m even willing to try Holle if I can find it somewhere that will ship to the states. Thanks!
Hi Alisha! I’m so sorry to hear about this — how terrible! Artisana was great when they were around because they were affordable and I always got my formula within 2 weeks. But Layla has been off formula for over 6 months now so I hadn’t shipped from them for a while! Thank you so much for letting me know about this. I’ve done some research and updated this post with four online sites that sell HiPP and two that sell Holle: For Hipp: these retailers ship to the US: BritishSuperstoresDirect, LittleWorldOrganics, BritishCornerShop, and Formuland. For Holle: you can buy it at Formuland and LittleWorldOrganics as well. Hope that helps!
Hi Anjali!
So let me ask you about the links you have posted above-they are all shipping from outside the US?? I don’t get it! I am ordering Hipp at myorganicformula.com and they ship within 2 days directly from California. My little Emma drinks about 2 Packs a week (I know thats a lot…) so 2 weeks waiting on the product? NO WAY! You should really check it out. Easy, fast and includes free shipping as well. Also, did anybody try this new HappyFamily Grow and shine organic toddler formula yet?? Emma has her first b-day coming up and I am looking for the best toddler product around.
I would love to get your experience on that!?
Hi Amya! Thanks so much for letting me know about MyOrganicFormula! I hadn’t heard of them before but I love that they are based in the US. I have added them to my list of vendors in the post 🙂 For toddlers, I don’t actually recommend formula – it’s best to get toddlers on regular organic milk assuming they can digest it and your pediatrician doesn’t have a reason for recommending they stay on formula. I recommend giving toddlers whole organic milk until they are 2, and then switching to 2% or 1% organic milk after that. Hope that helps!
Thank you so so much for this informative post! I was wondering which formula you think is better: Baby’s Only with DHA or Baby’s Only with Whey Protein? I have twin girls and am not making enough to give them both breast milk, so I need to supplement. We’ve been using Baby’s Only Dairy so far, but we will be trying both these other formulas before I go ahead and buy a case of them (they give a discount for multiples, so I’m sold!). I’ve been thinking the Whey is better because the whey to casein ratio is 60:40, which from what I’ve read is closer to what’s found in breastmilk, and the other formulas Baby’s Only makes is reversed because they don’t add extra whey. I guess my added concern is not having the DHA (although they claim that all their formulas contain precursors for DHA, so I guess I should assume that my girls will convert those elements to DHA). A rep did tell me though that the American Academy of Pediatrics has not come up with a minimum standard for how much DHA should even be in formulas, so I’m wondering if I’m being concerned over something that may not be important. The fact that they’re also getting my breastmilk adds the DHA I’m consuming. My last question: Although I agree that the European formulas you mentioned are probably best, our doctor recommended us not to use them b/c he said the standards are different there as well as if there’s a problem with one of the formulas, we probably wouldn’t find out about it. I’m curious on your thoughts on this? Thank you so much!
Hi Heather! Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment! I do think the Baby’s Only With Whey is better than the regular Baby’s Only formula for a number of reasons (no brown rice syrup, a better whey to casein ratio, etc.) – so I’d definitely choose that for your twins! For the DHA – you can actually get a great Baby DHA supplement from Nordic Naturals — that’s what I give Layla in her oatmeal each morning and it works great. And yes your babies should still be getting DHA from your breastmilk so if your pediatrician isn’t too concerned about it, I wouldn’t worry about it too much 🙂 For the European formulas – it’s true that if there is a problem with one of the formulas it would be hard for us to hear about it. That said, the European standards are actually much more strict than the US — many of the ingredients allowed in our formulas are not allowed in Europe! So I wouldn’t worry about their standards being different – you’re probably better off under their standards anyway. I made the same calculation when I chose HiPP for my daughter 🙂 I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you for this post! Finding a safe organic infant formula has been a very emotional journey on top of not being able to breastfeed. I appreciate your help in consolidating everything into an organized chart!
I was wondering what your thoughts are on the new Baby’s Only with Whey Protein and how you think it stacks up against Hipp, Holle and Honest. I contacted customer care, and they sent me a nutritional comparison chart, and from that it seems pretty good. It uses organic lactose rather than brown rice syrup and the whey/casein ratio is 60/40 instead of 18/82 like the other Baby’s Only formulas. It also doesn’t contain palm oil like Holle and Hipp, but does have taurine and nucleotides. My babe is currently on their LactoRelief, due to what is suspected to be temporary lactase deficiency following gastroenteritis, but I’m hoping to possibly switch her to the new formula soon. I plan on adding Nordic Naturals DHA and Flora Udo’s Choice Infant Probiotics.
