Food consumption data for 46, 1- to 2-year-old children in Helsinki were collected by means of 3-day food records. The mean daily energy intake was 1242 kcal for boys and 1092 kcal for girls. Protein accounted for 16% (range 9-24%), fat 33% (20-50%), total carbohydrates 51% (35-69%) and sucrose 12% (3-33%) of total energy intake. The mean ratio of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids was 0.43 (0.11-3.71). The average energy and nutrient intake met or exceeded the recommended amounts except for iron, zinc, fluorine and chromium. When the children were divided into four groups according to dietary fat content, the intake of several nutrients was lowest in the group with the highest fat content (40% or more of energy) even though energy intake did not differ. The wide variety observed, especially in the fat composition of the children's diets, indicates a need to reconsider the recommendations concerning the diet of young children after they have made the transition to family food.