Become a Certified Infant Massage Coach in 2026
Learn evidence-informed infant massage techniques that help calm fussy babies, improve parent carryover, support pediatric therapy goals, and give you a clinical tool you can use across your whole caseload.
This live 2-day Certified Infant Massage Coach course gives healthcare professionals practical stroke training, diagnosis-specific adaptations, parent coaching strategies, documentation guidance, and confidence implementing infant massage in NICU, early intervention, outpatient, and home-based pediatric care.
July is sold out. September enrollment is now open and filling quickly.
The Certified Infant Massage Coach course was built for clinicians who want practical, evidence-informed strategies they can immediately implement in pediatric practice.
Add expanded implementation support, advanced clinical tools, bonus treatment resources, workflow systems, and additional practice-building materials to help you integrate infant massage into real-world pediatric settings faster and with greater confidence.
THE REAL-WORLD CLINICAL CHALLENGE
When a child is overwhelmed, therapy becomes a battle.
And what makes it harder? These three problems quietly sabotage outcomes — and your schedule.
Parent bandwidth is maxed out
Sleep deprivation + stress makes “one more task” feel impossible — even when they truly want to help.
Cancellations and no-shows increase
Consistency disappears, progress slows, and your schedule becomes a constant rearrange-and-recover loop.
Carryover becomes the missing link
Participation drops in session — and home follow-through becomes a hope, not a plan.
Clinical infant massage doesn’t add more work.
It gives you a system that makes everything else work better.
REAL-WORLD PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
Pediatric therapy is rewarding — and hard.
When a baby or child is dysregulated, physically limited, or overwhelmed, your best plan can turn into a fight. And without parent follow-through, progress stalls between sessions.
Clinical infant & child massage supports regulation first — which makes the rest of therapy easier to deliver, easier to repeat, and easier to carry over at home.
In real-world implementation, providers commonly report outcomes like:
- Improved sleep quality and more consistent sleep routines
- Faster progress when paired with other therapeutic modalities
- Less fussiness with simple, repeatable family routines
- Smoother transitions between activities at home and in other settings
- Higher engagement from both child and caregiver during therapeutic activities
That’s why CIMC teaches a clinical system — built for therapists, by a therapist — for real-world implementation in NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient pediatrics.
A COMPLETE, CLINICAL FRAMEWORK (NOT JUST STROKES)
Introducing the Clinical Infant Massage Integration System
A four-pillar system built for pediatric providers, by a pediatric provider — so you can implement infant massage with confidence in real-world pediatric practice.
Each pillar is designed to improve session outcomes and make the method easy to integrate, document, and repeat.
Pillar 1: Evidence-Based Foundation
Understand the neuroscience of touch, regulation, and development — so your clinical reasoning is clear, credible, and easy to explain to parents and teams.
- Why touch works when nothing else does
- Regulation + state/cue reading
- Language that strengthens parent buy-in
Pillar 2: Stroke Mastery + Protocols
Learn a complete head-to-toe sequence — plus diagnosis-specific adaptations you can use across your caseload, from infants to the growing child.
- Full routine (newborn → growing child)
- Condition-specific adaptations
- Calming vs. alerting strategies
Pillar 3: Documentation + Billing System
Turn massage into a legitimate therapeutic intervention with goals, notes, and documentation support designed for clinical settings.
- Goal-writing templates
- Progress note language + workflow
- Billing guidance for implementation
Pillar 4: Real-World Implementation
Know exactly how to apply this in NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient care — including set-up, session flow, and parent coaching.
- NICU + medically complex considerations
- EI parent coaching model
- Session structure that reduces overwhelm
This is why it works as a system:
You don’t just learn the method — you get the implementation ecosystem: clinical templates, video demonstrations, diagnosis-specific handouts, and lifetime professional support.
See what’s included →BOARD-APPROVED CEUS
Approved by Leading Licensing Boards
Earn 1.4 CEUs (14.0 contact hours) through nationally and state-recognized approvals. Use the arrows to find your board. Hover/tap to pause.
Acceptance varies by state and profession. Always verify with your licensing board.
See the full approval list in the FAQ below.
Included With Enrollment
The CIMC Practitioner’s Clinical Vault: Core Essentials
Your complete clinical foundation for confidently implementing infant massage with infants, toddlers, pediatric clients, and families across real-world therapeutic settings.
Optional Clinical Implementation Upgrade
Your Core Resources Are Included. Expanded Tools Are Optional.
Your CIMC enrollment already includes the Core Essentials Vault. After checkout, you’ll have a one-time opportunity to add the Expanded Essentials upgrade with the CIMC practice doll, oil, parent education systems, and additional implementation resources designed to help you feel even more confident in class and real-world sessions.
Preview the Optional Upgrade ↓WHO THIS CERTIFICATION IS FOR
One Intervention. Many Clinical Lenses.
