The present study aimed to identify the role of mother’s education in the nutritional status of children aged 2–5 years in Serbia.

Nationally representative population-based study. Age- and gender-specific BMI percentiles of children were analysed. In accordance with the WHO growth reference, children with BMI less than the 5th percentile were considered undernourished. Logistic regression was used to calculate the association between mother’s education and other socio-economic determinants as possible confounders.

UNICEF’s fourth Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, conducted in both Roma and non-Roma settlements in Serbia.

Children (n 2603) aged 2–5 years (mean age 3·05 years).

Less than 5 % of children aged 2–5 years were undernourished. There were significantly more undernourished children among the Roma population, in the capital of Serbia and among those whose mothers were less educated. There were statistically significant differences according to mother’s education in all socio-economic characteristics (ethnicity, area, region of living and wealth index). Mother’s level of education proved to be the most important factor for child’s nutritional status; place of living (region) was also associated.

Mother’s education is the most significant predictor of children’s undernutrition. It confirms that investment in females’ education will bring benefits and progress not only for women and their children, but also for society as a whole.