Figure 1.

Early life factors influencing cognitive and microbial development of the child from preconception throughout the first 3 years of life; maternal mental health, lifestyle and metabolic changes affect fetal development. Antibiotic use, infections, environment, dietary habits and mode of delivery impacts the maternal health status, the fetal development during pregnancy and the microbiota and cognitive development of children from birth to at least 3 years. Mode of feeding in early life and solid food introduction influence the microbial and cognitive development of the offspring from birth up to at least 3 years of age.