• What are the benefits of infant massage?
• Can anyone become a Certified Infant Massage Instructor, (CIMI)?
• What is the difference between 2, 3 and 4-day classes you offer?
• What type of oil should and why?
• What is the best time to massage my baby?
• How do I find infant massage parent classes in my area?

Research shows that infant massage has been beneficial in the following areas:

• Helps Relieve Discomfort from Gas, Colic, and Constipation

• Improves Blood Circulation

• Aids in Digestion

• Enhanced Development of the Nervous System 

• Stimulates Neurological Development

• Increases Alertness/Heightened Awareness

• Reduces Stress Hormones

• Improves Immune Function

• The Release of Oxytocin, the Nurturing Hormone

• Relaxes & Soothes - Nurturing Touch is a Naturally Rewarding way to relieve stress for you and your baby.

• Deepens Bonding - Essential one-on-one time that will enhance your intimacy, understanding and ability to nurture.

• Improves Communication - Increases your confidence and sensitivity to your baby's cues.

• Contributes to Development - Stimulates growth and healthy development of your baby's body, mind and spirit.

• Empowers - Enhances your ability to understand your baby's special needs.

• Helps baby sleep better - Helping your baby release stress which builds daily from new experiences means more rest for baby and you; everyone feels better!

For the regular CIMI (R) classes, anyone is more than welcome with any background.  For the NICU CIMI (R) classes, one must have NICU experience.

The two day class is developed for professional with minimal marketing curriculum.

The three day class includes extensive marketing curriculum.

The four day class includes more experimental exercises.

The two day class is 18 CEH, three day class is 25 CEH, and the four day is 30.5 CEH.

We suggest cold-pressed or natural oils. Grapeseed oil is a widely used cold-pressed oil and olive oil is a popular natural oil to use. Usually it is best not to use a nut-based oil unless you know whether or not your baby has an allergy to nuts; this would include any peanut oil or almond oil. We advise against using nut based oils until your physician has cleared your child for oral consumption of nut based products.

According to the Pre and Perinatal Psychology Journal and reiterated by the Touch Research Institute, infant massage has more positive effects on newborns and infants following massage with oil verus massage without oil.

Pick a time that works for both baby and parent. The entire massage doesn't take too long, but if you can't massage the entire body each time that is o.k.  Some families find that combining the massage after bath time in the evening helps the baby enter a deeper and longer sleep. Others report that massage in the afternoon allows for a longer nap, therefore parents can get more done or rest themselves.

Click on the CIMI instructions link on the left-hand side of our home page. This will take you to a full listing by state of some of our certified infant massage instructors.