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Illustrations from one infant observation are used to discuss the early development of the capacity to learn and develop the mind. A description of the psychoanalytic theory of learning beginning with Freud and moving to Klein, Bion and Winnicott is the theoretical context for the illustrations. The paper moves on to discuss hypotheses about the baby's mental and cognitive development. The baby and his mother are able, the author suggests, to work through a less than ideal start to their relationship and to learn together in a way that fosters creative learning from experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the infant observation related to relationship between baby and its mother. Topics discussed include influence of political and social impact on observer's state of mind, vulnerability of babies towards emotions projections from family members, children's development affected by economic conditions and sensitivity of babies towards mothers' state of mind, babies' therapeutic observation of autism development.

Information about the International Infant Observation Conference held in Dakar, Senegal from October 29 to November 3, 2012 is presented. The conference, which was organised by Rosella Sandri, Idrissa Ba and a committee of European and Senegalese colleagues, has brought together more than 300 participants from 25 countries. It was supported by the Senegal and Belgian governments as well as the Belgian region of Wallonia.

An introduction to the series of topics discussed within the issue is presented, including highlights of a conference on work discussion held in Vienna in June 2016, and the development of thinking and imagination in children.