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Learn the fundamentals of infant massage and explore techniques for working with healthy, premature, and special needs babies. This 5-hour continuing education course introduces massage therapists to the history and benefits of infant massage, contraindications, proper infant positioning, and massage techniques that can be adapted for different needs and developmental stages.
Whether you are interested in providing infant massage or want to educate parents about massage techniques they can use with their own babies, this course provides practical instruction and resources for developing a foundation in infant massage. The course includes three complete step-by-step massage routines and approximately 45 minutes of online video demonstrations.
In this course, you will learn:
The history and basic principles of infant massage
Potential benefits of infant massage for babies
Contraindications and safety considerations
Proper positioning and handling of infants during massage
Basic infant massage techniques and strokes
How to perform complete infant massage routines
Massage considerations for premature and special needs babies
Potential benefits and considerations for common infant health conditions and disorders
How to adapt infant massage techniques to individual needs
Techniques demonstrated through approximately 45 minutes of online video
Why take this course?
Infant massage provides massage therapists with an opportunity to develop specialized skills for working with babies and to educate parents about appropriate massage techniques. Understanding infant positioning, appropriate techniques, benefits, and contraindications is important when working with this specialized population.
This 5-hour course combines textbook instruction with practical video demonstrations and three complete infant massage routines. It is a useful option for massage therapists who want to add infant massage to their skill set or develop a stronger foundation for educating parents about infant massage.
Describe the history and fundamental principles of infant massage.
Identify potential physical and emotional benefits of infant massage.
Recognize contraindications and safety considerations when working with infants.
Demonstrate appropriate positioning and handling considerations for infant massage.
Identify basic infant massage techniques and appropriate applications.
Describe considerations for providing massage to premature and special needs babies.
Explain how infant massage may be adapted for common health conditions and individual needs.
Apply foundational infant massage techniques when developing an appropriate massage routine or educating parents.
Text: An Infant Massage Guidebook for Well, Premature and Special Needs Babies by Mary Ady, CIMI, 125 pages
It's Baby Time! online instructional video by Realbodywork, approx. 1 hour
Approximately 45 minutes of online infant massage technique demonstrations
Course instruction guide
40-question multiple-choice final exam
Course evaluation
Certificate of Achievement upon completion
Unlimited phone support for course-related questions
The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.
Our online massage continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.
For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.
The book was very helpful and supplemental videos a great bonus! - B. St. Lawrence
This course presents a solid foundation in infant massage. - L. Christy, LMT
Great subject area. Material layed out in a friendly manner. - Elizabeth Williams, LMT
Enjoyed the reading and the exam. Was straight forward, to the point and contained inforamtion I can use. - Macy Kramer, LMT
Which of the following is a benefit of infant massage?
A. Decreases the production of stress hormones
B. Provides relaxation by increasing serotonin
C. Promotes sounder and longer sleep patterns
D. All of the above
Why is mineral oil not recommended for infant massage?
A. It is an unnatural product which can suffocate the breathing process of our cells
B. It does not absorb well into the skin and clogs pores
C. It may produce symptoms similar to dry skin because it interferes with the natural moisturizing process of the skin
D. All of the above
When performing infant massage, about how far should your face be from theirs?
A. 1-5 inches
B. 3-5 inches
C. 7-15 inches
D. 15-24 inches
Course Authors
About the Instructors
Corrine Rubida, BS, LMT
Corrine completed her massage therapy training at Gateway College of Massage Therapy in 1997 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration in 2012. She has been practicing and teaching massage therapy since 1997 and currently holds a massage therapy license in South Dakota. She is also a member of the ABMP. In 2002, Corrine founded the Center for Massage Therapy CE to make professional massage continuing education courses available both online and by mail. Since then, she has developed more than 100 home-study massage continuing education courses and has taught live courses for AMTA and the Gateway College of Massage Therapy.
Sean Riehl, CMT
Sean Riehl, CMT is the founder of Real Bodywork and a leading expert in massage therapy and bodywork education. A pioneer in clinical instruction, Sean began teaching massage in 1991, and has authored numerous textbooks and produced over 30 instructional videos used by massage schools and practitioners worldwide.
Beyond his clinical and educational work, Sean has been a driving force in the wellness industry’s growth. In 2022, he was a founding member of iFlex Stretch Studios, a premier assisted stretching franchise. Following the acquisition of iFlex by the founders of StretchLab in late 2024, Sean served as the Vice President of Training through 2025. In this role, he worked closely with the executive team to elevate training standards and curriculum for hundreds of practitioners before retiring from the position at the end of the year to focus on his educational legacy.
