There is a large scientific literature about disasters' effects on adult population; however, comparatively few studies explore the effects of natural disasters on children, especially during early childhood and school years. Three years after the Chilean earthquake of 27 February 2010, we review the national and international literature on natural disasters and their effects on children. We highlight advances and identify knowledge gaps, in particular contributions and limitations of national research about the impacts of the 2010 Chilean earthquake in child health. In the three years since the Chilean earthquake, post-disaster child health research has made important advances toward better understanding of the impact of disasters on children's mental health and overall well-being. The articles included in this edition of the Revista Chilena de Pediatría represent an important contribution to a nascent literature.