OBJECTIVE: To present a review about inflammatory bowel diseases in childhood so that pediatricians become familiar with two diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn s disease) that are increasing in incidence. METHODS: Articles of specific gastroenterological journals were analyzed. Information was also obtained from the author s extensive professional experience in the area. RESULTS: The two diseases are described. Etiopathogenesis is obscure. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed, with details and practical aspects to enable the pediatrician to promptly understand the subject. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory bowel disease is a condition of high morbidity, and the pediatrician who assists the case must have a very good technical knowledge about the disease, and must be very comprehensive and emotionally serene, in order to afford the young patient a better quality of life throughout the complicated evolution of this disease.