Normal growth can be obtained in infants with congenital renal disease and advanced chronic renal failure by feeding age-corrected amounts of protein and calories. Malnutrition during the first 2 years of life leads to stunting which cannot be corrected later in life. Chronic administration of extra calories has not resulted in catch-up growth. The potential benefit of protein restriction for prevention of renal function has to be balanced against the risk of growth failure in children with chronic renal failure. The problem can only be solved by prospective controlled studies in different age groups.