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Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary habits of immigrant children who come to Italy from developing countries, and of their families. Methods. A multicentre cross-sectional study was carried out from Jan. 1st 2003 to Dec. 31st 2004. The study population comprised 1284 immigrant mothers, 629 infants, and 767 children with more than 2 years of age. A structured questionnaire was employed to inquire retrospectively on dietary habits and, on breastfeeding, complementary breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and weaning. Results. Exclusive and complementary breastfeeding was more frequent and of longer duration among immigrant infants than Italian infants, but not compared to infants living in the immigrants’ native countries, compared to whom breastfeeding was lower and of shorter duration. Age and manner of weaning among immigrant infants were similar to Italian ones. Immigrant children older than 2 years preferred foods from their native countries only in a few cases, and the rates of their morning and afternoon snacks were higher in Italy than in their native countries. In Italy, immigrant children consume eggs, fish, vegetables, legumes, and tea less often, and bread, pasta and oat flakes more often than in their native countries. These dietary habits might likely be related to both being born and having migrated to Italy since more than 4 years. Immigrant families are also inclined to adopt Italian dietary habits. Conclusions. Our investigation suggests that immigrant children and their families are adopting Italian eating habits. Considering the association between diet in infancy and childhood, and the development of some diseases later on in life, paediatricians must pay great attention to dietary habits among immigrant children.