Journal · 3 min read
Formula stages, edition by edition
Pre, 1, 2, 3, 4: what each maker's numbers mean in each edition we sell.
Formula is sold in stages, and the stage number is the largest thing on most tins. The numbers do not mean the same age in every edition: a stage 3 can start at 10 months in one edition and 12 months in another. The table lists the stages we sell for each maker and edition, with the age on each listing.
| Maker | Edition | Stages and ages |
|---|---|---|
| HiPP | Dutch | Stage 1 from birthStage 2 from 6 monthsStage 3 from 10 monthsStage 4 from 2 years |
| HiPP | German | Pre from birthStage 1 from birthStage 2 from 6 monthsStage 3 from 10 monthsAnti-reflux (AR) from birthComfort from birthToddler from 12 monthsToddler from 2 years |
| HiPP | UK | Stage 1 from birthStage 2 from 6 monthsStage 3 from 12 monthsAnti-reflux (AR) from birthComfort from birth |
| Holle | Dutch | Stage 1 from birthStage 2 from 6 monthsStage 3 from 10 months |
| Holle | German | Pre from birthStage 1 from birthStage 2 from 6 monthsStage 3 from 10 monthsStage 4 from 12 months |
| Holle | Switzerland | Stage 2 from 6 months |
| NannyCare | UK | Stage 1 from birthStage 2 from 6 monthsStage 3 from 12 months |
Three things to know
- Pre and 1 both start from birth. German editions often offer both; the pack and the maker's page say how they differ.
- Stage 2 starts at 6 months in every edition we list, alongside other foods. Follow-on formula is never for babies under 6 months, and the labels can look alike, so check the stage before you buy.
- After that, editions differ. Some stage 3 packs start at 10 months, others at 12; some makers add a stage 4 from 2 years.
Toddler and growing-up milks are for children over 12 months; they do not replace infant formula. Ages here are from our product listings. The age printed on your pack is the one to follow. Shop from birth, 6 to 12 months or 12 months and up.
