Infant Massage

Always choose a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI). The International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) is the Global leader in creating the most comprehensive infant massage course guidelines and network. With representation in over 40 countries in the world, the IAIM provides intense high quality training with an international curriculum for instructors and trainers. Infant Massage Australia also provides Australian CIMI training and resources.

Touch is the first sense to develop in the womb at 6-9 weeks and easily one of the most powerful languages of communication a baby can instantly understand.  So touching your baby with positive intent (massage) is a rewarding skill to learn that will last a life a time!

All body cells have “memory” – meaning children who have been massaged as babies are more receptive and aware of healthy touch as they grow older because their bodies are familiar with the positive experience and benefits.

The main purpose of an infant massage course is to help enhance the loving relationship between infant and parents through the medium of “massage”, which naturally encompasses all of the bonding process elements (touch, eye-contact, smell and talking). Bonding is an ongoing process that is critical to shaping a child’s perception of the world.

An infant massage course is a fun, friendly, informal and accredited course specifically designed for newborn to pre crawling infants.

Technically, an infant Massage course involves nurturing touch, Reflexology, Yoga, gentle movements and Indian and Swedish massage techniques.

Certain techniques stimulate while others are designed to relax the baby.

The correct applications of these techniques (including strokes, styles, pressure, rate, rhythm and length of massage time) are easily grasped when demonstrated by a trained professional instructor, who is committed to ensuring all parents can confidently massage their babies and discussing the many considerations related to achieving such skill.

Variations for massaging a growing child are suggested and discussed (from active crawling babies to toddlers, pre-school, school age, teenagers).

In class, the history, effects and benefits of baby massage are covered. Parents are taught how to listen and respect their baby’s body language for massage and adapt the massage to suit each individual baby. Relaxation techniques for babies and parents are learnt. Guidelines are given regarding creating the ‘best’ massage environment and using appropriate oils. Classes are always open for parents to discuss general parenting information or concerns, such as “why babies cry”.

Please note: instructors do NOT directly massage anyone’s baby because instructors must remain “hands-free” to help all parents in class. Using a “real baby” is also not fair on the baby being massaged – babies deserve complete and undivided attention. Instructors recognise that parents are the “experts” of their children and as such, are the only ones ‘qualified’ to work exclusively with massaging their own baby. A life-sized doll is used for demonstration purposes.

Infant Massage Benefits

      ü Provides the opportunity to enhance bonding and relationships

      ü Empowers parents by expanding knowledge and parenting skills

      ü Teaches practical skills – using hands for positive healthy touch

      ü Supports parents by providing positive feedback and increasing confidence

      ü Helps improve handling and caring skills of baby

      ü Enhances weight gain and healthy muscle and brain development

      ü Strengthens the body’s immune, digestion and circulation systems

      ü Relieves baby’s colic, constipation or elimination problems

      ü Relaxes parents and infants (decreases stress hormones)

      ü Increases body awareness – for both baby and parent

      ü Promotes deeper sleep, which improves the quality of sleep

      ü All babies and families are welcome!

Frequently Asked Infant Massage Q’s

Q: Who can learn infant massage?

Basically anyone who has a close interest in the baby’s welfare is welcome to learn baby massage. Instructors work with all types of people – mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, caregivers, guardians, foster or adoptive parents, single parents, young parents, older parents and even “at risk” parents such as those with addictions or abusive tendencies.

 Q: When can my baby have its first massage?

Baby’s massage experience begins in the womb where they are gently rocked in amniotic fluid and then given a more powerful ‘massage’ by the contractions that send them through the birth canal. Parents can begin their ‘massage journey’ with their newborn and given the correct instruction, can continue until they are teenagers! The IAIM course is specifically designed for pre-crawling babies. Private classes are recommended for ‘older’ babies and children who are on the move and not likely to sit still long for the class. The sooner you start massaging your child, the sooner you can experience the benefits of regular massage – it is simply never ‘too late’ to learn massage!

 Q: What do I need to bring to class?

Bring your usual “nappy bag” and baby supplies (wipes, spare clothes, food, drink etc), a waterproof mat for baby to lie on and one towel for baby to lie on and a spare nappy to cover baby's groin area (helps with any 'accidents' when baby is naked during a massage). Parents should wear layered or light clothing because the room temperature needs to be warm for baby but the person massaging the baby will get warm with all the movement that is required for massage!

 Q: What is covered in a typical course?

üThe history of infant massage

üEffects and Benefits of infant massage

üBaby’s body language and cues

üRelaxation Techniques

üMassage Techniques

üPressure, rate and rhythm of massage

üAbdominal Help: colic relief routine

üSafety guidelines for the use of oils

üRespect and bonding

üHints for massaging toddlers and older children

 Q: When are the courses run?

Group Classes take at least 75 minutes each week for a period of four weeks (new courses run every month). Technically-speaking, the first week covers strokes for the legs, the second week involves stomach and chest, the third week includes arms, face and back while the fourth week is learning gentle body movements and putting the whole routine together. Each class involves reviewing the previous lesson which helps further develop confidence and skills previously learnt. New material and subjects are covered at each class. Information handouts are given out at every session.

Alternatively, a private class will take at least 4 classes with 60 minutes at each consultation. The main advantage of private classes is the client’s ability to choose the time that suits them. Parents of ‘older’, more ‘mobile’ babies, premature infants or parents who feel they need a more ‘personal’ consultation may also prefer a private class.

When planning your class, always allow for a little extra time to get to class beforehand and always allow at least 90 minutes for your class - classes always take at least 60 minutes but depending on the babies, may finish later. Just like adults, babies will often be very relaxed and tired after their massage, so try to keep your schedule free after class to suit baby's mood.

Q: When can I NOT massage my baby?

Massage is not appropriate when a baby has unstable joints, factures, has a temperature above 38 degrees, an infectious condition, recent surgery, has acute or unstable or advanced conditions of the heart, kidney or liver and when baby says “NO”. Avoid unhealed umbilicus area and places where the skin has a rash or cut. It is always advisable to consult a child health practitioner before commencing massage with your baby.

Q: Can I purchase a gift of Infant Massage?

Focus On Massage gift certificates are available - simply name the amount you would like to spend, the time frame you would like to give to the parent for massage or some people prefer to pay for the first infant massage class or an entire infant massage course. Please ring and arrange a time to collect your gift certificate. Gift certificates allow you to give someone special a gift of health through massage - it's a gift they can truly enjoy and in the case of infant massage, a gift that will last a lifetime! For more information on pricing and gift voucher terms and conditions, please refer to "Pricing" 

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Looking for more information?

Please go to the resources page for a list of recommended reading, resources and contact details

The infant massage information used above is sourced from the International Association of Infant Massage.

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