Cow Milk Formula

Updated a month ago

What is cow milk formula?

Cow milk formula is the most widely used alternative to breast milk. It is made from cow’s milk that has been modified to closely match the nutritional profile of breast milk — with the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals for your baby’s development.

All cow milk formulas at My Organic Formula are certified organic under EU regulations, which means they are free from pesticides, hormones, GMOs, antibiotics, corn syrup and artificial additives. EU organic standards are among the strictest in the world, setting a higher bar than regulations in North America or the Middle East.

How do stages work?

Formula is divided into stages based on your baby’s age, reflecting how their nutritional needs change as they grow:

• Stage PRE (0–6 months) — designed for newborns, with lactose as the only carbohydrate. Closest to breast milk. Suitable as a sole source of nutrition or alongside breastfeeding.
• Stage 1 (0–6 months) — similar to Stage PRE but may include an additional carbohydrate such as maltodextrin to make the formula more filling for hungrier babies.
• Stage 2 (6–10/12 months) — follow-on formula for babies starting solid foods. Contains more iron and adjusted nutrients to support growth at this stage.
• Stage 3 (10/12+ months) — growing-up milk for toddlers, designed to complement a varied diet.
• Stage 4 (12/24+ months) — available in select brands for older toddlers.

Which cow milk formula brands do we carry?

HiPP

The most popular brand at My Organic Formula. HiPP is made with organic skimmed milk from German farms and is known for its added probiotics cultured from real breast milk. Available in Dutch, German and UK versions, each with slightly different formulations. HiPP also offers specialist formulas for sensitive babies (HA, Comfort, Anti-Reflux). HiPP carries out over 260 quality tests on each product.

Holle

Holle is a creamy, minimally processed formula made with Demeter-certified milk from cows raised on biodynamic farms — a standard even stricter than EU organic. Holle has been producing organic baby food for over 85 years and is known for its wholesome, short ingredient list. Also available as an A2 milk variant.

Kendamil

Made with whole milk rather than skimmed milk, which reduces the need for added vegetable oils and gives the formula a naturally creamy texture. Kendamil is the only European brand that uses DHA from algae, making it suitable for vegetarians. Produced in the UK Lake District.

Which cow milk formula is right for my baby?

• Starting out — all three brands meet the same strict EU organic standards and are a safe, nutritious choice for your baby
• Biodynamic farming — Holle meets the Demeter standard, one of the strictest organic certifications in the world
• Vegetarian preference — Kendamil uses algae-based DHA instead of fish oil, making it fully vegetarian
• Sensitive tummy — HiPP Comfort (reduced lactose) or HiPP HA (hypoallergenic) are designed for specific digestive sensitivities
• Not sure? — Take our Formula Finder Quiz for a personalised recommendation in under a minute