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Background Guatemala has one of the highest prevalences of chronic child malnutrition (46.5% among children under five), alongside a growing incidence of overweight and obesity from early ages. This double burden affects child development by increasing the early risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and preventing children from reaching their full developmental potential.Objectives To demonstrate how the update of the Food-Based Dietary Guidelines from Agri-Food Systems (GABSA), led by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, serves as a strategy to promote healthy environments and establish the conditions needed to foster child development in Guatemala.Methods The FAO methodology was applied, integrating nutritional diagnostics, agri-food system analysis, and a life-course approach to child development. The first 1,000 days and preschool stages were prioritized, considering three dimensions: supply chains, food environments, and consumer behavior.Results The updated guidelines strengthen the links with breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and dietary diversification in children. They also promote healthy school environments for early childhood. Together with other interventions, these measures aim to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition, reduce the risk of NCDs, and promote child development from early stages.Conclusions The updated GABSA are a key public health tool for creating favorable conditions to strengthen early childhood development in Guatemala, reducing inequities, and promoting comprehensive, healthy, and sustainable growth.