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We remember when we did our formula research before Pablo was born. We spent weeks reading all kind of articles on formulas, their ingredients, if organic was or wasn’t worth it, it was a pain.
That is one of the reasons why we created this website, to help new parents make decisions on baby nutrition, and formula is essential if you are not breastfeeding.
In this article, we will dive deep into the differences between Holle Stage 1 and Stage 2, and explore whether Holle is a good formula choice for your little one.
So, let’s get started!
Our Short Answer
The choice between Holle Stage 1 and Stage 2 largely depends on your baby’s age, nutritional requirements, and when they start eating solids.
Generally, if your baby begins solids at 6 months and has a well-balanced diet (which is recommended), there’s no need to switch to the pricier Stage 2 formula.
However, if solids aren’t introduced at 6 months, transitioning to Stage 2 might be beneficial, since it has slightly more nutrient density.
Having said that, we recommend using Holle Pre if you plan on introducing solids at 6 months old.
Holle stands out for its organic and natural ingredients.
- Demeter Certified: The highest organic standard in Europe, ensuring biodynamic, chemical-free farming.
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with essential vitamins (A, D, E), minerals, and fatty acids (DHA & ARA).
- Pure & Simple: Free from artificial sweeteners, GMOs, chemicals, hormones, gluten, and soy.
- Organic Lactose & Milk Fats: Mimics natural breast milk carbohydrates.
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Is Holle a Good Baby Formula?
Yes, Holle is a good formula for your baby. Holle baby formula is known for its high-quality, organic ingredients and strict manufacturing standards.
It is made from organic and biodynamic farming, ensuring that the formula is free from harmful chemicals, preservatives, and synthetic additives.
Holle offers different stages of formula to cater to the changing nutritional needs of babies as they grow but, is stage 2 really necessary?
Holle formulas contain safe, organic palm oil to mimic breast milk fats and support baby’s growth, sourced sustainably and ethically.
Major Ingredients in all Holle Formulas
Holle formulas contain the following major ingredients:
- Skimmed milk or skim milk powder from biodynamic farming
- Vegetable oils, including palm oil, sunflower oil, and rapeseed oil from organic farming
- Whey product, which is partially demineralized whey powder
- Lactose for natural sweetness and carbohydrates
- Essential vitamins and minerals to support your baby’s growth and development
Is Palm Oil in Formula Safe?
Yes, palm oil in formula is safe, especially when it is organically produced, like in Holle baby formulas.
Palm oil is used in baby formula to imitate the fats found in breast milk.
While there has been some concern about the environmental impact of palm oil production, the palm oil used in Holle formulas is sourced from sustainable and organic farming practices, making it completely safe for your baby. In summary:
- Palm oil is used to imitate breast milk fats
- Organically produced palm oil, like the one used in Holle formulas, is completely safe for your baby
- Holle sources its palm oil from sustainable and organic farming practices to minimize any negative environmental impact
Holle Stage 1
Holle Stage 1: Ideal for newborns and infants up to 6 months with organic and biodynamic ingredients, DHA and ARA, essential vitamins, and gentle digestion for sensitive stomachs.
Key Features
Designed for newborns up to 6 months old
Made with organic and biodynamic ingredients
Contains DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
Includes essential vitamins and minerals for healthy growth
Free from artificial additives and preservatives
Easy to digest and gentle on your baby’s stomach
Ideal For
Newborns and infants up to 6 months old
Babies transitioning from breastfeeding to formula feeding
Parents looking for an organic and high-quality formula option
Infants with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues
Holle Stage 2
Holle Stage 2: Ideal for babies aged 6 months and older, with organic ingredients, added starch for energy, essential vitamins, and gentle digestion for sensitive stomachs.
