As parents, you always want what’s best for your baby, especially when it comes to your little one’s nutrition. But sometimes, standard infant formulas don’t fully meet a baby’s unique dietary needs. That’s where specialty formulas can help!
Special formulas are carefully designed for babies who may be experiencing issues like sensitive digestion, excessive gas, or frequent spit-up. However, it’s important to know that they should only be used under the guidance of a pediatrician or qualified healthcare professional to ensure your baby is getting exactly what they need in the safest way possible.
HiPP formula, one of the most trusted names in infant nutrition, offers a range of premium specialty formulas made in Europe with clean, non-GMO ingredients. Two of their most popular options for digestive support are HiPP Comfort and HiPP Anti-reflux.
Keep reading to learn more about these standout formulas and how they can benefit your baby’s health!
Comfort Milk: HiPP Comfort Formula
HiPP Comfort formula is designed for babies with common tummy troubles like lactose-related colic, gas, and constipation. Its unique recipe contains hydrolyzed milk proteins that are broken down into smaller pieces, making them easier for babies to digest.
HiPP Comfort milk also uses reduced amounts of lactose, with some of it replaced by maltodextrin and starch. This deliberate choice to minimize lactose is done to help calm colic symptoms in babies who are sensitive to lactose.
The formula also offers a unique fat blend called beta-palmitate that helps soften stools and support regular bowel movements in babies. Digestive ease is further supported by prebiotics that nourish healthy bacteria and support a balanced gut microbiome.
HiPP Comfort special formula is available in two versions: a German and a UK recipe. Both provide very similar nutritional support, but HiPP Comfort German contains probiotics originally derived from breast milk, offering additional immune and gut health support. HiPP Comfort UK relies only on prebiotics, making it a great choice for babies who are already taking a separate probiotic supplement. Both versions are excellent options for supporting your baby’s digestive comfort!
AR Milk: HiPP Anti-Reflux Formula
HiPP Anti-Reflux formula (AR) is specifically crafted for babies with excessive spit-up and burping. Its dense texture helps the milk stay gently in your baby’s tummy, making feedings more comfortable and less messy for both of you.
Carob bean gum is the thickening agent and key ingredient in HiPP AR formula. This gentle, plant-based ingredient ensures the optimal consistency to reduce reflux, and unlike other thickening agents such as starch, it’s easily tolerated by tiny tummies.
Another advantage is that any undigested fibers from the carob bean gum act as prebiotics, supporting healthy gut bacteria and promoting better digestion!
Since carob gum is already mixed into the formula, preparing a bottle is simple, with no extra steps needed to add the thickener yourself. This makes feeding time easier and more peaceful for both you and your baby. However, the more viscous consistency may require the use of a larger nipple hole for better flow.
HiPP AR is also available in a German and a UK recipe. HiPP Anti-Reflux German includes probiotics for extra support, while HiPP Anti-reflux UK focuses on prebiotics alone. Both formulas are starch-free and use lactose as the only carbohydrate, providing clean and balanced nutrition.
Differences Between HiPP Comfort and HiPP AR
HiPP Comfort and Anti-Reflux are both special formulas, but they are made for different needs. HiPP Comfort is a low-lactose, extensively hydrolyzed milk formula designed to help alleviate symptoms of colic, constipation, and gas in babies.
HiPP AR, on the other hand is a thickened formula created for babies who experience reflux and frequent burping. Regurgitation is particularly common during the first year of infancy, since babies naturally have immature digestive muscles that can allow milk to flow back up into their esophagus.
In lieu of the different conditions they help manage, there are some key composition differences between the two specialty formulas. HiPP Comfort contains extensively hydrolyzed milk proteins, which makes it easier to digest for sensitive tummies. In contrast, HiPP AR contains intact milk proteins. HiPP Comfort milk also has reduced lactose to help soothe babies with lactose sensitivity, while the carbohydrates in AR come exclusively from lactose.
Because they serve different purposes, these formulas should not be used interchangeably. However, if your little one’s reflux is related to sensitivities to cow’s milk proteins, HiPP Comfort may be a good option since the smaller protein size could increase tolerance and thus reduce spit-up symptoms.
How to Choose the Right Special Formula for Your Baby
Finding the right special formula starts with understanding what your little one needs. Consulting with your pediatrician to talk through symptoms and rule out any underlying health issues is an important first step. Once given the go-ahead, switching to a special formula can bring real relief and comfort to your baby.
Head Over to Organic’s Best for HiPP Formulas
You can find the full range of HiPP formulas, including HiPP AR and Comfort, at Organic’s Best Shop. Whether you’re looking for gentle digestion support or a trusted daily formula, Organic’s Best carries every version of HiPP carefully curated for your little one’s needs.
As a leading retailer of European baby formulas, Organic’s Best offers bulk pricing and expert support, including guidance and advice from medical doctors. Head to Organic’s Best today to explore the complete HiPP collection and feel confident in every feeding choice you make!