This study is characterized as descriptive and exploratory, based on the observation of nursing care at the sectors of vaccination, pre- and post-consultation, and first aid at a basic district health unit in the city of Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The purpose of this observation was the characterization and understanding of the nursing care given to children aged less than one year and the follow-up of their growth and development, as previously approved by a Research Ethics Committee. Thirty-two children, accompanied by their mothers, participated in the study, totaling 56 hours of observation. In general, the set of assistance episodes allowed the comprehension of nursing guidelines in vaccination and the follow-up of the child, which has shown the need to expand care and introduce the strategy of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness.
nursing; child; growth; development