In 2010, 7.6 million children under the age of five died worldwide and yet the causes of only 2.7% (0.205 million) of these deaths were medically certified. A thorough understanding of the causes of child mortality is necessary to guide research efforts aimed at tackling this important global health problem. Prospective birth cohort studies present an opportunity to examine the relationships between early-life exposures and multiple health and non-health related outcomes including death, illness, and socioeconomic factors. In this study, we will provide insight into the underlying causes of child mortality by collecting high-quality data on early-life exposures and health and non-health related outcomes in the first year of life.