View cart
Enrol
Better sleep Happier baby 1300 558 608 Enrol

The Joyful Art of Playing with Your Baby: Embracing Baby Massage for Bonding and Development

Card image cap
Posted June 05, 2023

As parents, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our precious little ones, cherishing every moment and seeking ways to build a deep bond with them. One of the most delightful ways to connect and play with your baby is through the art of infant massage. Not only does it provide a soothing experience for your baby, but it also creates a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage in meaningful interaction, understanding their baby's cues and fostering a stronger connection. In this article, we will explore the benefits of baby massage, how to get started, and the ways in which dads can actively participate in this beautiful journey.
 

Baby Massage: A Magical Pathway to Connection:

Baby massage is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries across various cultures. It offers a multitude of benefits for both babies and parents, creating a nurturing environment that promotes growth, well-being, and emotional attachment. The Infant Massage Information Service offers valuable resources, including referrals to certified and registered baby massage instructors, who can guide parents on this joyous path.

 

Getting Started: Baby Massage Classes and Home Visits:

Parents have the opportunity to embark on this beautiful journey by attending baby massage classes facilitated by qualified instructors. These classes provide a safe and supportive environment where parents can learn the techniques, benefits, and best practices of baby massage. Certified instructors registered with the Infant Massage Information Service possess the knowledge and expertise to guide parents throughout the process, ensuring that each touch is gentle and appropriate for their baby's development.

For parents seeking personalised guidance or prefer the comfort of their own home, booking a private home visit with a qualified baby massage instructor is an excellent option. These one-on-one sessions allow parents to learn in a familiar environment, receiving personalised attention tailored to their baby's specific needs. By observing and understanding their baby's body language cues, parents can strengthen the bond with their little one and provide the most nurturing touch.
 

Baby Massage: From the Earliest Days of Life:

The magic of baby massage can begin within the first days of life when your newborn experiences their first quiet alert state. This state, characterised by bright eyes, calmness, and attentiveness, presents an ideal opportunity to introduce your baby to the world of gentle touch. Massage during this period promotes relaxation, supports healthy sleep patterns, and enhances the emotional connection between parent and child.

 

Benefits of Dad's Active Role in Baby Massage:

While mothers often take the lead in nurturing a newborn, it is crucial for dads to actively participate in the early stages of their baby's life. Baby massage offers an ideal avenue for fathers to connect, bond, and build a foundation of trust with their little ones. By engaging in this intimate practice, dads can embrace their nurturing side and create a lasting bond with their baby. The benefits of dad's involvement extend beyond the massage session itself, fostering a sense of confidence, connection, and a deepened understanding of their baby's needs.
 

Expanding the Language of Love: Baby Massage Tips and Techniques:

To help parents get started on their baby massage journey, the babymassage.net.au website offers a wealth of information, tips, and techniques to ensure a meaningful and enjoyable experience. Here are a few essential tips to guide you:

  1. Create a Calm Environment: Find a quiet and warm space where you and your baby can relax without distractions.
  2. Choose the Right Time: Select a time when your baby is content, awake, and receptive to touch.
  3. Use Nurturing Touch: Employ slow, gentle strokes, caresses, and light pressure.
  4. Follow Your Baby's Cues: Pay attention to your baby's body language and respond accordingly.
 

Incorporating baby massage into your daily routine is an extraordinary way to deepen your bond with your little one while providing numerous benefits for both you and your child. By embarking on this joyous journey, you can create a nurturing space for relaxation, growth, and emotional connection.

To get started on your baby massage adventure, reach out to your local Certified Infant Massage Instructor or Paediatric Massage Consultant, or contact the Infant Massage Information Service for a referral. Whether you choose to join a baby massage class or book a private home visit, these experts will guide you through the techniques, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your baby.

Discover the transformative power of touch and embrace the joy of playing with your baby through the gentle art of baby massage. Nurture their development, deepen your bond, and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Archive

Useful Links

Eligibility and Course Prerequisites

No prior training or qualifications are required for the Certified Infant Massage Instructor(CIMI) qualification.

Wanting the Paediatric Massage Consultant (PMC) qualification and wondering if you meet the prerequisite requirements?

If your qualifications fall under the categories of health, allied health, natural therapies or education, you are guaranteed to meet the prerequisite requirements for the paediatric level qualification.

Some examples of qualifications that meet the prerequisite requirements for the PMC qualification are included below (please note, this is not a full list). 

Examples of health qualifications approved for PMC:

Nurse, midwife, aboriginal health worker, community health worker, retired nurse, child & family practitioner, paediatric nurse, maternal/child health nurse, neonatal nurse, paediatrician, medical doctor.

Examples of allied health qualifications approved for PMC:

Chiropractor, doula, childbirth educator, lactation consultant/educator, science degrees, mental health professional, social worker, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist. 

Examples of natural therapy qualifications approved for PMC:

Massage therapist, yoga instructor, nutritionist, Chinese medicine, kinesiology, myotherapist, naturopath.

Examples of educator qualifications approved for PMC:

Early childhood educator, early childhood teacher, other educator (e.g. B. ED Studies, diploma in primary teaching)

PMC students receive both qualifications, the Certificate in Infant Massage Instruction and the Paediatric Massage Consultant qualification. To obtain the paediatric qualification you need to meet the prerequisite requirements, complete your baby massage training through the Infant Massage Information Service and successfully complete 4 competency tasks. In addition to working with parents, and teaching them how to massage their babies, PMCs can provide theory presentations to other professionals, educating them on the researched benefits of massage for infants and children and ensuring they are aware of services available to families in this field. 

