More than 25% of global child mortality occurs in India (greater than 2 million deaths in children younger than 5 years) [1]. The spectrum of child underdevelopment runs from underweight to stunting and wasting. Nearly half of Indian children are underweight and 70% are anaemic [2]. Therefore, studies of the causes of mortality and nutritional outcomes in children should include representative data from India. Last week’s JAMA reported a study conducted in India which investigated the role of a mother’s height in determining her child’s mortality and development [3].