Key Features
Suitable for babies from 6 months onwards
Contains organic and biodynamic ingredients
Includes starch for added energy and to keep your baby fuller for longer
Provides essential vitamins and minerals for continued growth and development
Free from artificial additives and preservatives
Easy to digest and gentle on your baby’s stomach
Ideal For
Babies aged 6 months and older, if they have not started solids or do not eat much yet
Infants transitioning from Holle Stage 1 to a more filling formula
Parents looking for an organic and high-quality formula option for older babies
Babies with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues who require a gentle formula
Comparison: Stage 1 vs Stage 2
If we look at the nutrition facts comparison, there is no tangible difference between the two stages.
Nutrition facts comparison table
| Nutrient | Holle Stage 1 ? | Holle Stage 2 ? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 276 kJ/ 68 kcal | 288 kJ – 69 kcal |
| Fat | 3.4 g | 3.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.8 g | 1.9 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | 0.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g | 7.7 g |
| Sugar | 8 g | 5.3 g |
| Fiber | 0.0 g / 0.0 g | 0.0 g / 0.0 g |
| Protein | 1.4 g | 1.4 g |
| Vitamin A | 54.8 µg RE | 60.1 µg RE |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 µg | 1.6 µg |
| Vitamin E | 0.90 mg | 0.90 mg |
| Vitamin K | 5.4 µg | 5.9 µg |
| Vitamin C | 6.1 mg | 7 mg |
| Thiamine | 0.035 mg | 0.14 mg |
| Riboflavine | 0.18 mg | 0.14 mg |
| Niacin | 0.35 mg | 0.36 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.030 mg | 0.031 mg |
| Folic Acid | 10.1 µg | 11.1 µg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.14 µg | 0.11 µg |
| Biotin | 1.6 µg | 1.8 µg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.35 mg | 0.36 mg |
| Potassium | 82.2 mg | 37.9 mg |
| Chloride | 50.9 mg | 52.2 mg |
| Calcium | 59.9 mg | 61.4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 35.9 mg | 49 mg |
| Magnesium | 5.4 mg | 5.5 mg |
| Iron | 0.54 mg | 0.59 mg |
| Zinc | 0.45 mg | 0.46 mg |
| Copper | 0.055 mg | 0.057 mg |
| Manganese | 0.053 mg | 0.0051 mg |
| Fluoride | < 0.010 mg | < 0.010 mg |
Best Places to Buy Holle Stages 1 and 2
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Are there any good alternatives to Holle Formula?
While Holle is an excellent choice for many parents, there are other high-quality formula options available that you may want to consider, including:
Hipp: Hipp Organic formulas are another popular choice among parents looking for a high-quality and organic option. They contain lactose-based carbohydrates, essential vitamins and minerals, and prebiotic and probiotic fibers to support healthy digestion. *Read: Hipp vs Holle
Kendamil: Kendamil is a UK-based brand that offers organic formulas made with whole milk and without palm oil. Their formulas contain a blend of essential nutrients, including DHA and ARA, for your baby’s growth and development. *Read: Holle vs Kendamil
Bobbie: Bobbie is a US-based brand that offers a European-inspired formula made with organic ingredients. It contains lactose as the main carbohydrate source and a blend of essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.*Read: Bobbie vs Holle
Lebenswert: Lebenswert is a sub-brand by Holle, offering organic infant formulas made with lactose as the main carbohydrate source, which is closer to actual breastmilk. Like Holle, Lebenswert formulas are made with high-quality organic and biodynamic ingredients. *Read: Lebenswert vs Holle
Conclusion: Holle Stage 1 or Stage 2?
In summary, the choice between Holle Stage 1 and Stage 2 depends on your baby’s age, nutritional needs, and the introduction of solid foods.
It is not necessary to switch to the more expensive Stage 2 formula if your baby has a well-balanced diet and starts eating solids at 6 months, whether through baby-led weaning (BLW) or purees.
Stage 1 should provide all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development in most cases.
However, if you choose not to introduce solid foods at 6 months, which is not recommended, transitioning to Stage 2 may offer some additional benefits.
If you have doubts, consult with your pediatrician and consider your baby’s individual needs when deciding between Holle Stage 1 and Stage 2 formulas.
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
