If you are a new parent or just new to European baby formulas, staged nutrition may be a concept that you are not familiar with. Simply put, European formulas often come in progressive stages designed to reflect the dynamic composition of breast milk and its evolving changes throughout lactation.
The first stage in your baby’s feeding journey is infant formula, which is suitable from birth and designed to be closest to breast milk for a gentle and complete source of nutrition. In this article, we will take a look at Stage 1 formula options from Holle, one of Europe’s best-selling organic infant formula brands.
Keep reading to learn about Holle’s premium cow and goat milk options, what makes them special, and which one is the best fit for your little one!
Holle Stage 1: Certified Organic Nutrition for Infants
Holle is often credited for helping to popularize organic baby formulas in Europe, and they treat organic certification with the utmost seriousness. For instance, all their products hold EU organic certification, which has some of the most rigorous guidelines in the world. It requires that at least 95% of ingredients be of organic origin and also prohibits preventative antibiotic use and growth hormone treatment in animals, helping to reduce the contaminants in milk.
In line with their dedication to premium nutrition, Stage 1 Holle formulas (with the exception of Holle A2 Stage 1) are also Demeter certified. This label indicates that a product has met the world’s most stringent organic certification standards, surpassing even EU organic requirements! Demeter Farmers treat animals humanely, ensuring they can graze freely and are never dehorned. Pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers are also absolutely prohibited.
Parents can have peace of mind knowing that these strict standards and safeguards contribute to higher quality products with greater natural nutritional value and cleaner ingredients.
What Makes Holle Formula Stage 1 Ideal for Your Baby’s First Months
Holle recognizes that breast milk is the gold standard, but breastfeeding is not always an option. Stage 1 is meticulously crafted to offer the closest match to breast milk as possible. To accomplish this, Holle Stage 1 formulas are 100% lactose-based, which is also the main carbohydrate found in human milk and is known for easy digestion. From Stage 2 and up, some Holle formulas also contain starch and maltodextrin in addition to lactose, but this is not the case with Stage 1 formulas.
This thoughtful omission serves a purpose, as starch and maltodextrin are complex carbohydrates that can be harder for young infants to tolerate due to the fact that their digestive systems are still maturing.
Holle Bio Stage 1 formulas are your baby’s complete source of nutrition, which means that these formulas are suitable as the only source of nourishment from 0-6 months, and after 6 months, you may choose to use them alongside solid foods.
Choosing Holle Stage 1 for a Healthy Start
Holle recognizes that each baby is different and so are their feeding needs; for this reason, they offer a variety of formulas, which makes it easy for parents to find the right fit for their little one!
Holle’s offerings include a traditional cow’s milk formula, an A2 cow’s milk version, and goat milk formulas. The standard cow’s milk recipe is great for most babies, Holle A2 is ideal for babies who have sensitive tummies, and Holle Goat is an ideal alternative to cow’s milk that’s a great choice for babies with mild digestive issues or mild cow’s milk sensitivities.
Next, we will take an in-depth look at each of these Holle formula Stage 1 options and what makes them unique.
Holle Cow Milk Formula Stage 1
First, let’s talk about the classic Holle Cow Stage 1. This formula is based on skimmed cow’s milk, vitamins, minerals, plant-based DHA, and vegetable oils. It is both EU and Demeter certified organic! This stage is for babies 0-6 months and can replace or supplement breastfeeding. Holle Cow formula is available in German and Dutch versions, with the main difference being that the Dutch version is in a larger metal can instead of a smaller cardboard box.
Holle Cow A2 is basically the same recipe as Holle Cow, but it uses a different protein source. Most cow’s milk contains a combination of A1 and A2 proteins, but Holle A2 uses milk from specially selected cows that naturally only produce A2 milk.
A2 proteins are easier to digest, making Holle A2 a good solution for sensitive stomachs and babies that prefer the taste of cow milk. Another difference is that Holle Cow A2 is not Demeter-certified because it is not possible to source A2 cow’s milk in Demeter quality, but it is still proudly EU organic. Like Holle Cow Stage 1, it is for babies 0-6 months and can complement or replace breastfeeding.
Holle Goat Milk Formula Stage 1
There are three variations of Holle Goat Stage 1, which include a German, Dutch, and Global version. These formulas have more notable differences in their composition at later stages, but the Stage 1 recipes for each range are nearly identical.
The basic formulation for Holle Goat formula includes whole goat milk, lactose, plant-based DHA and ARA, palm-free vegetable oils, vitamins, and minerals. Each version is EU and Demeter certified organic! Like all Holle Stage 1 formulas, Holle Goat is for babies 0-6 months and can replace or supplement breastfeeding.
Goat milk is A2 dominant, just like human milk, and has a lot more in common with human milk than cow’s milk does. For instance, human and goat milk both contain A2 proteins, medium fatty-chain acids, lactose as the main carbohydrate, milk fats, and naturally occurring oligosaccharides.
Besides being easy to digest and similar to breast milk, Holle Goat is a great option for parents who want to avoid palm oil and who prefer a less processed formula. Reduced processing is possible because whole milk helps to deliver most of the fat and palmitic acid required for infants.
Please keep in mind that even though Holle Goat formula Stage 1 is a terrific option for babies with sensitive stomachs, it is not suitable for lactose intolerance or cow’s milk protein allergies.
Where to Buy Holle Formula
Lucky for you, an extensive selection of Holle baby formulas is available all in one place at Organic’s Best! This family-run online shop has a wide variety of the best European baby formulas, including Holle. They also ensure affordable pricing and bulk discounts. With insured express delivery, you can expect your order within 2-5 business days in the USA and Canada!
If you would like to purchase any of the Holle organic infant formula discussed in this article, or have any questions, head to their website and do not hesitate to contact the customer care team. Whether you need help or information, Organic’s Best is there to help. For your convenience, you can live-chat, call, or email, and you can even speak with medical doctors for expert assistance. Happy feeding!
