You can become a Certified Infant Massage Instructor by completing training with the
Infant Massage Information Service (IMIS). Training can be completed online or face to face.
Online training
Online study is self-paced. After
enrolling and paying your course fees, you receive an email with full access to the course content and links to all required video demonstrations. A
baby massage demonstration doll is posted to you so you can practise each technique.
Throughout your study, you have access to one-on-one support from experienced trainers. All assessment tasks can be completed from home. These include:
1⃣ a multiple-choice, open-book theory exam, and
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| 2⃣ two practical video recordings for your trainer to review. |
Once the three assessment tasks are completed, your qualification is issued and you're invited to stay in contact with IMIS for
ongoing support as you begin using your qualification.
Face to face training
Face to face courses run over three days and are held in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, the Gold Coast and Brisbane. All assessment requirements are completed during the three-day program, and you receive your certificate at the end of the final day.
After the course, you are welcome to stay in contact with IMIS for assistance, guidance and support while you begin using your qualification.
What you learn (online or face to face)
Regardless of the study mode you choose, the content and assessment procedures are the same. You learn:
✅ a full-body massage routine for parents to use with their baby
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✅ a routine to support abdominal discomfort, wind and constipation
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✅ how to adapt massage techniques to suit developmental stages
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✅ how to modify massage for infants and children with additional needs
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| ✅ touch therapy and massage for pre-term and low-birth-weight babies |
You also learn related theory topics, including:
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✅ researched benefits of infant and paediatric massage
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✅ suitable products for massage and how to safely test for skin sensitivity
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✅ ideal times of day to massage
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✅ infant body language and cues
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✅ how to structure baby massage classes and appointments
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| ✅ how to promote your services to help families understand the range of ways you can support them as a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. |
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Best infant massage courses near me - dates and prices
IMIS provides one of the most comprehensive infant massage training programs available. Face to face courses are held in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Upcoming face to face dates
Sydney: 6-8 February 2026
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Perth: 20-22 March 2026
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Gold Coast: 22-24 May 2026
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Melbourne: 19-21 June 2026
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Adelaide: 24-26 July 2026
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Sydney: 21-23 August 2026
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Perth: 11-13 September 2026
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Brisbane: 16-18 October 2026
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| Melbourne: 23-25 November 2026 |
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Fees vary depending on the qualification and enrolment package selected.
You can secure your place with a $200 part-payment and pay the balance via an interest-free payment plan. Course fees must be finalised prior to the commencement of training.
Curriculum and competencies covered in educator training
IMIS course content is written and reviewed by industry leaders. Training includes extensive theory and practical components covering pre-term and low-birth-weight infants, special needs, older children and how to run baby massage classes and appointments.
Practical infant massage techniques
| ‣ Permission cues prior to massage |
| ‣ Recognising and responding to infant cues |
| ‣ Safe positioning for massage |
| ‣ Key considerations before massage time |
| ‣ Full-body routine |
| ‣ Passive exercises for lymphatic drainage and flexibility (baby yoga) |
| ‣ Using touch to teach relaxation |
Formal theory
| ‣ Methodology of IMIS techniques |
| ‣ Researched benefits for infants, older children and parents |
| ‣ Basic daily cycle of an infant |
| ‣ Appropriate massage timing |
| ‣ Recommended oils |
| ‣ Stress signals during massage |
| ‣ Routine, pressure and timing for infants with lower abdominal discomfort |
| ‣ Contraindications |
Adapting techniques for special circumstances
| ‣ Wind and constipation routines |
| ‣ Recommendations for infants with reflux |
| ‣ Personalising massage for children with additional needs |
| ‣ Touch therapy for pre-term and low-birth-weight babies |
Respecting children as people
| ‣ Touch, bonding and attachment |
| ‣ Using permission and cue-based responses to support early body safety and autonomy |
Considering the parents
| ‣ Building parental confidence in understanding cues |
| ‣ Importance of parent relaxation |
| ‣ Review of research on massage and post-natal depression |
| ‣ Recognising and responding to signs of post-natal psychosis |
Using your qualification
| ‣ Facilitating classes, private appointments and introductory sessions |
| ‣ Promoting services |
| ‣ Preparing to teach |
| ‣ Class strategies |
| ‣ Paperwork and record keeping |
| ‣ Accessing ongoing support |
Awareness and adaptations
| ‣ Newborn reflexes |
| ‣ Developmental milestones |
| ‣ Modifying massage from birth through adolescence |
Technicalities
| ‣ Child Protection Act requirements |
| ‣ Professional conduct and customer service |
| ‣ Insurance recommendations |
| ‣ Correct terminology |
| ‣ Recommended fee structures |
Graduate outcomes
On completion, students can:
Knowledge
| ‣ Explain key touch therapy and massage techniques |
| ‣ Recognise stress signals and contraindications |
| ‣ Answer common parent questions accurately |
| ‣ Describe appropriate timing and duration for sessions |
Skills
| ‣ Demonstrate techniques clearly |
| ‣ Facilitate engaging demonstration sessions |
| ‣ Perform a full-body massage on a demonstration doll |
| ‣ Adapt massage for children with additional needs |
Application
| ‣ Create a supportive learning environment |
| ‣ Identify and respond to infant cues |
| ‣ Provide tailored advice for families |
| ‣ PMC only: deliver talks to professional groups on research and referral pathways |
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Online infant massage training versus face to face - pros and cons
Choosing between
online and face to face training mostly comes down to your learning style.
Online training - advantages
| ‣ Completely self-paced |
| ‣ No set times to log in |
| ‣ No travel or accommodation costs |
| ‣ Easy to fit around work or family responsibilities |
| ‣ Ideal for regional and remote students |
| ‣ Allows short bursts of concentration rather than full-day attendance |
| ‣ If online study isn't the right fit, you may transfer to face to face training |
Online training - limitations
| ‣ No group interaction |
| ‣ No added insights from classmates |
| ‣ No structured three-day timeframe, which some students prefer |
| ‣ Self-motivation is required to finish the course |
Face to face training - advantages
| ‣ Complete all work within three set days |
| ‣ Real-time feedback from trainers |
| ‣ Opportunities to learn from classmates |
| ‣ Rich discussions from students with varied professional backgrounds (such as midwifery, paediatric physiotherapy, lactation consultancy, early childhood education, community support work and more) |
| ‣ Hands-on learning with the trainer present |
Face to face training - limitations
| ‣ Travel and accommodation may be required |
| ‣ Three full days can feel intensive |
| ‣ Some learners retain information better in a quiet, private environment |
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Funding or scholarships for infant massage certification
Some IMIS students have had their course fees funded by their employer. IMIS itself does not offer scholarships or direct financial assistance, but flexible
payment plans are available.
Payment plans:
| ‣ No additional fees |
| ‣ Enrol with a $200 part-payment |
| ‣ Balance payable weekly, fortnightly or monthly |
| ‣ Course fees must be finalised before training begins |
Ready to start your training?
Enrol today