Hipp Pre vs. Stage 1: Which Formula is Best for Your Baby?

If you are here is because you like to make informed decisions and that already makes you a great parent.

In this article, we will explore the differences between HiPP Pre and HiPP Stage 1 German infant formulas, two popular choices among parents seeking organic and nutritious options for their babies.

We will compare their nutritional composition, ingredients, and benefits, so you can make the best decision for your little one.

Let’s get after it!

*Hipp also has a Dutch and UK version, but the PRE version is only available on the German version, that’s why we use that one in this comparison. See how they compare here: Hipp Dutch vs German

Some important information: When it comes to baby formulas, you might notice there are different stages like 1, 2, and 3. If your little one begins eating solid foods around the 6-month mark, as often suggested, you really don’t need to switch to the follow-on formulas labeled as stages 2, 3, or even 4.

When you compare what’s actually in these formulas to the ones for newborns (stages Pre and 1), there’s not much difference. So, it’s more about clever marketing than a real nutritional need.

That said, if your baby starts on solids a bit later, the follow-on formulas might offer a bit more nutrition.

Should you Choose Hipp Pre or Hipp Stage 1? Our Short Answer

HiPP Pre: Best from birth to 6 months for babies needing a formula closest to breast milk, with lactose as the only carbohydrate. It’s great for newborns, including those breastfed, without lactose intolerance or sensitivity, and is gentle on their digestive systems.

HiPP Stage 1: Suitable from birth to 6 months for babies who might need a formula with lactose and added starch. It’s for infants showing early hunger signs or with mild lactose sensitivity, providing a smoother texture and longer-lasting energy between feedings.

Overview of the Two Formulas

HiPP Pre is an organic, starch-free formula for 0-6 months, with lactose as the main energy source, DHA for brain development, and prebiotics and probiotics for digestion.

HiPP Stage 1, also for 0-6 months, adds starch for creaminess and sustained energy, potentially better for mild lactose sensitivity.

Hipp Pre

HiPP Pre is a formula designed for babies right from their birth up to the age of 6 months.

It is crafted using organic ingredients like skim milk, whey product, and a variety of vegetable oils, along with lactose that serves as the sole source of energy, mimicking breast milk.

This formula incorporates fish oil supplying DHA, important for brain development, and is enhanced with prebiotics & probiotics to aid digestion.

The absence of starch and maltodextrin makes it gentle on newborns’ digestive systems, potentially easing colic and gas troubles.

Lactose intolerance issues aside, HiPP Pre could be an excellent choice for parents seeking an organic, lactose-based formula resembling breast milk closely.

Hipp Stage 1

HiPP Stage 1 formula is also suitable for infants from birth to six months.

Similar to HiPP Pre in its base ingredients such as organic skim milk and whey product, this formula differentiates itself by including starch alongside lactose as energy sources.

The introduction of mild organic starch aims to create a creamier texture and ensure sustained energy provision—key during the early stages of growth.

It still maintains a focus on digestibility with added prebiotics and probiotics and contains essential fatty acids DHA and ARA from fish oil.

Given its lower lactose content compared to HiPP Pre, it may be more suitable for babies experiencing mild lactose sensitivity.

Nutritional Composition

HiPP Pre and HiPP Stage 1 formulas offer similar protein profiles from skim milk and whey, supporting growth and brain development.

The key difference lies in carbohydrate content: Pre uses only lactose for gentle energy, while Stage 1 adds starch for sustained energy and creamier texture.

Both include a blend of organic vegetable oils plus fish oil for essential fatty acids, with no differences in fat content.

Protein Content

Both HiPP Pre and HiPP Stage 1 formulas contain protein primarily sourced from skim milk and whey, closely simulating the protein composition of breast milk.

Protein is crucial for newborns as it supports body growth, brain development, and the immune system.

Both formulas ensure sufficient protein to support a baby’s first six months and beyond.

No differences in protein. Both formulas contain the same exact sources.

Carbohydrate Content

Carbohydrates are key for energy, and both formulas approach this nutrient differently.

HiPP Pre exclusively uses lactose as its carbohydrate source, aligning it very closely with breast milk’s carbohydrate content – this supports energy needs while being gentle on the baby’s stomach.

On the other hand, HiPP Stage 1 introduces starch in addition to lactose. The inclusion of starch aims at providing a more sustained energy release and contributes to a creamier texture. This slight modification may benefit babies needing longer intervals between feedings or who show signs of early hunger cues.

The main difference between Hipp Pre and Hipp Stage 1 is in their carbohydrate content. Hipp Pre uses lactose only and Stage 1 adds a bit of starch. We usually recommend going for lactose-only formulas, but if your baby has some sensitivities to lactose, Hipp Stage 1 would be a better option.

Fats and Oils

The fats in both HiPP Pre and HiPP Stage 1 come from a blend of organic vegetable oils (palm oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil) that aim to mimic the fat composition found in breast milk, essential for brain development and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Additionally, both formulas include fish oil as a source of DHA (Omega-3) and ARA (Omega-6), fatty acids crucial for eye development and cognitive function.

