March 2020

Attachment is vital for human connection and forms in a baby’s first 1,000 days through warm, consistent, and responsive caregiving. Secure attachment helps children feel safe, trust others, and grow emotionally and socially. Infant massage strengthens this bond by using touch, eye contact, and soothing responses. It helps babies feel loved, improves sleep, reduces stress, and builds confidence in parents. By fostering secure attachment, infant massage benefits families and communities, promoting better health, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Infant massage is a valuable practice that benefits both children and parents, offering physical and emotional support. Childcare workers, while not authorised to perform infant massage, can guide families by sharing insights and referring them to Certified Infant Massage Instructors (CIMIs) for personalised advice. Massage can relieve issues like colic, promote relaxation, and strengthen the bond between parents and their child. By recommending infant massage, educators help parents address developmental delays, sleep issues, and bonding challenges, ensuring they receive safe and effective guidance from professionals.

Explore the benefits of infant massage for preterm infants in Special Care Nurseries. Learn how massage therapy aids weight gain, promotes parent-child bonding, and supports neurological development. Discover best practices and the role of parents in providing massage therapy.

Discover how Lorna Reardon, a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and Paediatric Massage Consultant, is transforming lives in Dublin. After training with the Infant Massage Information Service, Lorna joined the Little Roo Parent & Baby Hub, bringing her expertise to local families. Learn how her skills in baby massage and first aid are making a significant impact. Read on to be inspired by Lorna's journey and see how IMIS training can open doors worldwide.

This report aims to identify the benefits of using infant massage as an adjunct alongside phototherapy to assist in the reduction of serum bilirubin levels in term infants with a diagnosis of physiological jaundice.

Infant massage is a wonderful way for parents to connect with their babies. This structured and systematic form of tactile stimulation involves using hands to gently stimulate different parts of a baby's body. It's not just about touch—it's about interaction, bonding, and providing comfort. In this blog, we'll explore what infant massage is, its key elements, techniques, and how it can benefit both babies and parents.

Early childhood is a critical phase in a child's life, and the significance of building strong relationships, especially with parents, cannot be overstated. This article delves into the world of Infant Massage, a holistic practice that blends techniques from various cultures to promote the physical and emotional well-being of infants. Exploring the foundations, benefits, and connections to the Early Years Learning Framework, this article highlights how educators can play a pivotal role in supporting families and enhancing the overall development of children through the art of infant massage. From improving sleep patterns to stimulating the vagus nerve, this transformative practice not only benefits infants but also fosters a nurturing environment crucial for holistic development.

Infant massage offers numerous benefits for neonates and their parents. It can help alleviate jaundice in infants, increase weight gain in low birth weight neonates, and aid mothers in bonding with their baby after a traumatic birth. This ancient practice is supported by modern research.

Abstract: This article delves into the world of infant massage, a gentle practice offered to infants by their primary caregivers. Infant massage is a time-honored tradition with roots in various cultures, coupled with modern research to comprehend its advantages for both infants and parents. It explores how infant massage positively impacts neonates in special care nurseries, particularly in terms of weight gain, regulation of blood sugar levels, increased alertness and its potential role in alleviating jaundice. The article also addresses the benefits of infant massage for parents, including reduced stress and increased bonding.

Keywords: Infant massage, neonates, special care nursery, weight gain, blood sugar levels, jaundice, parent bonding, stress reduction, healthcare cost, preterm infants, health benefits, medical interventions, safety considerations, certified instructors.

Delve into the world of infant massage and its remarkable benefits for both babies and caregivers. Explore a groundbreaking research study published in The National Health Science Journal, Philippines, revealing the profound impact of infant massage training on caregivers' perceptions, knowledge and the enhanced bond with their infants. Discover the pivotal role of IMIS Certified Infant Massage Instructors and Paediatric Massage Consultants in this transformative journey. Uncover the broader implications for public health initiatives and future considerations for expanding access to this essential caregiver education.

Dive into the world of ADHD management in Australia, uncovering prevalence rates, genetic factors, comorbid conditions, and the significance of early intervention. Discover the potential of non-pharmacological alternative therapies like massage and exercise in complementing traditional treatments. Explore the role of Certified Infant Massage Instructors (CIMIs) and Paediatric Massage Consultants (PMCs) in empowering parents. Join the journey towards holistic ADHD care and improved well-being.

