As every new parent knows, the earliest weeks of a baby’s life are an exciting and indescribably special time. From diapers to bathtime to sleep routines, there’s a huge amount to do and think about. And, of course, feeding your baby is arguably the most important job you have as a new parent. However, the decision about which formula to give your newborn (or infant, if you’re starting formula later) doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Although the wide variety of brands and products on the market can seem overwhelming, there are a number of high-quality, organic formulas that we particularly recommend, and that we are confident will help your baby thrive. 

What to Look for in a Formula

The formulas that we carry at Little Bundle are among the best in the world, as we only stock formulas made with organic, non-GMO ingredients that closely approximate the nutritional content of breast milk. You’ll never see sucrose, corn syrup, pesticide residue, artificial colors, or preservatives in our formulas. 

Instead, you’ll find fantastic ingredients such as organic skim or whole milk, organic lactose, organic whey, organic vegetable oils, vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids such as DHA and ARA. The HiPP, Holle, Kendamil, and Lebenswert formulas we stock have met the European Union’s thorough requirements for organic certification (which are more stringent than comparable U.S. requirements), and many carry additional certifications such as Demeter and Bioland. 

As you embark on your feeding journey, we want to reassure you that a fed baby is a happy baby, and the most important thing is to ensure that your little one is getting all of the nutrients that he or she needs for a good start in life. Without a doubt, you are the best person to decide which formula is the best fit for your baby and your family. And regardless of which formula you choose, you’ll be providing your baby with everything he or she needs to grow up happy, healthy, and, most importantly, loved.

Formula Stages 

You’ve probably noticed from our product range that the European formulas we stock are sold in stages. These stages correspond with age, so that the nutritional content of the formula matches the developmental needs of the baby. Simply put, manufacturing baby formula in stages ensures that your little one gets the correct amount of nutrients for his or her stage of development. 

Stage 1 formulas are designed specifically for babies 0-6 months old, whereas Stage 2 formulas (sometimes called follow-on formulas) are typically for babies who are at least six months old. We also carry Stage 3 formulas for toddlers over a year old.

A few of our formulas are labeled “Stage PRE.” Confusingly, these formulas are also intended for babies from birth to six months, just like Stage 1. The main difference is that Stage PRE formulas do not contain starch, which makes them especially easy for newborns to digest.

Little Bundle’s 0-6 Month Formulas

Here at Little Bundle, our customer service team often receives questions from customers about which formula is “best” for new babies. It’s understandable that parents want to find the absolute best formula for their baby, but in our experience, every baby is unique and has its own specific needs. What works well for one baby may not be the best choice for another. 

We are proud of all the formulas we stock, which have been carefully selected for their quality, nutritional goodness, and, of course, popularity with babies!

These formulas are highly recommended for infants from birth to six months and any one of them would be a great choice for your baby:

• HiPP Dutch Stage 1

• HiPP UK Stage 1

• Holle Bio Stage PRE

• Holle Bio Stage 1

• Kendamil Organic Stage 1

• Lebenswert Stage 1

• Holle Goat Stage 1

We also carry a number of specialty formulas that are suitable from birth onwards, for babies with special feeding conditions:

• HiPP HA Hypoallergenic Stage 1

• HiPP HA Hypoallergenic Stage PRE

• HiPP Comfort

• HiPP AR Anti-Reflux

Our Top Recommendations for Young Babies 

Choosing a formula can be difficult, and it sometimes helps to be able to easily compare ingredients. Little Bundle’s Formula Comparison Chart is a great way to quickly identify the differences between our formulas, by finding out which formulas contain ingredients such as whey, starch, probiotic, and palm oil. 

We’ve put together a list of some favorites that have attracted many satisfied customers, which may make your choice a little easier. We also recommend getting in touch with our fantastic and highly experienced customer service team if you have specific questions about any of our formulas.

Best Overall HiPP Stage 1 Formula: HiPP Dutch Stage 1

HiPP Dutch Stage 1 is one of our most popular 0-6 month formulas and is well known for being nutritionally complete, easy to digest, and very tasty, making it an excellent breast milk substitute or supplement from birth onwards.

The main ingredients are organic skim milk, organic lactose, organic whey, and organic vegetable oils, along with vitamins and minerals, both prebiotics and probiotics, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids such as DHA.

HiPP Dutch is entirely GMO-free, and it’s also free from synthetic nutrients and preservatives, gluten, and soy. Nor does it contain any corn syrup, sucrose, maltodextrin, or starch.

