Why Your Baby’s Gut Health Starts With Both Mum and Dad

April 27, 2025

A baby’s microbiome—the community of beneficial microbes that support immune and digestive health—is shaped not only by the mother through birth and breastfeeding, but also by the father via shared environments, genetics, and pre-conception health. Emerging research shows that both parents contribute to this microbial legacy, influencing their child’s long-term health from the very beginning. This article explores how lifestyle, environment, and early-life choices can help parents build a strong foundation for their baby’s microbiome.