Hypoallergenic Baby Formula

What is Hypoallergenic Formula for Babies?

Hypoallergenic infant formula is uniquely made with a blend of ingredients that offer relief and support for little ones with milk protein sensitivities. A key component of these formulas is extensively hydrolyzed proteins from cow's milk, or, in the case of vegan formulas, from rice proteins, which reduces allergenicity.

Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Based on Cow's Milk

While the term 'hydrolyzed milk proteins' may sound complex, the processing of these extra gentle proteins is actually quite simple. Firstly, milk proteins are broken down into their simplest form, removing the complex milk casein proteins. What's left behind is smaller, more gentle hydrolyzed whey proteins that can aid your baby’s digestion. 

Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Based on Hydrolyzed Protein from Rice

For babies who require a plant-based alternative to standard HA formula, 'hydrolyzed rice proteins' can be a great option! Did you know that rice is actually considered the least allergenic type of cereal? The process for rice is similar to that of milk. First, proteins are extracted from the rice, and then they are hydrolyzed, breaking them down into simpler, easier-to-digest components.

On top of this, hypoallergenic formulas will also often contain probiotics and prebiotics to help strengthen your baby’s intestinal wall and protect against allergens and unwanted bacteria.

Hypoallergenic Formulas are Perfect For...

While most babies outgrow food allergies and other tummy troubles by the time they are 1-3 years old, that first year can be especially tricky.

In fact, it is estimated that up to 15% of babies have adverse reactions to cow's milk protein during this time, with 2%-7.5% of those being diagnosed with a cow's milk allergy. Others may have a cow's milk intolerance or lactose intolerance.

Extensively hydrolyzed formulas are one potential solution if your pediatrician determines that regular cow or goat milk formula is not suitable for your little one.

Babies who have a mild sensitively to cow's milk protein can especially benefit from hypoallergenic baby formula, but if they have a suspected or diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy, it is best to consult your pediatrician to determine if this formula is the right match for them.

What Kind of European Hypoallergenic Formula Do We Offer?

We offer a range of extensively hydrolyzed baby formula from HiPP and Bebe M that are packed with essential nutrients and are gentle on your baby's sensitive tummy. These products are well suited to babies with a family history of food allergies and are designed to help minimize the risk of allergic reactions in infants.

HiPP hypoallergenic baby formula is based on extensively hydrolyzed cow's milk, and Bebe M is a vegan formula based on extensively hydrolyzed rice proteins.

Here, we take a look at the unique features of each to help you find the best hypoallergenic formula for your baby's needs:

HiPP HA Formula

HiPP is one of the leading formula brands on the market today, with an extensive range of standard and special formula products. HiPP has carved an impressive name for itself, through years of offering innovative and nutritionally advanced baby foods.

They do so while keeping their products as close to nature as possible by utilizing natural elements of breast milk and prioritizing environment preservation.

For nearly 25 years, HiPP HA formula has been deemed successful in allergy prevention through scientific testing and consumer testimony. This is why we are proud to offer both their German and Dutch hypoallergenic baby formula lines.

Here is an overview of what each hypoallergenic formula line has to offer:

HiPP Germany - Hypoallergenic Formula

HiPP HA German is uniquely formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions in babies whose bodies struggle to process cow's milk protein. It has a base of extensively hydrolyzed protein from cow's milk that is low in allergens and less likely to be perceived by your little one's body as foreign.

HiPP hypoallergenic baby formula also includes natural probiotic lactic acid cultures originally extracted from real breast milk, paired with prebiotics to support your little one's digestive system.

HiPP HA German is made climate-neutrally and sustainably packaged in Germany. The formula is offered in 600g cardboard boxes.

HiPP HA German formula comes in the following stages:

• HiPP HA German Stage PRE (From Birth) and HiPP HA Stage PRE Ready to Feed 
  
• HiPP HA German Stage 1 (From Birth)
  
• HiPP HA German Stage 2 (From 6 Months)

HiPP Dutch - Hypoallergenic Formula

HiPP HA Dutch contains all of the same benefits and is compositionally identical to its German counterpart. It is produced in a carbon-neutral facility in Germany and sustainably packaged in 800g metal tins in the Netherlands.

HiPP HA Dutch formula comes in the following stages:

• HiPP HA Dutch Stage 1 (From Birth)

• HiPP HA Dutch Stage 2 (From 6 Months)

Before trying any HiPP hypoallergenic formula, please remember to consult your pediatrician as it may not be suitable for some babies with cow's milk allergy.

BebeM - Organic Rice Formula

BebeM's unique rice-based baby formulas are 100% plant-based and therefore may benefit babies with lactose intolerance, soy intolerance, and goat or cow's milk allergies. As an added bonus, BebeM formula is certified organic by the European Union (EU) as well as AB France.

BebeM is a nourishing formula made with essential nutrients such as hydrolyzed rice proteins, vegetable oils, plant-based DHA and a range of vitamins and minerals, making it dairy-free, gluten-free, palm oil-free and soy-free.

Other than helping to prevent an allergic reaction, BebeM formula is also designed to help combat reflux in babies thanks to the addition of carob gum and corn starch, which are natural thickening agents that help to minimize regurgitation by keeping milk in your baby's belly.

BebeM hypoallergenic formula comes in the following stages:

• BebeM Organic Stage 1 (From Birth)
  
• BebeM Organic Stage 2 (From 6 Months)
  
• BebeM Organic Stage 3 (From 10 Months)

It is important to note the BebeM hypoallergenic infant formula is classified as "Foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs)". This means that these formulas must be used under medical supervision and only at the recommendation of a qualified healthcare professional.

Nutritional Benefits of Hypoallergenic Baby Formula

While hypoallergenic baby formulas are not to be used in all circumstances, they can offer certain benefits that are especially advantageous to little ones with specific dietary restrictions.

Notably, hypoallergenic baby formulas are designed to be especially gentle on sensitive tummies, and, therefore, may help to alleviate issues like baby allergies, skin problems, colic, constipation, bloating, and gas. 

Preparing and Storing HA Formula Safely

A healthy baby is a happy baby, so along with finding a formula that meets your little one's nutritional needs, it is also important to prepare and store their formula safely!

How to Store Infant Formula

Infant formula should be kept in a cool, dry place. Once opened, most hypoallergenic formulas should be used within 3 weeks. If unopened, it can be stored and used up until the expiry date, which can be found printed on the container.

How to Prepare Infant Formula

Here are some general guidelines for preparing hypoallergenic formulas. However, we recommend following the exact instructions provided by your formula manufacturer, as there may be slight variations between products.

• Step 1: Boil fresh, safe water and allow it to cool down to approximately 40°- 50° C (104°- 122° F).

• Step 2: Add the appropriate amount of water to a sterilized baby bottle. As per instructions by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), always measure the water before adding formula powder.

• Step 3: Using the measuring spoon provided by the formula manufacturer, carefully scoop the formula powder and level it before adding it to the bottle.

• Step 4: Once the formula is in, securely close the bottle and shake it thoroughly to ensure proper mixing.

• Step 5: Cool the prepared formula to a suitable drinking temperature of 37° C (98.6° F). This usually takes around 30 minutes. Make sure to check the temperature before serving the bottle to your baby by putting a small drop on the inside of your wrist. The formula should feel lukewarm; if it feels hot, allow it to cool for longer.

• Step 6: At this point, the prepared formula is good for 2 hours at room temperature if unused. Once your baby starts feeding, they have an hour to finish the bottle. After this time, any leftover formula should be discarded.