European Baby Formula Stages: What New Parents Need to Know

One of the biggest differences between North American formulas and European infant formula is the way products are organized.

Instead of offering one single infant formula for the entire first year of feeding, European brands typically divide products into defined baby formula stages. This system is designed to better match what babies need at different points in development.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the science behind European formula stages, explain what changes between each stage, and show how popular brands structure their ranges, so you can confidently choose the right product for your baby.

Table of Contents

1. What Are the Stages of Baby Formula in Europe?
2. European Formula Stages: Stage PRE, 1, 2, 3, and 4
3. Signs It May Be Time to Transition Stages
4. Differences Between Stages Among the Best European Brands
5. Holle Formula Stages: Cow & Goat Milk
6. HiPP Formula Stages: UK & German & Dutch
7. Kendamil Formula Stages: Organic & Classic, & Goat
8. Conclusion: Choosing the Right Formula Stage For Your Baby

What Are the Stages of Baby Formula in Europe?

European baby formula is regulated by strict compositional standards that recognize an important biological reality: a newborn, a six-month-old, and a toddler do not have identical nutritional requirements.

Many infant nutrition experts agree that formula should be staged to better match a baby’s changing metabolic needs and help avoid both nutrient gaps and unnecessary excesses. This approach mirrors how breast milk naturally evolves over time, adjusting its composition as a baby grows and their nutritional requirements change.

More specifically, research shows that nutrient needs, especially protein, iron, and certain micronutrients, shift rapidly during the first years of life. Adjusting the composition of formula to reflect those changing needs helps support healthy growth patterns and reduces the risk of excessive protein intake during infancy, which has been linked to later metabolic and weight outcomes.

To summarize, this is why experts support staged feeding systems. Instead of using one formulation across the entire first year and beyond, European formula stages are often designed to align more closely with:

• Digestive maturity

• Changing iron requirements

• Mineral needs for bone development

• The gradual transition from milk to solid foods

European Formula Stages: Stage PRE, 1, 2, 3, and 4

Although the exact age ranges and recipes vary slightly between brands and specific lines, European baby formula is generally organized into five categories:

• Stage PRE

• Stage 1

• Stage 2

• Stage 3

• Stage 4

You may notice that some brands blur the boundaries slightly or label products differently for different markets. Below, we break down what distinguishes each stage.

Stage PRE Infant Formula

One of the most common misunderstandings among parents is mistaking Stage PRE as a formula made for premature babies. Instead, Stage PRE simply refers to the very first formula stage.

From a nutritional perspective, PRE formula is built to be as close as possible to breast milk in both composition and digestibility. It is suitable from birth and has the following features:

• 100% lactose as its carbohydrate source

• A whey-dominant protein profile (approximately 60:40 whey to casein)

• A relatively thin consistency that closely resembles breast milk

• Stage PRE formulas also contain ARA, typically sourced from Mortierella alpina oil as a source of omega-6

Because lactose is the only carbohydrate, PRE formulas tend to be especially well tolerated. This also makes them a popular choice for families who are combination feeding or transitioning from exclusive breastfeeding, since the texture and digestive qualities feel familiar to babies.

Stage PRE infant formula can be used as the sole source of nutrition from birth until six months of age, and it can continue to be used as part of a mixed diet from six to twelve months. For most healthy babies, PRE formula can be fed as much and as often as needed during the first six months of life.

Stage 1 Infant Formula

Stage 1 infant formula is also suitable from birth and overlaps significantly with PRE formula. The main difference lies in the carbohydrates.

While lactose remains the primary carbohydrate, Stage 1 may also include complementary carbohydrates, such as mild starch or maltodextrin. The protein structure remains whey-dominant, again typically around 60:40 whey to casein.

Compared to PRE, Stage 1 formulas are usually formulated with slightly higher energy, fat, and protein levels. Like PRE, they typically include ARA from Mortierella alpina oil.

Just like PRE formula, Stage 1 infant formula can be the sole source of nutrition from birth to six months, and part of a mixed diet from six to twelve months. During the first half-year, Stage 1 can generally be fed on demand.

Stage 2 Follow-On Formula

These formulas are suitable from six months onward and must be used as part of a mixed diet that includes milk feeds and solid foods. At this stage of development, babies usually eat about five meals per day, with each newly introduced solid meal gradually replacing a milk feed.

