Abstract: The gastrointestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in human health. Development of the intestinal microbiota in infants is characterized by large changes in microbial abundance, diversity, and composition.These changes are influenced by maternal, feeding, delivery, medical and environmental factors. Thus, it is nearly impossible to define a universal standard for intestinal colonization and development of the intestinal microbiota. Recent data on the early colonization and development of the intestinal microbiota, microbial metabolites were discussed in this review.