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The association of the human microbiome with health outcomes has attracted much interest toward its therapeutic manipulation. The likelihood of modulating the human microbiome in early life is high and offers great potential to exert profound effects on human development since the early microbiota shows more flexibility compared to that of adults. The human microbiota, being similar to human genetics, can be transmitted from mother to infant, providing insights into early microbiota acquisition, subsequent development, and potential opportunities for intervention. Here, we review adaptations of the maternal microbiota during pregnancy, birth, and infancy, the acquisition and succession of early-life microbiota, and highlight recent efforts to elucidate mother-to-infant microbiota transmission. We further discuss how the mother-to-infant microbial transmission is shaped; and finally we address potential directions for future studies to promote our understanding within this field. Changes in microbial communities inhabiting the maternal gut, vagina, and breast milk are observed during the period of pregnancy and throughout lactation. The seeding and development of the microbial communities in early life of humans differ among individuals, and may relate to host health status in later life. Being similar to human genetics, shared microbial strains have been observed among mothers and their babies, suggesting vertical transmission of microbiota mainly from the maternal gut, vagina, and breast milk. Human genetics, gestational age, mode of delivery, antibiotic exposure, and maternal diet during pregnancy all influence the developing microbiota of the infant. There may be an opportunity to address such influences through probiotic intervention with 'missing' microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]