Parenteral nutrition in general is required if nutritional needs cannot be met by oral or enteral feeding. In the paediatric patient, its initiation depends both on individual circumstances and the age and size of the infant or child. This compact reference work on parenteral nutrition in children is based on the ‘Guidelines for Paediatric Parenteral Nutrition’ that have been developed jointly by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), in collaboration with the European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR). These guidelines were based on systematic literature reviews as well as a formal consensus process of a multidisciplinary panel of professionals. However, as a result of the scarcity of good quality clinical trials in children, many of the recommendations were extrapolated from adult studies and based on expert opinion. A detailed analysis of the available data was performed, and for each statement, the level of evidence and grade of recommendation was assessed. This reference guide has been conceived as an aid for the treating physician to assist him in the decision process, thus being a valuable companion in clinical practice.