This issue of "La santé de l'homme," comprising 11 articles, addresses various issues related to early childhood: family policies in France and Europe, child care options, the dual cultural identity of migrant children and language acquisition, visual development in infants and the importance of early prevention of vision disorders, introducing books to young children, children and toys, childhood lead poisoning, HIV infection, and the care of children in institutions (particularly schools), as well as care in hospitals.