In Leiden, The Netherlands, a longitudinal dietary survey was carried out among 124 children at the age of 4, 16 and 28 months. Food intake was measured using the 24-hour recall method. In general, the average intake of nutrients was in accordance with the recommendations, although the energy intake was 6 per cent below the recommended daily energy allowance at the age of 4 and 28 months, and 19 per cent at 16 months. The infants derived 82.5 per cent of their energy from breastmilk and/or formula at the age of 4 months. At 28 months the food intake resembled the average intake of Dutch adults more than at 16 months. The contribution of sweets and snacks to total energy increased from 2 per cent at 4 months to 9 and 19 per cent at the ages of 16 and 28 months respectively. The sweet and snack consumption showed a statistically significant tracking-correlation at 4, 16 and 28 months. Mothers with a high eduction appeared to breastfeed their infants longer and to give them less sweets and snacks at 16 months. At 28 months the influence of educational level disappeared. It is concluded that the recommendations for preschool children need adjustment and the nutritional habits, which are developing during early childhood, should be corrected with respect to the consumption of sweets.