Nutritionally, follow-on formula shifts toward the needs of older infants. While lactose remains the main carbohydrate, complementary carbohydrates may be added. The protein profile changes to contain a higher proportion of casein, typically around 40:60 whey to casein. From this stage onward, most products no longer include Mortierella alpina oil.

One of the most important differences between infant formula and follow-on formula is iron content. During the first months of life, babies rely heavily on iron stores accumulated during pregnancy. By around six months of age, those stores are largely depleted.

From this point forward, dietary iron becomes critical. Iron supports:

• Brain development and cognitive function

• Oxygen transport in red blood cells

• Immune health

Stage 2 formulas also continue to contribute to calcium intake. Calcium remains essential throughout late infancy for bone health, tooth development, and proper neuromuscular function, especially during periods of rapid growth.

Stage 3 Follow-On Formula/Toddler Formula

Stage 3 is where European labeling becomes more nuanced, as they veer off into two categories.

Follow-on Formula : Some Stage 3 products are a continuation of follow-on feeding and are labelled as suitable from 10+ months of age. In these formulas, the overall nutritional structure remains very similar to Stage 2, including a protein ratio of approximately 40:60 whey to casein. These formulas are meant to support older babies as they transition toward eating more solid foods.

Toddler Formula : Other Stage 3 products are classified as toddler formulas and are labelled from 12+ months onward. In these products, the protein profile often shifts more strongly toward casein (approximately 20:80 whey to casein), and the total protein content is reduced. Toddler formulas can be used in place of plain whole milk, but are an optional step.

Stage 4 Toddler Formula

Stage 4 formula is considered a toddler product, and depending on the brand and line, it may be suitable from 12+ months or from 24+ months. At this stage, formula is no longer a primary source of nutrition for your child. Instead, Stage 4 toddler formula is designed to supplement a diet that consists mainly of solid food.

These formulas typically feature:

• Reduced protein levels

• A protein structure around 20:80 whey to casein

• Added vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, calcium, and iron

• Some products also include prebiotics or probiotics

From a dental and oral-motor perspective, toddlers should gradually move away from bottles during this stage of development. Therefore, offering Stage 4 toddler formula in a cup is recommended, as it supports both tooth health and the development of mature drinking and feeding skills.

After the first birthday, children should consume around 300 ml of milk or 300 g of dairy per day, including products such as yogurt, cheese, and milk-based meals. Excessive milk intake can reduce appetite for solid foods and displace iron-rich meals, so make sure to follow the feeding guidelines on the toddler formula container to ensure a balanced diet.

It is also normal to notice that some Stage 4 toddler formulas are not certified organic. This is usually due to the addition of vitamins or minerals that fall outside strict organic certification criteria. Even when not organic, all European toddler formulas remain non-GMO and must comply with the same strict safety and compositional standards.

All Stage Formula

Some specialized European formulas are designed in a single stage to be used from birth through twelve months. These include formulas created to support specific medical or digestive needs, such as reflux, colic, constipation, or a cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA).

Although these products are usually not organic, they are non-GMO and are compositionally equivalent to infant formula.

Because they are intended to address specific conditions, they should only be used under medical supervision.

Signs It May Be Time to Transition Stages

It is important to understand that switching formula stages is never mandatory. Remember to always consult your pediatrician before making formula changes, particularly if your child has feeding difficulties or medical conditions.

Babies can safely remain on Stage PRE or 1 infant formula throughout the entire first year of life. That said, there are situations in which changing stages may be helpful.

From PRE to Stage 1

Some parents choose to move from PRE to Stage 1 when their baby seems to be feeding very frequently or struggling to stay satisfied between bottles. This is often related to the slightly thicker consistency created by complementary carbohydrates in some Stage 1 formulas. However, lactose-only formulas remain an excellent choice for babies with sensitive digestion.

From Stage 1 to Stage 2

Once your baby begins eating solids regularly, a follow-on formula can offer nutritional advantages. Stage 2 follow-on formula provides more iron and micronutrients tailored to the needs of older infants and complements a balanced weaning diet well.

