Objective: To provide reference for the formulation of essential medicines list for children in China through comparative analysis of WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (the 5th and 6th editions) (WHO EMLc) and Chinese National Essential Medicine List (2012 edition) (2012 NEML). Methods: The 5th and 6th EMLc, the 6th EMLc and 2012 NEML were compared in details respectively and the comparison results were analyzed. Results: There was an increase in the numbers of categories, active ingredients, formulations and strengths in the 6th EMLc compared with the 5th EMLc, and the active ingredients labeled with special symbols were updated timely. The biggest revision in the 6th EMLc was the antibiotics section: WHO has grouped antibiotics into three categories-access, watch and reserve. 23 categories were coincident in the 6th EMLc and NEML. About 40% active ingredients in NEML were included in the 6th EMLc, and the coincidence rates of formulations and strengths were much lower. The formulations included in the 6th EMLc were much more various than NEML. Conclusion: Our essential medicine list for children cannot copy WHO EMLc completely, but the selection and replacement principles of WHO EMLc should be taken into consideration. Moreover, with the promulgation of some related policies by the government, suitable dosage forms and strengths for children should be taken into account, in order to push the progress of the essential medicines list for children in China. © 2018, Chinese Journal of New Drugs Co. Ltd. All right reserved.