I was also wondering what your take is on the Weston A Price homemade raw milk formula? It sounds great to me in theory and I think it could provide a beautiful redemptive opportunity for mamas who couldn’t breastfeed – to still be able to “make” nutrient dense food for their little ones. At the same time, the whole feeding raw milk to an infant thing and making something so important from scratch does sort of scare me.
Hi Sage! I can only imagine what you’ve been going through – not being able to breastfeed must have been so difficult – but you are doing the absolute best you can and there is nothing wrong with giving your little one formula if you aren’t able to breastfeed! I’m glad this post made things a little easier for you – and thanks for asking about the new Baby’s Only with Whey Protein formula. I actually didn’t know they came out with that recently, and I just looked it up. I agree with you that nutritionally it seems much better than the original Baby’s Only formula with brown rice syrup. It looks like the nucleotides in this formula aren’t added synthetically – that Baby’s Only just discloses that all milk proteins have naturally occurring nucleotides – in which case that seems ok. They do have taurine in the formula, so I guess it’s kind of a toss up between the palm oil and the taurine. Since taurine is produced synthetically using chemicals – I might pick palm oil over taurine since at least palm oil is organic and not synthetic – and my daughter didn’t have any digestive issues caused by the palm oil in Hipp. But the Baby’s Only with Whey formula does seem like a pretty decent option – and might be the best option in the US since it doesn’t have glucose syrup solids like the Honest Company’s formula does. I’d still go with Hipp or Holle first, and then Baby’s Only with Whey Protein, and then the Honest Company’s formula in the US.
For the Weston A Price homemade raw milk formula – I also thought it sounded great in theory when I came across it and contemplated making it at home. But honestly, with everything you have to worry about as a new mom, and the fact that there are so many things that can go wrong with raw milk and making homemade formula from scratch constantly (since I doubt it would last very long in the fridge) – I just thought it was too unrealistic for me to try, and like you, I didn’t want to risk making a mistake with the formula and make Layla sick as a result! That being said, if you feel like you can do it and want to try it, I would totally support that! But if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you are not alone – as much as I would have loved to make homemade formula I was too worried/overwhelmed about messing it up to try it. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions – you are doing great mama!
Do you recommend using Hipp or Holle for a preemie?
Hi Annie! If your pediatrician says it’s ok to feed your preemie formula, then either HiPP or Holle would work. Again, my preference is HiPP, but I’d just double check with your pediatrician since preemie care can be pretty different than regular newborn care!
I can vouch for buying Holle from http://www.biobaby24.com. They ship from NY and are definitely the cheapest. Too bad they don’t also sell HiPP.
Great tip, thanks for sharing Emma!
Does anyone know how to get Hipp or Holle into canada?
Hi Tom! I’m pretty sure that Artisana (also linked in the post above) ships to Canada. But you can call them and double check! Hope that helps!
Hi there! Thank you so much for this extremely informative post. Where do you think the Honest company’s new formula will fall on your chart? I know they have palm oil and couple other unideal ingredients…. But it seemed better than other organic ones. Would love to know your thoughts!
Hi Sasha! That’s a great question! I’d say the Honest company’s new formula is probably a little better than Baby’s Only, and slightly worse than Holle or HiPP. It’s better than Baby’s Only because its first two ingredients are Organic Non Fat Milk and Organic Lactose – that’s great! The third ingredient is “Organic Glucose Syrup Solids” — which isn’t good. But that’s still better than Baby’s Only because “brown rice syrup” is the first ingredient in the Baby’s Only formula! Other than the syrup solids, the Honest Company’s formula has palm oil and taurine — but HiPP has palm oil too. So really – the only two ingredients that make the Honest Company’s formula worse than HiPP are the syrup solids + taurine – which compared to the other US based formulas isn’t bad at all! So, short answer: I’d rank it as HiPP, Holle, the Honest Company’s Formula, Baby’s Only, and then the rest of the list. Hope that helps!
Oh, Anjali! You are incredible. Thank you, SO much! I just ordered Hipp. I do have a slight concern… I heard that Hipp that is being sold in the US are kind of like the gray market. When these suppliers import the formula from EU, I’m assuming it gets passed through x-ray and other securities. Would that alter and affect the formula?