A Short Report for Primary Healthcare Workers in Special Care Neonatal Nurseries/Newborn Intensive Care Units.

In a world filled with technology and fast-paced living, the art of touch holds a timeless significance. Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) Karen Shlegeris, who completed her training with the Infant Massage Information Service, has dedicated herself to fostering the profound connection between parents and their infants through the transformative power of massage. In this article, we delve into the heartwarming work of Karen Shlegeris and explore the invaluable role CIMIs play in supporting families.

Are you interested in becoming an Infant Massage Instructor and gaining valuable skills in baby massage? Our comprehensive baby massage course offers two study options: Online Study and Face-to-Face Study. In this summary, we'll highlight the key features of each option, the assessment process, and the support services available to enrolled students.

This article discusses the benefits of infant massage in addressing postnatal depression. The article highlights the concept of infant massage as a tool for alleviating postnatal depression and promoting mother-baby interaction. The benefits of baby massage, such as stress reduction, improved sleep, and reduced crying, are explored in detail, supported by research studies and expert opinions. The article concludes by proposing the inclusion of baby massage as a complementary therapy for postnatal depression and suggests ways to implement baby massage classes in hospitals and mothers' groups. Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the benefits of infant massage for postnatal depression and offers practical recommendations for its integration into healthcare settings.

Discover how to become a certified infant massage instructor through our Perth baby massage training course. Learn the benefits, techniques, and oils for baby massage. Enrollments start from $1125. Apply online now!

Discover the importance of sensory play for babies and how it enhances their development. Learn about the benefits of baby massage as an example of sensory play and its impact on cognitive, motor, language, and emotional development. Find out why sensory play is crucial for babies and the role of certified infant massage instructors and pediatric massage consultants in teaching parents the art of baby massage. Nurture your baby's senses and strengthen your bond through the power of sensory activities.

Explore the benefits of touch and massage therapy for premature babies in hospitals and discover tips parents can use to comfort their babies to assist with the challenges premature infants face in the hospital environment. Touch is of vital importance for bonding and attachment. The significance of understanding premature babies' body language and following recommended guidelines for introducing infant massage cannot be understanded. Read about the positive impact of touch and massage therapy on premature babies' well-being and the parent-infant bond.

Discover the profound benefits of infant massage and how it can positively impact the well-being of both parents and their babies. Explore the art of infant massage and understand the roles of Certified Infant Massage Instructors and Paediatric Massage Consultants. The Infant Massage Information Service (IMIS) is a valuable resource for comprehensive training, expert referrals, and ongoing support. By promoting the practice of infant massage, parents can deepen their connection with their infants while nurturing their development and overall health.

Discover the joy of playing with your baby through the ancient practice of infant massage. Learn how to get started, find certified instructors, and explore the benefits of dad's active role in bonding with their newborn. Dive into the world of baby massage and create a stronger connection with your little one.

Baby massage is a technique of gently stroking, circular motions, or pressing different parts of a baby's body using specific techniques and oils. It is a wonderful way for parents and caregivers to bond with their baby, promotes relaxation, and provides numerous health benefits.

As parents, we all want the best for our babies, and massage is one way to bond with them while also providing numerous benefits such as improved sleep, digestion, and circulation. However, finding the right massage oil can be a challenge, especially if you're looking for something that won't leave a greasy residue. 

Many parents wonder whether it's better to use baby oil before or after bathing. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons. Read now!

Infant massage is a therapeutic and nurturing practice that has been used for centuries to promote bonding and communication between caregivers and their babies. In recent years, research has shown that infant massage can also have a range of physiological and psychological benefits for both infants and caregivers. Certified Infant Massage Instructors and Paediatric Massage Consultants play a critical role in teaching parents and caregivers the techniques and benefits of infant massage.
 

Baby massage can assist with many issues that come with a preterm baby such as bonding, feed intolerance, growth, digestion, and ultimately timely discharge. Mothers often feel displaced by the hospital environment in their role but by teaching mothers how to massage their preterm baby it can empower them to contribute to their care. Massage is an under-utilized resource in the special care nursery and by educating staff on its benefits it can have a greater uptake on the ward resulting in better outcomes.
 

