Objective: To summarize the selection and replacement principles of WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc) through comparative analysis, and explore the enlightenment to develop our own list of essential medicines for children. Methods: The 1st and 15th editions of EMLc, each edition of EMLc, and the 5th EMLc and Chinese National Essential Medicine List (2012 edition) (2012 NEML) were compared in details respectively, then the comparison results were analyzed. Results: The categories and active ingredients (3 excepted) included in the 1st EMLc were all included in the 15th EML. There was a slow rising tendency in the numbers of categories, active ingredients, formulations and strengths in EMLc, and the active ingredients labeled with special symbols were updated timely. About 41% active ingredients in 2012 NEML were included in the 5th EMLc, and the coincidence rates of formulations and strengths were only 26% and 13%. Conclusion: Our essential medicine list for children can be developed based on 2012 NEML. As to the selection and replacement principles, disease burden, evidence of effectiveness and safety, and cost-effectiveness should be taken into consideration, just as EMLc does. Part of dosage forms and strengths in EMLc can be referred to, but cannot be copied completely.