The Best German Baby Formula

However you want to feed your baby, there are times when baby formula is both a godsend and essential. Baby formula can give your infant all the essential nutrients they could need to promote healthy, strong development

It can be a bit of a minefield knowing where to begin with choosing which infant formula is best, but an increasingly popular option with parents in the USA is European formulas and, in particular, those manufactured in Germany. Like UK baby formula, German baby formula offers something different to the US market.

In this article, we will discuss the popularity of European formulas and our top four picks of the very best German organic baby formula and explain why they could be the perfect option for you and your baby. We’ll then explain how our German parcel forwarding address can help you shop at online German stores and deliver to the US and worldwide.

Any new mum's primary concern will be providing the baby with the very best start in life. While many American brands are popular with parents, an increasing number of new mums and dads are looking to European baby formulas. In fact, it's been quite a phenomenon in recent years with drastically increasing demand!

At first, this might seem like an unusual choice, so let's look at exactly why more and more parents are looking further afield when it comes to their infant's nutrition.

One of the main reasons for its popularity is the laws that European brands have to abide by when creating formulas. European formula regulations are much tighter and more controlled than in the United States.

For example, carrageenan, which has been known to inflame a baby's stomach, is not allowed in any European formulas alongside sucrose and synthetic ingredients.

Many European offerings are organic formulas too, so you know exactly what's in these more natural formulas.

A big emphasis is placed on agriculture, with no pesticides and only grass-fed cows (or goat's) milk being used.

After all, only the best will do for your baby

Let's get into why you too will soon love baby formula from Germany.

There are a number of reasons why European formulas are so popular with parents further afield.

Baby formula is considered the next best thing to breast milk, and European formulas are considered to be extremely high in quality, as we shall see.

HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS

The EU is much stricter than the FDA when it comes to what can and cannot be put in European baby formulas. In fact, there's a long list of ingredients that are forbidden to be used yet are continuously present in formulas from other parts of the world.

• Glucose
• Fructose
• Sucrose
• Carrageenan

While almost all babies prefer milk that is sweet, European baby formulas are relatively unique in that they use natural sweeteners such as lactose or maltodextrin, which is not only much healthier but gentle too.

ORGANIC FARM PRACTICES

Unlike the United States, the EU practices Biodynamic Organic Farming which is much stricter in its approach to agriculture in general. For example, GMO animals and plants are not allowed, and neither are harsh pesticides.

The cows are generally well-treated and grass-fed. The happier the cow, the better the milk, and therefore the formula is of a higher overall grade.

PROMOTING A BALANCED GUT

European formulas are routinely (but not always) packed with probiotics and prebiotics.

These help nourish the gut and can prevent sickness, constipation, and diarrhoea. After all, if baby formulas are making your child unwell, they will not get the key benefits and nutrition from the milk that they require for healthy development.

MORE CHOICE

One of the major advantages of European formulas is that many use goat's milk instead of cow's milk. Unfortunately, many young babies have a lot of difficulties digesting bovine milk, and in fact, this type of milk is one of the leading causes of allergies in babies.

Goat's milk is lower in allergenic proteins, meaning that many babies have no problem digesting it. And it also has more calcium to help bones develop and stay strong.

Germany, in particular, is leading the way in the European baby formula market, which produces several high-quality baby formulas that we will look at in more detail now.

Much like elsewhere, there are two main types of baby formula in Germany: parents can choose from ready-made liquid formulas or a dry powder to which water is added.

The main benefit of ready-to-feed formula is its convenience, although it is more costly and only has a short life scan once opened. On the other hand, dry powder can be stored for much longer and is relatively inexpensive.

If you are unsure about which type of baby formula is the most suitable for your baby, speak to for doctor who will be able to help advise you.

There are a few small but important differences to note when purchasing German formulas online

Weights
Expect your package to be weighed in grams and not ounces. You can simply use a conversion calculator or ask Alexa if you need a hand translating the weights and measurements of EU formulas!

Packaging
Unlike in America and other parts of the world, European baby formula does not come in cans, but in boxes.

Stages
European brands place emphasis on stages and not ages, unlike in other countries. You'll be able to see and understand more about this below, but here's an example from Holle:

• Stage One: ages 0 to 6 months
• Stage Two: ages 6 to 10 months
• Stage Three: ages 10 to 12 months
• Stage Four: 1 year to weaned

Language
Since you are purchasing foreign formulas from Germany, it's important to note that the packaging label will be in German, not English. This sometimes causes American parents to panic, but there is usually an English version of the feeding instructions within the packaging.

Of course, nothing quite beats breast milk for providing all the key nutrients your baby needs

And while doctors recommend breastfeeding for at least the first six months, there will be times when breast is not best for many parents. Returning to work, a change in medications, discomfort when feeding; they are all perfectly valid reasons why some women choose not to breastfeed.

Formula has a lot to compete with. Therefore we have conducted extensive research to bring you four high-quality German formulas that we believe are a close second in terms of taste, texture, smell and ease of use.

So, which are the best and most popular brands from Germany available on the market today?

