Noting that good feeding practices will prevent malnutrition and early growth retardation, which are still common in some parts of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region, this report provides a scientific rationale for the development of national nutrition and feeding recommendations for children from birth to 3 years and presents guidelines for the WHO European Region, emphasizing the countries of the former Soviet Union. Following an introduction on some determinants of health in Europe and adaptation and implementation of these guidelines, Chapter 1 of the report reviews what is known about child nutrition and current feeding practices in the region. Chapters 2 through 6 deal with nutrient recommendations, energy and the macronutrients, and the most important vitamins and minerals, providing recommendations and highlighting the common problem of iron deficiency anemia. Chapters 7 through 9 review the importance of breastfeeding and the appropriate age for introducing complementary foods and fluids; these chapters also emphasize how the caregiver-child relationship affects the child's growth and development. Chapter 10 describes normal growth and development. Chapter 11 addresses children's dental health. Chapter 12 stresses the critical importance of preparing food for infants and children in a clean and hygienic way in the home. The report's three appendices contain the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions, policy statements on preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, and recommendations for infant feeding to reduce illness. Each chapter contains references. (KB)