HiPP HA Combiotik 1 hypoallergenic formula box in a nursery

HiPP HA vs Combiotik: What's the Difference?

HiPP makes two main everyday formula ranges: Bio Combiotik, its organic formula, and HA Combiotik, its hypoallergenic formula. The packs look similar, but they're designed for different situations.

HiPP Bio Combiotik: the everyday organic formula

Bio Combiotik is HiPP's standard formula for most formula-fed babies. It's EU-organic certified, made with whole (intact) cow's milk protein, and contains natural lactic acid cultures and GOS, a prebiotic fibre from organic lactose. It comes in stages PRE, 1, 2 and 3. If your baby has no particular risk factors, this is the range most parents start with.

HiPP HA Combiotik: what "HA" means

HA stands for "hypoallergenic". In HA formula, the cow's milk protein is partially hydrolysed โ€” broken down into smaller pieces. The idea is that smaller protein pieces may be less likely to trigger an allergic response in babies who are at higher risk of developing an allergy.

HA formulas are usually considered for babies with a family history of allergies โ€” for example, when a parent or sibling has eczema, asthma, hay fever or a food allergy โ€” and who don't have a diagnosed allergy themselves.

The research on whether partially hydrolysed formula actually prevents allergies is mixed, and recommendations differ between countries. That's one more reason to make this decision together with your pediatrician.

Important: HA is not for babies with a diagnosed cow's milk allergy

Because HA formula is only partially hydrolysed, it still contains cow's milk protein. It is not suitable for babies with a confirmed cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). Those babies need an extensively hydrolysed or amino-acid formula, prescribed or recommended by a doctor.

Side by side

  • Protein: Bio Combiotik โ€” whole cow's milk protein. HA โ€” partially hydrolysed cow's milk protein.
  • Organic: Bio Combiotik is EU-organic certified. HA is not organic.
  • Lactic acid cultures: both ranges contain them.
  • Designed for: Bio Combiotik โ€” most formula-fed babies. HA โ€” babies at higher allergy risk, on a professional's advice.

Which one should you choose?

If there's no family history of allergy and your baby is doing well, Bio Combiotik is the usual choice. If allergies run in your family, ask your pediatrician whether an HA formula makes sense for your baby. And if your baby shows signs of a reaction โ€” such as rash, vomiting, diarrhea or blood in the stool โ€” contact your doctor rather than switching formulas on your own.

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This article is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Breastfeeding is best for babies. Always consult your pediatrician before starting or changing a formula, especially if your baby may have an allergy.

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