No problem! I’m so glad it’s helpful. Regarding passing formula through security screenings (x-rays at the airport) – it shouldn’t be a problem. The airport security screenings have such low dose radiation that it shouldn’t alter or affect the formula. (e.g. if you are traveling with an infant and bringing formula or breastmilk with you, it will have to pass through the security screening x-rays and it is fine). So I wouldn’t worry about it – but if you’re super concerned just check with your doctor!
Hello,
I am a new mom trying to decide between ordering HiPP or Holle. It seems like, based on ingredients, HiPP outperforms Holle. But I read on a couple of blog sites that HiPP powdered formula has strangely high aluminum levels. Do you know anything about this? If so, would that make Holle the better choice? Thanks for any input!
Hi Amanda! Thanks for your question! You are right that HiPP outperforms Holle when it comes to ingredients. I also read about the aluminum issue — but the study that was done was in 2013, and it was unclear whether 1) that’s still an issue for Hipp and 2) whether Holle had the same issues because I don’t think they were one of the formulas tested, although I can’t be sure. You could call HiPP and ask them about the aluminum and then decide – But ultimately – I’d say go with whichever one you are the most comfortable with – both are great and much better than the options in the US! Hope that helps!
Anjali,
How long does it take to receive HiPP from the Artisana website? I would like to give it a try, but my concern is running out and having to wait too long for a new shipment. We have been using Gerber Soothe. Have you heard anything positive or negative about Gerber Soothe?
Thanks for this blog, it’s very helpful!
Sandra
Hi Sandra! So glad you found this post helpful! To your question – I think it takes about a month. A few months ago, HiPP was available on Amazon and through that, I would get the formula in about 2 weeks. But with Artisana it takes longer for sure. I’d say estimate about a month and order it in bulk so you don’t run out too quickly! I used to order like 6 boxes at a time. I haven’t heard much about Gerber Soothe — but since it’s not an organic formula I didn’t do much research on it. If your baby does well on Gerber Soothe and doesn’t do as well on some of the other US organic formulas (since you will have to wait to get HiPP in the mail), then I’d say stick to Gerber Soothe until you get HiPP and then try that. Otherwise you could always try Baby’s Only or Earth’s Best in the interim and see how your little one does with those! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
I was looking for formula last year to supplement bf my 6 month old. I used Holle and was worth every penny!! My baby did not react to it or have any digestive issues. I wish it was readily available here!
I ended up BF my baby until 13 months, mostly because I did not want to deal with formula and it was relatively easy for me except the first twoweeks!!
I really hope your website and the food babe’s website can help get good baby formula to North America.
Thanks!
Thanks so much for sharing Tina!! And nice job on breastfeeding until 13 months – that is amazing! 🙂 And yes, I really hope we do get better organic formula options for us here in the US – there is no reason why brands like Holle and Hipp are only available in Europe and not here – we deserve healthy, organic formula for our little ones too!
Thank you for your suggestions! I am always looking and researching ways to help my baby and keep her strong and healthy. Thank you!
No problem at all! So glad it’s helpful!
Great post! My son has just turned six months and we are trying to incorporate a lot of solids into his diet. I am curious to know what type/brand of cereal you feed Layla. I have made your avocado puree and my son gobbles it up like a champ! Great recipes!
Thanks so much Shwetha! I’m so glad my baby food recipes are working for you too! I use Earth’s Best organic oatmeal cereal for Layla. Eventually I’ll just end up grinding up rolled oats and giving it to her, but I like Earth’s Best for right now because it’s fortified with iron which babies older than 6 months need. Hope that helps!
What a wonderful, informative post. It reminds me of The Food Babe’s post on organic formula, which was similar and also helpful.
I know this post is about formula, just wanted to note that most women can avoid what’s referred to as “low milk supply” by following certain tips in the first few days/first week of their baby’s life. I wrote a post on this recently: https://eating-made-easy.com/2014/08/06/breastfeeding-newborn/. Stanford also has some great video resources for brand new moms who want to help establish their supply: https://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/
Thanks again for this thorough formula info. Passing it along to a few friends!
Thank you so much Amelia! And thanks for the breastfeeding info too. You’re right that I’m focusing on formula for this post because I’ve found that there are a lot of resources out there regarding breastfeeding, but very few around which formula might be the best/healthiest or how to navigate the world of “breast is best” when you’re having difficulty nursing. I have met some moms that tried everything (including seeing multiple LCs and many of the suggestions in your post) but still had a lot of difficulty nursing and producing enough milk. Or moms who couldn’t do many of those things because their babies were in the NICU, etc. Nursing is such a different experience for every person, and I’m trying to provide a supportive environment for whatever any mom decides! Basically my perspective is: If you love nursing or have figured out a way to make it work for you (pumping, etc.), that’s great! But if you have tried everything and it’s just not working for you, or if you need to wean before 1 year is up, that’s ok too. I’m so glad you found this post helpful though – and thanks for passing it along!
