 The early period of life, namely from birth to two years of age, is critical for the promotion of optimal growth, brain development and health and behavioral development. Ensuring that children receive a balanced diet is therefore essential, particularly for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. A linear programming diet model was used to determine an affordable cheapest food basket that meets the daily recommended nutritional requirements for children aged two to three years in Malaysia. The results showed that the average cost of this food basket is RM 2.69, consisting of 474 grams of eggs, 55 grams of tofu, 29 grams of papaya, 5 grams of spinach and 201 grams of potatoes. Parents can save up to 40% of their child's daily food expenses with this food basket. This article was authored by Noor Hayati Binti Shafi'i, Rahana Alias, and Noor Adila Radzuan.