Kylie Smith, 25, has stated she will "firmly deny" causing or allowing the death of her one-year-old son, Maero Johnson, a court heard. Maero, from St Helens, Merseyside, died in hospital in the early hours of 23 August 2023.
A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death was severe malnutrition and ketonic hypoglycaemia, which is low blood sugar levels resulting from a lack of food.
Ms Smith and Adam Johnson, 26, both of Hempstead Close in St Helens, also face a charge of child neglect related to a surviving second child. Mr Johnson faces an additional charge of possession of cannabis. Both were released on unconditional bail.
The case has been transferred to Liverpool Crown Court, where both defendants are scheduled to appear on 10 September.