Our four picks are:

• Aptamil
• HiPP
• Holle
• Holle Lebenswert

Aptamil is one of the biggest names when it comes to infant formulas, and with over 40 years of research and science backing the product, it's no wonder that it's one of the most popular and trusted brands out there.

The formula is convenient in that it can be used straight away from birth and, thanks to its gentle ingredients, is unlikely to give baby wind and is easy to digest.

It is non-GMO, contains no gluten and is very straightforward to prepare. Many varieties of Aptamil are also Halal. Each formula is rich in iron, supporting cognitive development, as well as Vitamins A, C, and D to support and protect the immune system.

There are three stages with Aptamil:

• Stage One: from birth
• Stage Two: 6-12 months
• Stage Three: 1-2 years

There are other varieties of Aptamil available such as gluten-free and anti-reflux options if your baby has intolerances or feeding problems.

Pros:

• Boasts a specialist range if your baby has feeding issues or allergies.
• Zero artificial sweeteners.
• Has a similar texture and taste to breast milk.

Cons:

• There are no organic formulas in the range.

HiPP is a family-owned company based in Germany that has been producing infant formulas for many years, and its standard formula can be used on its own or alongside breastfeeding.

It is EU-certified and non-GMO, as well as being 100% organic. It's packed with fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals to help your baby be strong and healthy throughout each stage of their development. It's also manufactured in a secure environment meaning there's no chance of cross-contamination.

There are five different stages to HiPP formulas:

• Pre: up to 3 months
• Stage One: birth to 12 months
• Stage Two: 2 – 6 months
• Stage Three: 10+ months
• Kindermilch: from 1 year onward

Many parents laud this formula as being extremely gentle on tummies that might suffer from gas, bloating or constipation when taking other formulas.

Pros:

• 100% organic formula, which can be traced to source.
• Has a large number of vitamins and minerals.
• Is easy on a baby's delicate tummy.

Cons:
Not suitable for babies with lactose intolerance.

The German company Holle has been around for almost 100 years.

Holle packs their organic baby formula full of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, so your baby will get everything they need to aid their development. This infant formula can also be used as a complete breastfeeding alternative right from the very beginning when your baby is a newborn.

There's also the added bonus that this formula can be used alongside feeding your baby breast milk, and it's not even likely that your baby will be able to tell the difference! In addition, Holle formula is known to have a great smell and taste that is not over-powering for both you and your baby.

There are no artificial colours in any of Holle's organic formula, and it's been specifically designed to be gentle on your baby's stomach, meaning no more constipation for your little one.

There are four stages to this formula:

• Stage One: ages 0 to 6 months
• Stage Two: ages 6 to 10 months
• Stage Three: ages 10 to 12 months
• Stage Four: from 1 year to weaned

The formula can be made up in advance. Provided it is kept in the fridge, you can keep it for up to 24 hours before feeding your baby. If kept at room temperature, wait no longer than two hours before giving it to your baby.

Pros:

• Holle's infant formula is 100% free from soy and corn syrup.
• The formula is made from cow's milk, from cows that are kept humanely and well cared for.
• There is also a hypoallergenic formula option which is made from goat's milk.

As previously stated, there's nothing as beneficial as breastfeeding your child.

But, for a variety of perfectly valid reasons, an increasing number of women are finding it not the right match for them. That's when you want a high-quality substitute that is going to help your baby's development as much as possible.

And many European baby formulas really do come a close second to mum's milk

As you will have seen from our review of the best German baby formulas on the market, there are a lot of benefits to feeding your little one these nutrient-dense, natural, vitamin and mineral-packed formulas

Unlike most formulas in the United States and other parts of the world, EU formulas have strict and rigid EU rules to abide by when it comes to your baby's formula, bringing great peace of mind. 

They are much more natural than US products, with a great range of options and choices, including cow or goat milk. They are also 100% free from chemical fertilisers, with an overall focus on organic farming. They are generally easier on the digestive system and can cater to a range of intolerances or feeding difficulties

When choosing how to give your baby the very best start in life, you might want to consider our four top picks of German formula to see for yourself the difference it could make to your little bundle of joy

To get the most for your money, it's a good idea to check online for bulk specialists. If you can't find any, there's a good chance that Amazon will have exactly the European baby formula you need. Amazon in Germany has many options to buy in bulk, which sizably cuts down the final total when it comes to checking out.

Learn how to shop on Amazon Germany and ship worldwide. 

eBay in Germany also does a wide range of formula alongside baby food and other essentials, with many independent sellers to choose from.

Learn how to shop on Ebay.de and ship worldwide.

Once you know where you want to order from, that's where we come in! At forward2me, we can tailor you a package, regardless of size and weight.

If you do decide to order big, we recommend taking note of our Large Item Service for better value for your money.

We deliver all the best European baby formulas from Germany! Sign up for a German forwarding address for free and get shopping.

If you’re unsure how it works or have any questions regarding orders from Germany, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Please contact us before placing your order. We will be able to advise you on everything to do with your shipment.