This study has been concerned with observations of four infants manifesting the syndrome of rumination and the mothers of these infants. The findings suggest that the syndrome develops in response to a disordered relationship between parents and baby. Some formulations concerning the pathogenesis of rumination are presented. It is hoped that further studies of this and other syndromes reflecting disturbances in the development of object relationships in infants will provide a better understanding of healthy as well as disordered growth in early life.