Best Overall Holle Stage 1 Formula: Holle Bio Stage PRE

Holle Stage PRE is a very popular option for new parents because it’s one of the closest formulas to breast milk in terms of nutrition and taste. Whether your little one is exclusively formula fed or supplementing, Holle Stage PRE is a great choice thanks to its simple, straightforward list of high-quality, natural ingredients. Holle Stage PRE is different from other Holle products because it does not contain any maltodextrin or starch. Instead, it uses organic lactose along with organic whole milk powder, and other ingredients such as organic whey powder, organic vegetable oils, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Holle Bio Stage PRE also features a higher percentage of Demeter-certified milk fat than many other formulas, which makes it even more similar to breast milk.

In keeping with Holle’s focus on simple yet nutritious ingredients, there are no prebiotics or probiotics in this formula. Holle Bio Stage PRE is soy-free, and completely without GMO ingredients, chemicals, synthetic nutrients, or synthetic preservatives. 

Best Vegetarian-Friendly Formula: Kendamil Organic Stage 1

Kendamil Organic formula is one of the most trusted and wholesome European formulas on the market. It is appropriate from birth onwards and uses a whole-milk-based recipe, which is scientifically proven to be superior for infants’ gut comfort and stool consistency. Kendamil Organic formula includes GOS, a milk-based prebiotic oligosaccharide. It is also the only European organic formula in the world to contain Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs). Inside Kendamil’s milk is naturally-occurring HMOs, as found in colostrum after birth, specifically 3’-GL,4’-GL and 6’-GL which each play important roles in infant immunity. For example, 3’ Galactosyl Lactose (3’-GL), one kind of HMO found in this blend, has been scientifically shown to play a role in the attenuation of inflammation in an infant's gut, by blocking pathogens from entering the bloodstream. 

As EU Certified Organic, Kendamil Stage 1 is packed full of essential vitamins and minerals. It contains all the necessary fatty acids- ALA, LA, ARA, and plant-based DHA, which are needed for growth and especially brain/eye development. Additionally, this unique formula uses marine algae instead of fish oil, which makes it vegetarian friendly and is GMO-free. 

Best Value Stage 1 Formula: HiPP UK Stage 1

HiPP UK Stage 1 is one of the best-value organic European formulas on the market, and it’s an ideal choice for infants from birth to six months, either on its own or in combination with breast milk. HiPP UK Stage 1 is very similar to HiPP Dutch Stage 1 in terms of nutritional content; the only difference is that it does not contain probiotics. Some parents who use HiPP UK choose to give their little one a probiotic supplement instead.

HiPP UK Stage 1 is made with organic skim milk, organic whey powder, and organic vegetable oils, providing all of the essential nutrients that young babies need. It’s also full of vitamins and minerals, as well as DHA and prebiotics to support the immune system and the gut microbiome. All HiPP formulas are GMO free, without any corn syrup, soy, refined sugar, or synthetic nutrients and preservatives.

Best Alternative to Cow’s Milk: Holle Goat Stage 1 

Holle Goat Stage 1 is an increasingly sought-after option for babies from birth to six months, especially those who have difficulty tolerating cow’s milk formula. Holle Goat is a minimally-processed alternative made with natural ingredients such as whole organic goat’s milk, organic lactose, organic maltodextrin, a blend of organic vegetable oils, and DHA from algae oil. Notably, it’s one of the few organic European formulas that is entirely free from palm oil. And it’s one of only a small handful of baby formulas on the market that’s vegetarian friendly!

Many babies find goat’s milk formula easier to digest than cow’s milk formula, as goat’s milk contains substantially less of the A1 beta-casein protein that can cause symptoms such as eczema, skin rash, constipation, gas, and cramps. Holle Goat is a favorite among parents and babies alike, and it’s well known as one of the world’s best-tasting and most nutritious goat’s milk formulas. 

Please note that if your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy, a hypoallergenic formula such as HiPP HA Hypoallergenic Stage 1 may be less likely to result in an allergic reaction. If you think your baby has an allergy or any other feeding issue, we always recommend consulting with your pediatrician before switching formulas. 

Best Formula for Easier Digestion: HiPP Comfort

HiPP Comfort is a gentle formula designed for babies of all ages, including newborns and infants. To help with digestion, the whey proteins in HiPP Comfort have been partially broken down, and it has less lactose than most other formulas, balancing out its carbohydrate sources with maltodextrin and starch. This can help babies who are experiencing digestive issues such as colic, gas, or constipation, while also ensuring that they stay full for longer. HiPP Comfort features a blend of vegetable oils to supply your little one with fatty acids, including beta palmitate to promote calcium absorption. 

Like other HiPP formulas, HiPP Comfort contains prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Although it is more processed than other HiPP formulas, due to its intended use by babies with sensitive stomachs, HiPP Comfort is entirely free from corn syrup, sucrose, as well as GMO ingredients, synthetic nutrients and preservatives, and artificial flavors and colors.

Still unsure of which formula to try? 

Rest assured our team of Infant Nutrition Technicians are here to help guide you. Use our live chat or send us a message, it’s our top priority to help you provide the best nutrition for your little one.