Same as with protein content, there are no differences in fat content either. If you are worried about palm oil, take into account that is organic and nutritionally, along with coconut oil, is one of the best vegetable oils, with the worst being seed oils.

Nutritional Facts Comparison

Nutrient	Hipp Pre	Hipp Stage 1
Energy	66 kcal / 276 kJ	67 kcal / 278 kJ
Fat	3.6 g	3.6 g
Saturated fatty acids	1.5 g	1.5 g
Monounsaturated fatty acids	1.6 g	1.6 g
Polyunsaturated fatty acids	0.5 g	0.5 g
Carbohydrates	7 g	7.1 g
Sugar	7 g	5.9 g
Lactose	6.9 g	5.9 g
Starch	–	1.0 g
Fibres	0.3 g	0.3 g
Protein	1.28 g	1.3 g
Sodium	20 mg	20 mg
Calcium	51 mg	52 mg
Chloride	51 mg	52 mg
Iron	0.5 mg	0.6 mg
Fluoride	< 0.005 mg	< 0.005 mg
Folic Acid	10 µg	10 µg
Iodine	15 µg	15 µg
Potassium	76 mg	77 mg
Copper	0.053 mg	0.054 mg
Magnesium	4.5 mg	4.5 mg
Manganese	0.005 mg	0.005 mg
Niacin	0.34 mg	0.34 mg
Pantothenic Acid	0.34 mg	0.34 mg
Phosphorus	30 mg	30 mg
Selenium	3.8 µg	3.9 µg
Vitamin A	54 µg	55 µg
Vitamin D	1.5 µg	1.5 µg
Vitamin E	0.7 mg	0.7 mg
Vitamin K	5.1 µg	5.2 µg
Vitamin C	8.9 mg	8.9 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.050 mg	0.050 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.14 mg	0.14 mg
Vitamin B6	0.029 mg	0.029 mg
Vitamin B12	0.12 µg	0.10 µg
Biotin	1.5 µg	1.5 µg
Cholin	25 mg	26 mg
DHA	13.2 mg	13.4 mg
Arachidonic Acid	13.2 mg	13.4 mg
α-Linolenic Acid (Omega 3)	0.06 g	0.06 g
Linoleic Acid (Omega 6)	0.4 g	0.4 g
L-Carnitin	1.8 mg	1.8 mg
Inositol	4.2 mg	4.2 mg

The main differences, as we have said already, lie in the sugar and starch content, with Stage 1 introducing a smidge of starch and slightly less sugar.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Both HiPP Pre and HiPP Stage 1 formulas are enriched with prebiotics and probiotics, mimicking the beneficial gut flora found in breastfed babies.

Prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides from lactose) serve as food for healthy bacteria in the gut, promoting a balanced digestive system.

Probiotics, particularly natural lactic acid cultures derived from breast milk, are added to both formulas to support the development of a baby’s immune system by enhancing the gut’s microbial balance.

This combination is crucial for aiding digestion and may help alleviate common infant discomforts such as colic, constipation, bloating, and gas.

Best Places to Buy Hipp Formulas in the US

There are many European Formula retailers that sell baby formulas worldwide. Some of them are Mommy Formula, Organic’s Life Start, My Organic Company, Organic Baby Food 24, Organic Baby Food 24 and others.

Our favorites and the most trustworthy in our opinion are Organic’s Best and The Milky Box.

What are the Best Alternatives to Hipp Formulas?

While HiPP is a popular and trusted brand, there are several other high-quality alternatives that you might consider for your baby’s nutritional needs. Here you have some examples.

• Holle (Read: Holle vs Hipp): Holle is a German brand that offers a range of organic baby formulas made from Demeter-certified ingredients. Their formulas are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and GMOs

• Kendamil (Read: Kendamil vs Hipp): A British brand, Kendamil creates baby formulas using whole milk sourced from local farms. Their products are free from palm oil, synthetic nutrients, and artificial preservatives.

• Lebenswert (Read: Lebenswert vs Hipp): Lebenswert is another German brand that produces organic baby formulas using high-quality, Bioland-certified ingredients. Their products are free from GMOs, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

• Bobbie (Read: Bobbie vs Hipp): Bobbie is a US-based brand offering a European-inspired baby formula that meets both FDA and EU nutritional standards. Their products are made with organic ingredients and are free from corn syrup, palm oil, and artificial additives.

• Byheart (Read: Hipp vs Byheart) Byheart is a newcomer to the baby formula market, offering a carefully crafted formula with organic ingredients and without GMOs, soy, or artificial additives. Their commitment to transparency and quality makes them a noteworthy alternative to consider.

Each of these brands provides high-quality, organic baby formulas that can serve as alternatives to HiPP.

Last Words

We hope this comparison between Hipp Pre and Hipp Stage 1 helps you make the best decision for your little one.

If you have any questions leave a comment or contact us at [email protected].

Happy feeding!