Holle Bio Stage 4 Toddler formula is for toddlers between the ages of 12 months to 3 years old. This formula is designed to help ease the transition to a regular diet.
While toddlers don’t need a special formula, as they are able to eat regular food, toddlers are not known for their consistent eating patterns. They can be picky and having a nutrient-dense beverage available during this time of transition may be helpful.
Holle Bio Stage 4 formula is not meant to meet 100% of a toddler’s nutritional needs during this time, therefore serves a different purpose than infant formula. Instead, it is meant to be used as a supplement to a balanced diet. It can be easily incorporated as a snack, a drink alongside a meal, or as a before bed supplement.
Toddler formula is not as regulated in terms of meeting specific nutritional requirements, unlike infant formula. Therefore, it is best if you continue to encourage your toddler to transition to a balanced diet, instead of relying on formula for their needs.
If you do decide to use a toddler formula, Holle is a high quality option that has been serving 40 countries for over 80 years. Produced in Germany, the ingredients in Holle Bio Stage 4 are sourced from Demeter-certified biodynamic farms. The formula is organic, following the strict European Union’s organic food regulations.
Holle’s toddler formula is free of gluten, GMOs, added sugar, chemical solvents, preservatives, or artificial flavors or colors.
Below are some of the pros and cons of Holle Bio Stage 4:
Pros:
Cons:
Holle Bio Stage 4 toddler formula complete list of ingredients:
Demeter Skim Milk, Organic Vegetable Oils [Organic Palm Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil], Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Whey Powder (Partly Demineralized), Organic Starch, Demeter Skim Milk Powder, Organic Lactose, Fish Oil, Biodynamic Skim Milk Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Vitamin C, Sodium Citrate, L-Tryptophan, Iron Lactate, L-Tyrosine, Vitamin E, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin K, Folic Acid, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodate, Sodium Selenate, Biotin.
Allergens: contains milk, lactose, whey powder, fish oil
The primary ingredient in Holle Bio Stage 4 is Demeter-certified skim milk as a source of protein.
Holle Bio Stage 4 uses a vegetable oil blend of essential fats required for healthy brain development. These fats provide a mix of fats, including mono-, poly-, and saturated fatty acids. There is also fish oil added for DHA, important for brain development.
Carbohydrates are a blend of maltodextrin, lactose, and starch. The formula also contains a portion of all of the essential vitamins and minerals toddlers need to support growth.
Holle Bio Stage 4 is a toddler formula, therefore it is not designed to meet 100% of your toddler’s nutrient needs.
Toddler formulas are not as strictly regulated as infant formulas because it is assumed that toddlers will be eating a more varied diet as they grow up.
Generally, toddler formulas are higher in phosphorus, calcium, and iron when compared to infant formulas. This is the case for Holle’s Stage 4 formula, as it contains approximately 14 mg more phosphorus, 17 mg more calcium, and 0.06 mg more iron than Holle’s stage 3 formula. This is because toddlers have higher needs for these nutrients.
Iron is of particular concern for toddlers. This is a time of rapid growth, where iron needs remain quite high. But, toddlers are quite active, and getting them to sit down for any period of time to eat can be challenging. Therefore, a higher level of iron in a toddler formula can help fill in some of the potential gaps.
There are no significant side effects to note with Holle Bio Stage 4. As with any formula made from cow’s milk, it may not be appropriate for toddlers with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. This formula should also be avoided by those with fish allergies, as it contains fish oil.
Like many other Holle formulas, stage 4 uses maltodextrin as a carbohydrate source. There is mixed research on this ingredient. Some studies have found it may negatively alter the balance of gut bacteria causing digestive problems. Whereas others have identified positive effects of maltodextrin on the microbiome.
Holle also uses palm oil as one of the fats in the formula. Palm oil is a source of saturated fat which is necessary for brain development. But too much saturated fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Palm oil may also impact the absorption of calcium and other dietary fats. There is no specific recommendation for the ideal amount of palm oil a toddler can consume, therefore choosing a formula with this ingredient is a personal preference.
Holle Bio Stage 4 is an organic toddler formula designed to supplement a busy toddler’s diet. Here is how it compares to others on the market:
Enfagrow is Enfamil’s toddler formula. Similar to Holle’s product, it is a cow’s milk-based product designed as a supplement to a toddler’s diet. Both formulas are fortified with DHA for brain development. Enfamil’s product is free of GMOs, similar to Holle, but is not organic. The Enfamil formula contains prebiotics, not found in the Holle product.