Baby massage is a simple and effective way for parents to promote relaxation, bonding, and overall wellbeing in their infants during the first 1000 days of life. This critical period of rapid growth and development can have lasting impacts on the child's health and wellbeing. By providing massage themselves, parents can strengthen the bond with their baby, learn to read their baby's cues and respond to their needs, and build confidence as a parent. With the guidance of a qualified Certified Infant Massage Instructor or Paediatric Massage Consultant, parents can learn a variety of massage techniques and create a relaxing environment to promote optimal physical and emotional development in their baby.

Unleashing the Magic of Touch: A Career as a Certified Infant Massage Instructor or Paediatric Massage Consultant. Learn about the benefits of pursuing a career as a Certified Infant Massage Instructor or Paediatric Massage Consultant and the comprehensive training provided by the Infant Massage Information Service (IMIS). Discover how you can make a real difference in the lives of babies and families.

Baby massage is relaxing but it's also stimulating for the nervous sytem.
Massage directly prior to sleep can make it more difficult for a baby to settle because their nervous system has received too much stimulation. Massaging prior to bedtime is like playing with your baby before you want them to go to sleep.

Infant Massage is a vital, dynamic interaction that forms the foundation of relationship building that will last a lifetime. Nurturing touch between a parent/caregiver and an infant enriches physiological, social-emotional, and mind/body/spirit connections for the infant being massaged, as well as for the parent. (Shneider,2003).

Infant massage is particularly suitable for mothers with PND as it focuses on supporting early relationships and interactions between parents and babies, empowers the parent and increases their confidence, teaches about communication and body language and responding to baby appropriately and has many other health/wellness benefits for the infant.
 

If you’re asking yourself, “Why does my baby hate tummy time?” you’re not alone. It’s incredibly common for parents, especially first-time parents, to feel a sense of guilt when their baby hates tummy time. If your baby cries up a storm, rest assured it’s common for babies to feel this way. Before we get into why babies are prone to crying during tummy time, let’s break it down and look at what tummy time is.

Like adults, babies can benefit from massage and even enjoy the process! Massage is effective in helping infants with wind, colic, constipation, and reflux. Baby massage soothes your infant, relaxes them, and helps ease their gas and other issues without having any adverse effects. Knowing how to administer an effective baby massage is a great skill to have for any parent or caregiver.

While adults can medicate newborns for a gassy tummy, the discomfort and pain it can cause will likely keep their little one up at night, resulting in a restless sleep for everyone involved. A massage for a gassy newborn can make all the difference — but for a baby tummy massage to be soothing and effective, parents need to use the correct techniques.

Wondering how long you have to complete your baby massage course, whether there are exams and if you need to attend any on-site classes?

This article helps address some common questions about completing your baby massage course via correspondence. 
 

What is the difference between the Certified Infant Massage Instructor and Paediatric Massage Consultant qualifications?

This article helps address common questions students have about baby massage qualifications to help you determine which option is the right fit for you.

When our little ones are not feeling their best, it can be a very stressful experience for any parent. As a natural and holistic way to help improve the function of your baby’s gastrointestinal tract, the practice of baby massage to help constipation has become increasingly popular over the past few years.

IMIS is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Body Work (NCBTMB) to teach IMIS Infant Massage Instructor and Consultant Training as a 6-hour, home study, continuing education course.

Both research and anecdotal evidence from families have shown there are many ways that babies and families may benefit from infant massage.

APPLY NOW: Sydney baby massage course 19 - 21 August 2022.

Applications are now being accepted for the Melbourne 13-15 October 2023 baby massage course

Have you heard about the benefits of baby massage but feel unsure when it comes what techniques are best?

Have you ever tried to research what oil is best to use for massaging a newborn? If so, you'll know that it's difficult because there is a lot of conflicting information when it comes to what you should or should not be using. So what do you do?

Paediatric Massage Consultant qualification for professionals with a background in health, allied health, natural therapies or early childhood education through the Infant Massage Information Service.

Australia's most widely recognised, evidence-based infant massage courses. Qualify to teach the baby massage as a way to support early parent-baby relationships. The IMIS baby massage correspondence program means you can complete training from anywhere in the world, study in Perth or the Sunshine Coast, Hobart or Darwin, New Zealand or Norway, training is available worldwide.