From Stage 2 to Stage 3 Follow-On Formula

Stage 3 follow-on formulas with complementary carbohydrates are often slightly thicker and may feel more filling. If your baby seems unsatisfied with Stage 2 feeds, a Stage 3 follow-on formula with added starch and/or maltodextrin may help maintain longer satiety between meals.

Transitioning to Toddler Formula

For toddlers who eat a limited or unbalanced diet, a Stage 4 formula may help cover nutritional gaps that are not being met through the family diet alone. In this situation, offering the formula in a cup rather than a bottle is especially important.

Differences Between Stages Among the Best European Brands

Although all European formulas must meet the same regulatory standards, brands differ in how they structure their ranges and in the optional ingredients they include.

Keep in mind that, as discussed above, the core nutritional differences between stages remain the same. For example, all follow-on formulas contain more iron, and all toddler formulas contain less protein.

HiPP, Holle & Kendamil: How Their Stages Compare

Below is a clear breakdown of how Holle, HiPP, and Kendamil structure their European baby formula stages.

Holle Formula Stages: Cow & Goat Milk

Holle is best known for its organic and biodynamic ingredient philosophy and for keeping its early formulas intentionally simple.

Holle Stage PRE

Holle Stage PRE is suitable from birth and is fully lactose-based in all cow and goat milk formulas, with no starch or maltodextrin added. It is Demeter certified and EU organic.

Holle Stage 1

Holle Stage 1 remains extremely similar to Stage PRE and is also suitable from birth, using lactose as the only carbohydrate source in both cow and goat formulas.

Stage 1 meets Demeter and EU organic standards, except for Holle A2, which is only EU organic across all three stages.

Holle Stage 2

Holle Stage 2 is suitable from six months and is considered a follow-on formula. At this stage, mild organic starch and maltodextrin are added, along with lactose, to make the formula more filling. Both cow and goat versions remain Demeter and EU organic and are adapted to support higher iron and iodine needs.

For families who wish to avoid starch and maltodextrin, Holle Goat Global is fully lactose-based across all stages.

Holle Stage 3

Holle Stage 3 varies by product line, with the German and Dutch ranges offering a follow-on formula from 10 months that contains lactose alongside organic starch and maltodextrin. These products are EU organic and Demeter certified.

In contrast, the Goat Global version of Stage 3 is a toddler formula suitable from 12 months and remains fully lactose-based without starch or maltodextrin. Due to Demeter certification rules, the toddler version is EU organic but not Demeter certified.

Holle Stage 4

Holle Stage 4 is a toddler formula, suitable from 12 months in the German and Dutch ranges for both goat and cow milk (Excluding the A2 range, which does not come in Stage 4).

These formulas include organic starch and maltodextrin and are designed to complement a mainly solid-food diet rather than replace meals. All Stage 4 products are EU organic but do not carry Demeter certification.

HiPP Formula Stages: UK & German & Dutch

HiPP offers one of the most flexible stage systems in Europe because its recipes are adapted by country and product line. They also offer an extensive range of products to suit diverse nutritional needs.

HiPP Stage PRE

HiPP PRE is available only in the German range and is suitable from birth, using lactose as the sole carbohydrate while including both prebiotics and probiotics.

A ready-to-feed version is also available, which contains cream to make it palm-oil-free; it doesn't include probiotics. Both are liquid and powdered versions of Stage PRE are EU organic, meeting high-quality standards.

HiPP also offers a hypoallergenic formula suitable from birth that contains extensively hydrolyzed whey protein for babies at higher allergy risk. It is not certified organic because it is a special formula.

HiPP Stage 1

HiPP Stage 1 is also suitable from birth and differs mainly by country in its carbohydrate structure and gut microbiome support.

The UK, Dutch, and HA versions remain fully lactose-based, while the German and goat formulas introduce mild organic starch alongside lactose.

Prebiotics and probiotics are included in the German, Dutch, and HA lines, while the UK, goat, and ready-to-feed versions provide prebiotics only.

Just like Stage PRE, the HA version is the only one that is not certified organic due to it being a special formula.

HiPP Stage 2

HiPP Stage 2 is a follow-on formula that is suitable from six months. Several versions remain fully lactose-based, including the UK and Dutch ranges, No-Starch options, and HA formulas, while the German and goat versions include mild organic starch.