Thank you so much for all of this great information!!! You are exactly right–there are so few resources out there as to which formula is the healthiest choice when breastfeeding isn’t going the way we want. As the daughter of a lactation consultant and an RN myself, I needed no convincing that “breast is best.” I had no intention of ever giving my child formula. Sadly, I apparently have insufficient glandular tissue and can only make about half of what my baby needs daily. I tried everything…I had a live-in lactation consultant (my mom) for the first two weeks, I pumped after every feed beginning in the first two weeks, breast massage, oatmeal, lactation cookies, herbs and teas of various kinds…the increase was minimal. While I know that there’s no other choice but supplement, I still had feelings of inadequacy, feeling that I was already letting my baby down by not being able to feed her. After eating organic as much as possible during pregnancy, avoiding tuna, and switching to organic and nontoxic cleaning products and bath products, there’s no way I want to be feeding my child those things in her bottle. Thanks so much for wading through this information and putting it out there for us! I feel better knowing that there are some not-so-bad options out there.
Hi Anna! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so sorry to hear that you struggled so much to produce enough milk in the beginning – that must have been so stressful and emotional for you. I hope you aren’t feeling inadequate (or that you’re letting your baby down) anymore! The effort you put in to try to give her as much milk as possible is what makes you an amazing mom 🙂 You are doing the best you can and there is no shame in that! I’m glad this post was helpful for you – and I hope your little one likes whichever formula you choose! Good luck and let me know if you have any questions about any of the options out there!
I really enjoyed reading all the information you have put together. However, the Baby’s Only Whey Protein is intended for toddlers and not infants. Therefore that eliminates this formula for us. I contacted the company and they indeed said it is to be used for children 12 months and up.
Oh that’s good to know! Thanks for the info – I’ll update the post to indicate that.
Baby’s only advertises towards toddlers because they believe that infants should solely be given breastmilk and promote that on all products
That is good to know Vanessa! I thought Baby’s Only should be suitable for infants as well as toddlers, and this confirms it 🙂 Thanks for the tip!
I just contacted the company about this as well, and they said that they are approved per AAP, but cannot recommend under 1 year old due to “government regulations by FDA”. Not sure what that means, but it seems silly to me that they are only marketing Toddler formula. They did say that you could ask your pediatrician for approval on use for infants.. but I’m just going to use a different formula (Grass Fed).
Thanks Sara! That is interesting and definitely helpful! I think basically because they have a bit more iron in their formula than a typical infant formula, they don’t meet FDA regulations as an infant formula. But I know many many mothers who use Baby’s Only with Whey for their infants and it works just fine! You could definitely ask your pediatrician – if your peds says that Baby’s Only with Whey is going to be fine for your <1 year old, I’d go ahead and use it. Grass Fed is good but just a heads up – they are not organic. They are non GMO and antibiotic free, but they don’t meet the USDA organic standards because >5% of their ingredients are not sourced organically, and pesticides can be used on the grass their cows graze on. It’s still a better option than all of the other non-organic US formulas, but I just wanted to give you a heads up in case a 100% organic formula is important to you!
Hi Anjali, This blog is so helpful. I’ve been using Hipp Dutch Stage1 since reading it and my son is thriving. He’s about to turn 6 months old, do you recommend going to Hipp Dutch Stage 2? Or should I stay on Stage 1 until 12 months old? Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Daniela! So glad you’ve found this post helpful! You can definitely switch your 6 month old to HiPP Dutch Stage 2 now — the main difference between Stage 1 and 2 is that Stage 2 has more iron, which is needed for babies older than 6 months (since that’s when they lose their iron stores). That said, if you have some extra Stage 1 boxes you need to use up there’s no harm in keeping him on Stage 1 for a bit longer, especially if he’s doing well on solids and getting iron from food. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
I breastfed my baby girl for 3 months when I decided to give her formula I couldn’t have made a better choice than Holle organic formula. The product is great, its gentle easy for my baby to digest, it doesn’t have the weird smell of regular formula, it tastes good and you can even see the difference in the baby’s stools. I’m so glad to have found https://www.organicbabyfood24.de/ that made it affordable and accessible!
So glad to hear that Organic Baby Food worked for you as a resource to buy Holle!
