The mother's health and nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, together with the newborn period, early childhood covering children aged 1 to 5, school age and adolescence, are regarded as the most important and most vulnerable stages of the life cycle in terms of health and nutrition. The preschool years in particular, through the care provided and the eating habits acquired, are the most important period in which the foundations of health are laid. During this period, a child's continued health depends on the care and nutrition they receive.

For this reason, this book has been prepared as a resource to guide future dietitians and students receiving training in child health and nutrition.