Like in previous stages, the ready-to-feed formula contains milk cream, is palm-oil free, and does not include probiotics, and all are certified EU organic except HiPP HA.

HiPP Stage 3

HiPP Stage 3 varies significantly by country and is available only in the German, Dutch, and UK collections.

In the German and Dutch versions, Stage 3 is a follow-on formula from 10 months, while in the UK line, it is positioned as a toddler milk from 12 months under the title "Growing Up Milk”.

The German versions include mild organic starch, while the Dutch and UK formulas remain completely lactose-based. The German and Dutch lines include both prebiotics and probiotics, while the UK line includes only prebiotics. All are certified EU organic, except the German HA formula.

HiPP Stage 4

HiPP does not label any product as Stage 4; instead, it offers country-specific toddler milks that serve the same nutritional role as a Stage 4 formula. Keep in mind that there is no toddler formula for their goat milk, ready-to-feed, or HA products. The following formulas are suitable for toddlers:

• Junior Combiotik from 24+ months in the Dutch line

• Growing Up Milk from 12+ months in the UK line

• Kindermilch 1+ from 12+ months in the German line

• Kindermilch 2+ from 24+ months in the German line

All HiPP toddler formulas are fully lactose-based. Only the UK toddler milk is certified organic, while the German and Dutch versions are GMO-free but not organic.

Kendamil Formula Stages: Organic & Classic, & Goat

Kendamil takes a simple approach to formula staging. Across their Kendamil Organic, Kendamil Classic, and Kendamil Goat ranges, all formulas remain fully lactose-based, contain prebiotics, are palm-oil free, vegetarian, and use whole milk as the dairy base.

Kendamil Stage 1

Kendamil Stage 1 is suitable from birth and uses a whey-dominant protein structure designed to better reflect early infant feeding needs. This stage is virtually identical in nutritional value across the brand's Organic, Classic, and Goat ranges.

Kendamil Stage 2

Kendamil Stage 2 is a follow-on formula from six months and remains fully lactose-based, without introducing starch or alternative carbohydrates. The protein structure remains the same as Stage 1. This makes the transition between stages especially gentle for most babies.

Kendamil Stage 3

Kendamil Stage 3 is considered a toddler formula, and is suitable from twelve months. At this stage, the protein balance shifts significantly toward a casein-dominant profile of 20:80 whey-to-casein.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Formula Stage For Your Baby

The purpose of European formula stages is not to complicate feeding; it is to align infant and toddler nutrition more closely with real developmental needs.

For most babies, PRE or Stage 1 is perfectly appropriate for the entire first year. Stage 2 and Stage 3 follow-on formulas offer additional nutritional support during weaning, and Stage 3 or Stage 4 toddler formula can be a helpful supplement, but is not strictly required for healthy toddlers receiving a balanced diet.

FAQs

For answers on-the-go, here are some of the most asked questions about baby formula stages in Europe.

Do All European Brands Follow the Same Stage System?

No, while all brands must follow the same baseline nutritional regulations, the number of stages offered, how they are labeled, and the optional ingredients used can vary. For instance, Stage 3 may be considered a follow-on or a toddler formula depending on the brand.

What Is the Difference Between PRE and Stage 1?

The key difference is that Stage PRE is always 100% lactose-based, meaning it never contains complementary carbohydrates. On the flip side, Stage 1 may include a small amount of starch or maltodextrin and usually provides slightly more energy, protein, and fat.

What's the Difference Between Stage 1, 2, and 3 Formula?

Stage 1 infant formula is suitable from birth and can be the sole source of nutrition for 0-6 months. Stage 2 follow-on formula must be fed as part of a mixed diet and offers higher iron levels. Stage 3 either continues follow-on feeding or supports the transition to toddler nutrition.

How European Formula Stages Differ From U.S. Formulas?

Most U.S. formulas are designed to be used as a single infant formula for the entire first year. European systems often divide the feeding period into infant, follow-on, and toddler stages, with tailored nutrients to match different developmental dietary needs.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that this information is based on general trends in babies, and it is not medical advice. Your doctor should be your first source of information and advice when considering any changes to your child’s formula and when choosing your child’s formula. Always consult your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child’s diet or if you notice any changes in your child.  Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby because breast milk provides your child with all the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Please consult your pediatrician if your child requires supplemental feeding.

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