Objective　To compare the efficacy and safety of induction therapy in 3+7 protocol and 3+10 protocol in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods　Two protocols were carried out in our hospital during January 2010 to January 2015, namely 3+7 protocol（AML-06，A group） and 3+10 protocol (modified AML protocol, B group). A total of 56 cases aged from 1 year-old to 13 year-old were enrolled in A group with male to female ratio at 31:25. Five of them were classified as FAB M1, 25 as M2, 11 as M4, 10 as M5, 2 as M6 and 3 as M7. Another 44 cases aged from 1 year to 12 years were enrolled in B group with a male to female ratio at 26:18, and 17 cases were classified as FAB M2, 14 as M4, 9 as M5, 2 as M6, and 2 as M7. Efficacy and adverse events were compared between the two groups. Results　The complete remission rate (CR) of B group was 70.4%, while CR in A group was 48.2%. Considering the CR, 3+10 protocol showed higher efficacy than 3+7 protocol (P< 0.05). The major adverse event was bone marrow suppression. Treatment-related mortality (TRD) in A group was 1.8%, which was lower than that in B group (2.3%). The overall survival rate in A group was 75.0%, which was lower than that in B group (86.4%, P< 0.05). Conclusions　The induction therapy of 3+10 protocol and 3+7 protocol showed effectiveness for AML treatment. The 3+10 protocol showed a higher CR than 3+7 protocol with no TRD increase, indicating that the 3+10 protocol should be recommended for AML treatment in children.