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During the years 1900 to 1936, children’s health began to gain importance in Europe. In Spain, infant mortality was high. To counteract this situation, the state proposed health, educational and food measures. Objective. To analyze the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), which continued with the “hungry years” of the post-war period (1939-1949), known for food rationing and the decline of mother and child health. Method. Historical descriptive study with primary and secondary sources. It deals with the socio-health context and the food transition experienced by infants during the Spanish war and post-war period (1936-1949). Results. The government carried out a promotion of breastfeeding guided by pediatricians of the time, however, formula gained importance, due to the modification of the basic family structure. The classic figure of the woman was fractured, in favour of working in factories or, ultimately, as active participants in the war. Conclusions. Health institutions focused on the care of the wounded, an issue that impacted on the care of the sick child. This situation resulted in high rates of child morbidity and mortality, which continued until the end of the post-war period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]