Caring for a newborn involves meeting numerous essential needs, with feeding being one of the most crucial. We guess you know that the best outcome is to get breastfeeding. Yet, there are two vital things to consider. Firstly, it’s not always possible. Secondly, you will give the ordinary food in time. The vulnerable stomachs of babies can be prepared better for the food we all consume thanks to special organic formulas.
A popular choice among many is EU-certified organic baby formula. It is a special product of nutrition that was created according to the highest standards of the European Union. These guidelines include appropriate growth and exaction of the products that have plant and/or animal origins.
In other words, the soil, animals, pest, and weed control must be at the highest levels when they are grown. Afterward, they must be extracted and blended safely to ensure the safety and quality of life of babies. Thus, we can buy products similar to the HiPP Dutch Stage 1 Combiotic. We’ll navigate you through the main stages of how a parent can pick the right EU-certified organic formula for a baby.
Stages and Why They Are Needed
The popularity of the European formula extends globally, including notable preference in North America as well. There are many benefits it offers, and many brands appear to be better than the US-made baby formulas. One of the key reasons for this popularity is the safety assurance of the products. The EU manufacturers strictly follow the guidelines of the EU government and healthcare organizations.
The baby formula is divided into 4 main stages. These stages clarify what products and when can be given to babies. The main differences between these stages are the amounts of protein, quantities that should be given, and new ingredients that appear at every next stage. For example, the need for iron, calcium, various vitamins, and minerals grows every new month. Thus, 5 stages were designed to clearly state what to give, how much, and when.
Stage Pre
The pre-stage formula is tailored for babies from the first days of their lives up to 6 months. Here are many famous brands that sell formulas for the little ones, including the HiPP Dutch Stage 1 Combiotic, which has been mentioned earlier. This and similar brands have the following properties:
- No sugar, gluten, GMO, starch
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics
- Contains Omega-3 and 6
- Has the necessary vitamins and minerals
- The formula is close to breastmilk
It surely sticks to the required E.U. Certified Organic standards.
Stage #1
The first-stage products were created for infants aged 0 to 6 months. These products are easy to digest, have a gentle impact on the system, and contain the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They are particularly suitable for all babies experiencing problems with digestion or who lack certain elements. Thus, they stimulate the growth and development of the newborn. Such products help to soothe stomach pain and discomfort after eating.
Stage #2
The second stage is tailored for the babies aged 6 months or older. Often referred to as “The Follow-On Formula” this stage continues to nourish growing infants. Their rapid development requires additional quantities of the ingredients from the previous stage, as well as some new elements. Thus, the products of this stage are rich in lactose to provide the developing bodies with vital energy. They are also rich in iron and calcium. There are also vegan analogs.
Stage #3
This third stage is specifically developed for babies aged 10 months and older. This growing-up formula continues to support the developing bodies with the help of the same and new ingredients. This time, the products are richer in protein and fat. These nutrients help to build up muscle weight and provide more energy levels. They can be perfectly combined with the common food. One can find the products of this stage based on cow and goat milk. Vegan analogs are available as well.
Stage #4
The final stage, known as Stage #4 is made for kids aged 12–36 months. Its primary role is to act as a supplement to solid foods. Parents can give these products until the child is 3 years old. They help to digest food better and absorb the necessary amounts of healthy nutrients. Thus, the development and growth of babies will run smoother. The composition includes similar elements as the products from previous cycles, but their quantities are increased according to age.
Related Posts
The Benefits of an Organic Formula
Now, it’s necessary to find out why most parents choose organic-based formulas and don’t like non-organic analogs. There are crucial benefits you should know about. They have significant differences with non-organic formulas, even though they are nutritionally quite the same. Organic formulas are much safer because they exclude:
- GMO
- Glucose
- Starch
- Gluten
- Pesticides
- Chemicals
- Toxins
- Soy
All these and similar elements can potentially lead to problems with health. They are dangerous even for the adult persons. For example, little babies may have severe problems from the part of the digestive system, including ulcers. They may develop various allergies, such as acne and dermatitis. Pesticides frequently lead to various forms of cognitive and behavioral deviations. There may be no severe outcomes for babies. Yet, no loving parent will ever try to risk by giving a non-organic formula to so small children. Even though definitely refined pesticides can be given to children, it’s always a risk you cannot control fully.
EU-made formulas are known for their safety and natural composition. All the brands are obliged to strictly follow the guidelines of the EU healthcare organizations. They are stricter than in the USA. It’s also a reason why Americans prefer European formulas.
It is clear that these reasons also stimulate the price increase. Indeed, organic products and safer technologies of producing components are more expensive than their non-organic analogs. Nonetheless, the health and safety of your baby is surely worth paying a bit more.