Learn baby massage from the comfort of your own home.

Easily complete 9 units of study and all competency tasks.
All theory and practical components are completed with full support.

Melbourne IMIS Baby Massage Course June 2025

Infant Massage therapists income is quite varied, with some working in baby massage full-time or part-time, as a hobby and others as volunteers. Many run their own small business and as such, they are able to set their own rates for their baby massage classes and private appointments.

Baby massage therapists are referred to as Certified Infant Massage Instructors (CIMI) or Paediatric Massage Consultants (PMC). Because of best practice guidelines and the desire to achieve the best outcomes for their clients, certified instructors and consultants teach parents how to massage as opposed to providing therapy directly to infants and children themselves.

The type of oil used for baby massage is extremely important. New research shows olive oil and sunflower oil damage the natural skin barrier, exacerbating and possibly instigating eczema. Cold pressed sesame oil (NOT the cooking sesame oil found in the supermarket) actually strengthens the skin barrier.

Baby Massage Training can be completed through the Infant Massage Information Service via a 3-day intensive course (held in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast and Brisbane) or training is available for students internationally via correspondence.

Parents who have been through IVF are at a greater risk of postnatal depression and anxiety and as such, trying baby massage can become even more important. While it's never too late to start, the earlier parents learn about massage the better. Learning and practising techniques on a doll prior to the baby's arrival enables parents to begin massage within the first few days after birth. This may help to prevent or reduce depression and anxiety.

Parents were trained by professional instructors in appropriate massage techniques. Following the intervention, a range of significant results were noted. Compared to control groups, the massaged infants cried less, slept better and had lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone).

The first thing that draws most people to a qualification in baby massage is the babies. While there’s no denying that teaching a baby massage class with a full circle of little people, lying down enjoying their leg massage is about one of the cutest things you’ll ever see, this isn’t the most rewarding aspect of working in baby massage. It’s the parents that sincerely express how grateful they are for your help and explain what a difference baby massage has made to their family.

Did you know that even a small amount of massage each day helps to strengthen a baby's immune system? Research published by the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics shows the 'cell-killing' ability (cytotoxicity) of white blood cells (NK cells) increases when babies receive massage.

Research finds baby massage is effective for increasing mother-infant attachment

Can baby massage really help with reflux? The Infant Massage Information reviews if and how massage can assist.

Infant massage is increasingly popular in Australia. Explore the potential health benefits of this practice and easy ways to try massage at home.

Sounds strange at first but trust us... this is almost every Infant Massage Instructor's favourite aspect of baby massage. Once you know a little more about it, it may be yours too.

APPLY NOW: Applications are currently being accepted for the 18, 19 & 20 October 2024 Brisbane baby massage course

Melbourne baby massage course, 14-16 November 2025

Complete your baby massage training course on the Gold Coast with the Infant Massage Information Service and become a Certified Infant Massage Instructor or Paediatric Massage Consultant

APPLY NOW: A limited number of positions are available at the Adelaide baby massage course, 23 - 25 June 2023.

A woman in the U.S has refused to seek medical treatment for her newborn daughter, leading to the baby's death, a police chief testified in court last week.

Our interest free payment plans are very popular and the majority of students pay their course fees this way.

Sydney / Melbourne / Perth
Adelaide / Brisbane / Gold Coast
International correspondence
Home study

Baby Massage Perth: Applications are now being accepted for the Perth baby massage course, 12-14 September 2025.

Sleep deprivation is nothing to yawn at. Sleep plays a vital role in your health and well-being. Some parents have become so sleep deprived, they are turning to the black market to acquire melatonin tablets. It's a quick fix, but one that can impact hormone levels, affect development and lead to long-term sleep issues.

Application Applications are now being accepted for the Sydney baby massage course, 18 - 20 February 2022.

Menthol-infused baby oil that is commonly used to relieve abdominal pain in infants is dangerous for children under two years of age and their use on infants has been banned by the Food and Drug Administration in China.

If your baby is suffering from wind pain - massage can help.

If you're not sure about what oil to use on your baby's skin, advice from the Infant Massage Information Service on whether or not to use or avoid food based oil can help.