Additionally, Enfamil comes in convenient pre-prepared bottles in vanilla and natural flavor so no mixing is required. This may be a convenient option for busy toddler parents.
Holle Bio Stage 4 and Else’s toddler drink are quite different, although both are designed to be a nutritional supplement to a growing toddler’s diet. Holle is made with cow’s milk, whereas Else’s product is 100% plant-based and made from almonds, tapioca, and buckwheat. Both products are organic and non-GMO.
Else’s original product is not fortified with omega-3s, such as DHA, but they do carry one with plant-based omega-3 fats. ALA, the type of omega-3 found in plants, is not well-converted to DHA, therefore it may not be able to meet a growing toddler’s needs. This is why Holle uses fish oil and not plant-based omega-3 fats.
Else’s product might be more appropriate for a child with a milk or fish allergy, whereas Holle’s brand might be a better choice for children with nut allergies.
Holle Bio Stage 4 and Earth’s Best Organic Toddler drink are both organic formulas designed to supplement a toddler’s expanding diet. Both formulas are free of GMOs, free of synthetic pesticides, and fertilizers.
Both products are fortified with DHA for brain development. Earth’s Best formula contains prebiotic fiber to support gut health and lutein for eye development. These are not found in Holle’s formula.
If you are looking for a high quality toddler formula to supplement your child’s diet, Holle is a great choice. The formula is fully organic and free of many artificial additives and GMOs. It is particularly ideal for children who have used other Holle formulas, as this may support a more effortless transition to solid foods.
Like any infant or toddler formula, the choice you make must be personalized to your child’s specific needs. It is always best to speak to your pediatrician about which type of formula and diet is best for your toddler’s changing needs.
Children with milk or fish allergies should avoid any of the cow’s milk-based Holle products, including Holle Bio Stage 4. Those with lactose intolerance may also find it causes digestive issues, such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Speak to your pediatrician about which toddler formula is best for your child if there are any concerns.
Holle Bio Stage 4 is meant for toddlers ages 12 months and up. It is not meant to be used as a formula for infants and should not be used before 12 months.
Holle formulas do not contain any specific ingredients that cause constipation. But certain infants can have intolerances to dairy or other ingredients in the formula, leading to digestive disturbances. If your toddler is experiencing constipation, speak to your pediatrician about the underlying cause.
Toddler formula contains a greater variety of vitamins and minerals when compared to cow’s milk. But that doesn’t necessarily make it better. If a toddler has a varied diet, they likely don’t need additional vitamins and minerals. If your toddler is picky, they may benefit from using a toddler formula as a supplement to their diet.
Toddler formula is a supplemental nutrition drink designed for ages 12 months to 3 years old. Unlike infant formulas, toddler formulas are not designed to meet 100% of a toddler’s nutrient needs, instead should be used as a supplement to a balanced diet.
Toddler formulas are not as regulated as infant formulas, therefore they do not need to undergo the same approval process by the FDA. Holle Bio Stage 4 is currently fully registered with the FDA.
| Age | Water (ml) | Scoops | Ready-made Formula (ml) | Meals per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12+ months | 150 | 5 | 170 | 1-2 |
| 180 | 6 | 200 | 1-2 | |
| 180 | 7 | 230 | 1-2 |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 282/67 kJ/Kcal |
| Total Fat | 2.9 g |
| Saturated fatty acids | 1 g |
| Monosaturated fatty acids | 1.3 g |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acids | 0.6 g |
| Total Carbs | 8.4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Starch | 1.7 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 1.9 g |
| Vitamin A | 71 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin K | 9.8 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
| Thiamine | 0.1 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.06 mg |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Folic Acid | 26 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.2 mcg |
| Biotin | 2.7 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.7 mg |
| Sodium | 0.03 g |
| Potassium | 95 mg |
| Chloride | 50 mg |
| Calcium | 85 mg |
| Phosphorous | 52 mg |
| Magnesium | 8 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Zinc | 0.7 mg |
| Copper | 0.05 mg |
| Manganese | 0.017 mg |
| Flouride | 0.005 mg |
| Selenium | 2 mcg |
| Iodine | 19 mcg |
Demeter Skim Milk, Organic Vegetable Oils [Organic Palm Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil], Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Whey Powder (Partly Demineralized), Organic Starch, Demeter Skim Milk Powder, Organic Lactose, Fish Oil, Biodynamic Skim Milk Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Vitamin C, Sodium Citrate, L-Tryptophan, Iron Lactate, L-Tyrosine, Vitamin E, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin K, Folic Acid, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodate, Sodium Selenate, Biotin.