Course Fees and Variations

Course fees are the same regardless of your method of study (face-to-face or online).

Fees for the Certificate in Infant Massage Instruction range from $1125 - $1650, depending on the enrolment package (inclusions) selected. Interest-free payment plans are available and these are personalised for each student. 

Fees for the Paediatric Massage Consultant qualification range from $1485 - $2010, depending on the enrolment package (inclusions) selected. Interest-free payment plans are available and these are personalised for each student. 

The course fee table outlining the enrolment packages (inclusions) can be accessed here: Fee Structure | Baby Massage

Please note, the table automatically displays the fees for the Certified Infant Massage Instructor qualification. To view the fees and inclusions for the Paediatric Massage Consultant (PMC) qualification, be sure to click on the 'Paediatric Massage Consultant' box. 

Face-to-Face Course Details

Face-to-face training dates and locations can be found on our course dates and locations page: Locations | Baby Massage

The face-to-face training is completed over 3 days and courses are always held on a Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Career and Qualification Pathways

Infant Massage Information Service 3-day face-to-face courses have a mixture of both Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) and Paediatric Massage Consultant (PMC) students.

All students cover the same content/units of study.

The differences are:

- Our CIMI students are usually going into the industry as something new i.e. with no prior related background. There are no pre-requisite requirements they need to meet.

- CIMI students complete the 3-day course successfully and are then able to work with parents, teaching infant massage. All assessment work is completed within the 3 days of the course.

- Our PMC students have prior, related training and/or experience in health, allied health, natural therapies or early childhood education and care.

- After the 3 days in class, there is one additional assignment completed. The additional PMC task takes approximately 2 days to complete and does not need to be done in the 2 days directly following the course. PMC students can complete their additional assessment when convenient and follow the instructions provided to upload their submission for marking when they're ready. 

- Our PMC students receive both qualifications – the CIMI qualification and the PMC qualification. The CIMI level qualification is provided immediately after the 3-day face-to-face course and the PMC qualification is issued after the additional PMC assessment has been completed. 

- PMCs can work with parents, teaching infant massage in the same way that CIMIs can. What PMCs are also able to do is provide theory presentations to professional groups on infant massage. The presentations are fairly straightforward and usually follow the same format e.g. – Self-introduction, benefits of infant massage, research reviews, dispelling common myths relating to infant massage and information on services available to parents in this field. 

Various industry bodies request these types of presentations and PMCs are paid a presentation fee for this work directly by the organisation or body who has requested them. PMC presentations offer a unique opportunity to network with other professionals and potentially receive additional referrals for your infant massage work with parents.  
 

What if I'm completing the course via correspondence study?

Each correspondence intake period has a mix of both Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) and Paediatric Massage Consultant (PMC) students.

All students cover the same content/units of study.

The differences are:

- Our CIMI students are usually going into the industry as something new i.e. with no prior related background. There are no pre-requisite requirements they need to meet.

- CIMI students successfully complete 3 competency tasks at their own pace and are then able to work with parents, teaching infant massage. 

- Our PMC students have prior, related training and/or experience in health, allied health, natural therapies or early childhood education and care.

- There is one additional assignment completed for the PMC qualification.

- Our PMC students receive both qualifications – the CIMI qualification and the PMC qualification.

- PMCs can work with parents, teaching infant massage in the same way that CIMIs can. What PMCs are also able to do is provide theory presentations to professional groups on infant massage. The presentations are fairly straightforward and usually follow the same format e.g. – Self-introduction, benefits of infant massage, research reviews, dispelling common myths relating to infant massage and information on services available to parents in this field. 

Various industry bodies request these types of presentations and PMCs are paid a presentation fee for this work directly by the organisation or body who has requested them. PMC presentations offer a unique opportunity to network with other professionals and potentially receive additional referrals for your infant massage work with parents. 

Online Study

The correspondence program is thorough, easy to work through and offers a convenient way to study. 100% of the course requirements are completed from home, including all practical work meaning no travel or onsite attendance is needed.

Once your enrollment is complete and the course fees are paid, you will receive a welcome email providing you with full access to the course content. Your welcome email includes your pdf training manual with all of the course theory work and assessment instructions as well as links to the practical video files you need to watch. A training pack containing your demonstration doll and any other resources in your enrolment pack is sent via post.

There's no need to wait for your training pack to arrive via post before you begin studying. As soon as you receive your welcome email you can get started with the course theory work, then move on to the practical techniques once your demonstration doll arrives. 

You're welcome to study at your own pace to complete the course. Most students complete everything within the space of a few weeks. If students have a lot of other commitments and limited time, they might finish the course over a few months instead. Whatever study period you need is ok, there are no enforced deadlines you need to meet. 

There are 3 or 4 assessment tasks to complete depending on the qualification level you enrol in. The tasks are easy to complete and personalised assistance is available throughout the course if you need help with questions or clarifications. 

Your theory assessment is an open book, multiple-choice exam which ensures you've worked through the training manual. You're provided with an answer sheet to complete which can be emailed as an attachment or uploaded for marking. Practical tasks are recorded using any device (most students use their phone). The recordings are uploaded for the trainers to view and report on. Practical reports are extremely detailed to ensure you're confident in practical techniques prior to certification. 

Enrol Now