When it comes to choosing the best formula for your little one, the choices are almost endless.
Some formulas are designed to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction, while others might cater to babies prone to colic.
Choosing the best possible formula for your baby is no easy task, especially if your baby has a sensitive stomach or other issues that require a specialized formula.
HiPP is one of the top trusted baby formula brands in the world, with a variety of formula options to suit different needs.
Two of the most popular formulas HiPP offers are HiPP Hypoallergenic Formula and HiPP Comfort; both often used for babies with sensitive stomachs.
But, what is the difference between the two? Read on to get a comparison of HiPP HA vs. HiPP Comfort, and see which one might be best for your baby.
Common Features of Both Formulas
As one might expect, Comfort and Hypoallergenic formulas do have many things in common, as they are made by the same company.
Most notably, both formulas are certified organic.
HiPP is passionate about offering the highest-quality product possible, which is why their products don’t just meet legal EU certified organic requirements, the suppliers and crop fields are also regularly tested for any potentially harmful chemicals.
Here are just a few of the features you can expect to find in both HiPP HA and HiPP Comfort:
- Cows are not treated with hormones, anti-parasite, or other medicines or vaccinations while being milked.
- Animals eat only healthy grass that hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals.
- Oils are made of non-GMO vegetables and plants grown without chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides.
- The soil used for plant and vegetable growing is tested for potential contaminants or pollutants.
- Milk samples are regularly tested by the company’s laboratories and independent organizations.
- Both formulas are EFSA-approved, and free of sugar or other sweeteners.
- There are no chemicals, artificial taste enhancers, preservatives, or colorants in the ingredients.
- They have all the required nutrients for babies.
- Both formulas have prebiotics and probiotics to encourage healthy digestion.
While organic formulas offer many benefits, it’s always a good idea to ask your family doctor for advice on choosing the best formula for your little one.
Distinctive Features
For the most part, hypoallergenic formula is recommended for babies that may have allergies or sensitivities to cow’s milk.
The milk proteins in a hypoallergenic formula are hydrolyzed, or pre-digested, to make it easier on your baby’s stomach.
That being said, both HiPP HA and HiPP Comfort contain hydrolyzed milk proteins. So, how do they differ?
The first difference between HA and Comfort formulas is in their intended purpose.
HiPP HA is specifically designed for babies with allergies to cow’s milk. HiPP Comfort, on the other hand, is designed for babies suffering from gassiness, colic, and constipation.
HiPP Comfort is not a hypoallergenic formula as much as a universal formula for babies with sensitive tummies.
The second distinctive feature is their main ingredients.
HiPP HA uses lactose as the main carbohydrate. Comfort, on the other hand, uses a blended carbohydrate base of starch, maltodextrin and lactose.
This makes it a low-lactose formula, which can be helpful to babies that are sensitive to lactose levels.
The fat blend is also somewhat different. HiPP HA contains palm oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil, a blend used in most of its formulas.
Comfort adds beta-palmitate to this blend as well, a fat that closely mimics the fats in breastmilk and can help improve metabolism, bone density, and gut health.
The third difference is in the variety of formulas that are offered.
HiPP technically produces two types of Comfort formulas – HiPP Comfort and HiPP UK Comfort. However, both are almost identical in their ingredients.
HiPP HA, on the other hand, has different formula options designed for babies of different ages.
HiPP HA PRE is designed for babies from birth upwards. Stage 1 is formulated for babies from birth until six months of age. Stage 2 is for babies over 6 months.
Stage 2 has both hydrolyzed lactose and starch for carbohydrates, while the PRE and Stage 1 formulas use lactose exclusively.
Overall, when it comes to HiPP HA vs. HiPP Comfort, both formulas offer complete and high-quality nutrition for your little one.
If your main concern is avoiding a cow’s milk allergy, HiPP HA may be the best choice, as the lack of starch and maltodextrin in the PRE and Stage 1 formulas is likely preferable for a newborn.
However, if your little one is dealing with colic or sensitive stomach issues in general, Comfort’s multi-purpose formula may provide relief.
No matter which you choose, you can be assured that HiPP is passionate about providing safe and effective formulas for little ones of all ages and stages.