Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring toxic heavy metal found ubiquitously throughout the environment. Anthropogenic activities since the onset of industrialization have led to widespread environmental contamination that has substantially increased human exposure and associated health risks. As one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern of the World Health Organization, Cd poses significant risks to human health, particularly when exposure occurs during the critical stages of development. Cd accumulates in the placenta and can be detected in cord blood and fetal and neonatal tissues, so it is crucial to understand the consequences of early-life Cd exposure and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this Review, we provide an overview of the models currently used to study developmental Cd exposure and integrate the findings from epidemiological, animal and in vitro studies. We explore the impacts and mechanisms of early-life Cd exposure on the placenta, growth and development, and organ systems, identifying common themes across diverse model systems. Finally, we pinpoint knowledge gaps and propose key research priorities that will advance our understanding and inform mitigation strategies for reducing the developmental risks of Cd exposure.