Experiences with HiPP or Holle formula
I was wondering if anyone has experience with either HIPP or Holle formula. They are European formulas that are not FDA approved so not available through typical channels in the US but meet the much more rigorous European standards for formula. They're purported to be much better than the standard American formulas so I was wondering if anyone had used either of them and what their experience was. Also, I would love any recommendations on where to purchase these formulas. Thanks in advance.
Aug 3, 2016
Parent Replies
I spent a month in Germany (both formulas are German) with my then 6 month old daughter and fed her Holle formula all the time (and actually took some home since it is a lot cheaper than American formula). In the US we use Earth Best and supplement it with Gerber Good Start as she has digestion problems. She had no problems with the switch and I actually think she liked the formula more than others. Holle is bio dynamic (Dementer) and you may think that is a bit over the top or not but it is certainly good. Hipp is not and therefore also a little cheaper. From friends in Germany (I am German) I know though that it works equally good as well. Hope that helps.
I did a lot of research with these two brands and it proved difficult to order them online. My son is breastfed, but on occasion needs more milk, so I wanted to have a back up option around that I felt good about. I ended up going with the HiPP liquid. The powders are made with (albeit organic) palm oil and I really wanted to stay away from that and I felt the shelf-stabilizers used in the liquid were the better tradeoff versus the palm oil. I happened to be in the UK a few months back and shipped back several to myself. It does get stuck in customs for a day or so as they verify that its for personal use, but this is the only way I figured out to get it here. My son has seemed to like the formula's taste well enough too.
We tried HIPP (liquid) for a bit but it became a huge issue to find - it was just okay for my LO. We ended up switching to Baby's Only toddler formula at 3 months. It's much easier to find (Whole Foods) and my LO has thrived off this formula. It organic, non-gmo & does not have DHA - I highly recommend looking into this one as well just in case you find youself in a pinch like I did so many times ordering online & my order being stuck or delayed. Good luck!
We mainly breastfed, but used Holle to supplement on occasion. The instructions to make it area a bit ridiculous (in my opinion), but my daughter liked it and we haven't had any issues. My milk supply has dwindled so we've had to supplement a bit more and have started using some HIPP. No issue there either. I know moms in NYC who would order from here https://www.organicbabyfood24.de/holle-organic-formula-stage-1-starter-…. You are never quite sure how much to order. I usually bought the extra boxes that other mom's were trying to get rid of.