Why a face full of poo can be your baby's best start in life Scientists say this early exposure is an evolved mechanism designed to seed a newborn's gut with the microbes they need to thrive Health Just now

Microbes from their mother acquired during birth, and especially from the mother’s poo, help shape a baby’s developing gut and immune system, setting the stage for lifelong health.

What you need to know: Microbes from their mother acquired during birth, and especially from the mother’s poo, help shape a baby’s developing gut and immune system, setting the stage for lifelong health.

This is one of the key microbes transferred from mother to baby at birth.