Thank you so much for this post. It’s really helpful!
Holle lebenswert formula was a life saver! Had tried all the American formulas and between fighting colic and then no dirty diaper and screaming from hunger, diaper changes, and the white volcano I was truly desperate. After a week on this formula my son is a different baby, happy, normal diaper changes and eating like a horse. I would highley recommend this product to any parent struggling with feeding issues. I am supplementing breast feeding with this formula.
God bless and good luck to all the parents out there, and many thanks to http://www.organicbabyfood24.com to making the purchase of this possible.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience Sonja! So glad Holle Leb has worked for you and your little one! 🙂
I tried ordering off of this website. The formula was about $28 but the shipping was $32 additional (and 3 weeks to arrive). Do you know of any other locations with cheaper shipping (I live in Oregon) to purchase the Holle formula?
Thank you for this post – I always thought Organic Formula, regardless of brand was fine, since it was Organic. I gave Organic Similac to my first 2 babies (could only breastfeed a short time). I recently heard something about that brand being “the worst” of the organic formulas so I wanted to do some research, and found your blog. Such great information! I just can’t afford to pay $60/container of formula. Baby #3 is due in a few weeks – so was hoping to have just 1 container on hand if/when needed. Thanks!
Erin
Hi Erin! I totally understand about how confusing organic baby formulas in the US can be! I’m glad you found this post helpful 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience trying to order from OrganicBabyFood and the high shipping costs. That’s why in this post I only recommend two sellers of Holle: 1) Organic Munchkin and My Organic Formula. Both Organic Munchkin and My Organic Formula offer FREE shipping to anywhere in the US no matter how many boxes you’re ordering 🙂 I’d highly recommend ordering from either of them! Hope that helps, and let me know if you have any other questions or have any issues ordering from either of these two vendors! Congrats on Baby #3 as well! 🙂
Hi there, i live in New Zealand and love Holle’s Lebenswert for my baby.I have tried both Holle demeter and lebenswert Bioland milk. Both are Holle products but different organic certification and different price too.I prefer Lebenswert. I order from https://www.biologisch24.com/ which is a fantastic website. The price is the best i have found so far and shipping only takes usually 10 days from germany to NZ. Customer service is second to none. I wouldn’t have been afford organic either had it not been for this website. Its worth the hassle to order through them.The price i pay with them comes to the same or less for what i would pay for slightly premium formulas in NZ.Hope this helps.
Thanks Payal! This is a good resource for ordering European Baby Formula in New Zealand! Thanks so much for sharing!
Extremely happy with http://www.maluma-green.com. Fantastic service, free shipping, products arrived in great condition and are 100% authentic! I ordered a couple boxes from a US based supplier first to make sure baby liked it. I then ordered from there and even with shipping costs saved compared to the US supplier. 1 box makes more ounces than 1 can of the Similiac I was using. I ordered the 15 box bundle and it comes out to $0.12 per ounce (with shipping) and I was paying $0.20 per ounce for Similiac. So glad I made the switch, only wish I had done it sooner.
Thanks for the rec Angela! And what’s actually great about Maluma Green is that it looks like they ship to Canada (whereas Organic Munchkin doesn’t and My Organic Formula might charge a fee). Thanks so much for sharing!
Yes, I am also very satisfied with https://www.maluma-green.com/
Laura, the customer service manager is so friendly and helpful. My son is doing very well on the Lebenswert formula. All American made formulas contain soy, and I did not want to feed my son that.
So glad to hear it Marina!
Obviously women who are going to such great lengths to find healthy formulas have exhausted all other options… Thank you Anjali on behalf of mothers like me who used multiple lactation consultants, saw specialists, pumped around the clock, read every article and blog post about making EBF work, and endured great physical and emotional pain before being forced to use formula to keep my baby ALIVE. I so appreciate the time and effort you put into this. And so does my sweet, healthy, formula fed baby boy.
Thank you SO much for your kind words Ashley!! That’s exactly why I wrote this post. There is so much unnecessary, unwarranted stress and pressure for moms to EBF – and then if nursing isn’t working out, the ridiculous shaming around “you haven’t tried hard enough” – which is completely unfair and not helpful at all! I am so glad you switched to formula – it sounds like it was absolutely the right decision for you, and so happy your baby is doing so well with it! Good for you for doing what was best for you and your son. You are doing great mama!
Just FYI, you can find the Dutch version of the HiPP formula considerably cheaper here:
https://www.dutchexpatshop.com/
Good to know thanks!