ABSTRACT: We assessed the relationship between parental and socioeconomic characteristics and nutritional status of children under 5 years in Egypt. Data from the 2000 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey were used. A logistic regression technique was used to estimate the odds of being malnourished. Children whose mothers had a higher level of education and were > 150 cm had a lower risk of stunting than those of mothers with no education and shorter height (< 150 cm). Parental consanguinity, rural residence, high birth order and short birth interval significantly increased the odds of stunting. Children aged = 12 months had greater odds of stunting than those < 12 months.