The first step for choosing an effective formula is understanding the basic mechanics of baby formulas, including their stages. All baby formulas are manufactured in different variants and stages to suit your child best. So, what stage is suitable for your little one and why?
Fret not, and we will answer all these questions for you! We’ll discuss one of the most commonly bought HiPP formulas, the Hypoallergenic Formula, and its initial stages.
Why Are Stages Necessary In Baby Formulas?
To put it simply, stages are classified in hypoallergenic formulas (and others) to meet the dietary needs of an infant. As they age, their body’s requirement increase to meet the criteria for healthy growth, both physically and mentally.
After all, the bodily needs of a toddler aged 12 months are quite different from that of a 3-month-old. And so, a stage 1 HA formula would not provide adequate protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and proteins that a stage 2 HA formula could. Thus, transitioning to a follow-on stage is inevitable.
What Are The HiPP HA Stages?
The stages offered by HiPP for hypoallergenic formula are;
● HiPP HA PRE: suitable for newborns and infants from 0 up to 6 months of age
● HiPP HA Stage 1: similar to HA PRE.
● HiPP HA Stage 2: suitable for infants from 6 months to 12 months.
What Is The Difference Between HiPP HA PRE and HiPP HA Stage 1?
While the age group of HA Pre and stage 1 are alike, the differences can not be neglected. As a parent, knowing what puts the two apart will help you make a better-informed decision about the infant’s health.
On that note, the primary differences between these two seemingly similar stages are mentioned as follows.
Stomach Sensitivity
While HiPP HA stage 1 is well suited to the needs of an infant new to the world. However, some of them, with heightened sensitivity and difficulty, suggest they may not even be able to tolerate stage 1. To attend to their needs, the PRE stage reveals itself as the much-needed hero.
It is designed to be even lighter on the stomach, excluding ingredients like palm oil, starch, and maltodextrin.
Consistency & Composition
To a newborn, texture of the formula matters a ton. For this reason, there is a slight yet noticeable difference between the surface of the two. HiPP HA Pre is a formula thickened in nature owing to a thickening agent. This makes it comparatively more accessible for the baby to swallow and digest.
On the other hand, HiPP HA stage 1 is similar to all different HiPP formulas without a thickening agent.
Price
Due to its higher fat content and difference in consistency, as it is thicker compared to another stage of the formula, HiPP HA PRE is more expensive to produce and manufacture. Therefore, its market price is a tad bit higher in comparison to stage 1 as well.
Nutritional Component
For the most part, the nutritional panel of both stages is identical. Nonetheless, there are modest changes in the amount of each used ingredient. On top of that, to facilitate the infant’s need for calories, HiPP HA PRE has a higher fat content.
Ending Thoughts!
HiPP HA formulas (Both PRE and stage 1) are the safest, most nourishing, high-quality baby formulas you will come across. If you have an infant struggling with taking in or digesting regular baby formula, you may switch to HiPP HA Stage 1 immediately!
This transition would be the best decision you can make for your infant!
