High-calorie baby formulas are specially designed to support the growth and development of preterm and underweight infants. These formulas provide extra calories and nutrients needed for these babies to catch up on growth and achieve healthy development milestones.
Understanding High-Calorie Baby Formulas
High-calorie baby formulas are enriched with additional calories and nutrients compared to standard infant formulas. They are formulated to meet the specific needs of babies who require more energy and nutrition to support their growth. These formulas are often recommended for preterm infants, low birth weight babies, and infants who struggle to gain weight.
The primary goal of high-calorie formulas is to provide adequate energy intake to promote weight gain and overall development. These formulas typically contain higher levels of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support rapid growth and compensate for nutritional deficits.
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Who Needs High-Calorie Formulas?
High-calorie formulas are particularly beneficial for:
- Preterm Infants: Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation often have higher nutritional needs. High-calorie formulas help these infants catch up on growth and support their development.
- Low Birth Weight Babies: Infants born weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) may require additional calories to achieve a healthy weight and support their growth trajectory.
- Infants with Growth Issues: Some babies may have difficulty gaining weight due to medical conditions or feeding problems. High-calorie formulas provide the extra nutrition needed to promote healthy growth.
Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
High-calorie baby formulas are carefully formulated to ensure they meet the specific nutritional needs of infants who require additional calories. Common ingredients include:

- Increased ProteinProtein: Proteins, often labeled as life’s cornerstone, orchestrate a symphony of functions ensuring our children’s robust growth, agile muscle development,…: Essential for muscle and tissue development.
- Higher FatFat: Fats aren’t foes; they’re foundational for children, underpinning brain development, energy supply, and vitamin absorption.In our bodies, fats have… Content: Provides a concentrated source of energy to support rapid growth.
- Fortified with Vitamins and Minerals: Includes essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin DVitamin D: Often hailed as the “sunshine vitamin,” Vitamin D is a beacon of bone health and immune support for… for bone development, and iron to prevent anemia.
- DHADocosahexaenoic acid (DHA): DHA, termed the cerebral elixir, acts as the cornerstone for children’s robust brain development and sharp visual… and ARAArachidonic acid (ARA): ARA, a foundational nutrient, significantly shapes young children’s neural pathways, underpinning cognitive growth and visual acuity. Central…: Fatty acids that support brain and eye development.
These formulas are designed to be easily digestible and gentle on an infant’s delicate digestive system, ensuring that even the smallest and most vulnerable babies can absorb and utilize the nutrients effectively.
Choosing the Right Formula Stage
The premium European brands we carry, such as Kendamil, Holle, and HiPP, ensure that newborns or toddlers get exactly what they need during this stage of their development. We carry the following five stages:
- Stage Pre: Birth to six months of age
- Stage 1: Special infant formula from birth to six months
- Stage 2: Follow-on formula from six months to 10 or 12 months
- Stage 3: Infant formula from 10 or 12 months to 12 or 24 months
- Stage 4: Infant formula from 12 months to 24 months
Choose cow’s milk formulas, goat’s milk formulas, or special blends for sensitive tummies to ensure your child gets the right nutrients at the right time.

Key Takeaways
- Support for Preterm and Underweight Infants: High-calorie formulas help babies with higher nutritional needs achieve healthy growth.
- Enhanced Nutritional Content: These formulas contain more proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support rapid development.
- Specialized Formulations: Designed to be easily digestible and meet the specific needs of preterm and low birth weight infants.
- Consult Your Pediatrician: Always seek professional advice to choose the right high-calorie formula for your baby’s needs.

Consult Your Pediatrician
Before introducing a high-calorie formula, consult your pediatrician to ensure it is appropriate for your baby’s specific needs. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance and monitor your baby’s growth and development to ensure they are on the right track.
The Baby’s Best Food team is here to provide you with information and advice. However, since every child is unique, you should always seek the advice of your pediatrician when making decisions regarding your child’s diet. Baby’s Best Food does not guarantee the suitability of the information provided here.