Despite increasing evidence about the value and importance of breastfeeding, less than half of the world's infants and young children (aged 0–36 months) are breastfed as recommended. This Series paper examines the social, political, and economic reasons for this problem.

Alive & Thrive (A&T) Generation 2 is here. This phase of A&T aims to further enhance sustainability of projects and processes that generate positive improvements in maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN).

Discusses the negative effects of stunting on survival, childhood and adult health, learning capacity, and productivity; outlines interventions to prevent stunting.

Reviews available evidence on whether infection diminishes the positive impact of nutrition interventions on child growth and whether improved nutrition limits the negative impact of infections on child growth.

Reviews evidence of the effect of undernutrition from conception through the first two years of life on brain development and on the short-term and long-term development of cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional skills.