CIMC is designed for pediatric providers who support infants and young children in clinical, community, and family-centered settings — and want a practical system they can use with their whole caseload.
Real-world pediatric application across NICU, Early Intervention, outpatient, feeding, and family-support settings.
Occupational Therapists
Support sensory regulation, participation, body awareness, and parent carryover.
Physical Therapists
Support mobility, positioning, muscle readiness, and functional movement goals.
Speech Therapists
Support feeding readiness, breath regulation, state organization, and participation.
Lactation Consultants
Support feeding comfort, latch readiness, infant regulation, and caregiver confidence.
Doulas & Midwives
Promote bonding, relaxation, smoother transitions, and newborn family support.
Pediatricians
Give families a practical comfort and regulation tool that supports developmental care.
Nurse Practitioners
Support whole-child wellness, caregiver education, GI comfort, and family-centered care.
NICU & EI Providers
Support neurodevelopment, regulation, early routines, and parent involvement.
And More
Including pediatric nurses, COTAs, PTAs, child life specialists, developmental therapists, and social workers.
14.0 Contact Hours • Board-Approved • Certification Included
Clinical Infant & Child Massage Benefits in Pediatric Therapy
A treatment-ready approach that supports regulation, parent participation, and carryover — across NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient sessions.
- Facilitate bonding & trust between child, caregiver, and clinician to improve engagement.
- Reduce pain & stress so your session can begin sooner and progress more smoothly.
- Support rest & relaxation by helping regulate heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure.
- Increase stimulation appropriately to support sensory development in complex needs populations.
When regulation improves, everything else improves — participation, progress, and carryover between the clinical setting and home.
In the Certified Infant Massage Coach program, you learn to apply these benefits as part of a clinical system built for therapists — with real-world implementation guidance.
CREDITS + PROFESSIONAL APPROVALS
Continuing Education Credits Approved For
1.4 CEUs / 14.0 Contact Hours • Board-approved • Certification included
If your credential isn’t listed, reach out — we’ll help you verify eligibility.
INTRODUCING
The Pediatric Theratools
Certified Infant Massage Coach Course
A board-approved certification and clinical system — built for therapists, by a therapist — designed for real-world implementation in NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient pediatrics.
CLINICAL REFRAME
This isn’t spa massage. It’s a pediatric therapy intervention.
Used clinically, infant and child massage supports regulation, participation, and carryover — which improves outcomes in NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient practice.
Regulation First
Improve state regulation so treatment can start sooner — with less fight, fewer resets, and clearer session flow.
Pain & Stress Reduction
Reduce pain and stress responses that derail your plan, especially with medically complex or sensitive children.
Handling Tolerance
Increase tolerance to touch and hands-on care — so positioning, mobility, feeding, and play are easier.
Carryover That Sticks
Strengthen parent coaching and home routines, so progress continues between visits and families feel empowered.
When sessions feel better, families show up more consistently — and progress compounds. That’s a win for everyone involved.
That’s why CIMC teaches a clinical system — built for therapists, by a therapist — with real-world implementation (not just techniques).
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
A Clinical System You Can Implement Immediately
Built for therapists, by a therapist — so your sessions run smoother, parents follow through, and outcomes improve across NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient pediatrics.
The Full-Body Massage Protocol
A consistent routine (newborn → preschool) that supports regulation and tolerance to handling.
- Head-to-toe sequence (scalp to soles)
- Calming vs. alerting strategies
- Parent coaching language that sticks
Condition-Specific Adjustments
Adapt the protocol to common pediatric diagnoses and sensory profiles with confidence.
- Stroke variations + positioning modifications
- Support for complex needs + sensory differences
- Real-world decision-making guidance
Real Clinical Integration
Turn massage into a documented therapeutic intervention inside your existing workflow.
- Goals, documentation, and billing language
- NICU + EI adaptations and safety considerations
- Session structure that reduces overwhelm
This is not “more information.” It’s a clinical system you can use on Monday — with real-world implementation built in.
Approved for occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals. Earn your Certified Infant Massage Coach credential upon completion.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Add a Clinical System to Your Toolbox — and Reduce Session Friction
This isn’t “another technique.” It’s a clinical system built for pediatric providers, by a pediatric provider — designed for real-world implementation across NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient pediatrics.
What changes for you
When regulation improves, your sessions run smoother — and families are more likely to follow through.
- Less dysregulation that derails your plan
- More engagement in hands-on treatment and therapeutic play
- Better carryover with simple parent coaching routines
- Higher consistency (fewer cancellations/no-shows when visits feel more successful)
- More confidence using a repeatable system with your whole caseload
Ideal for pediatric OT, PT, and SLP providers seeking an infant massage CEU course that supports clinical reasoning, documentation, and implementation.
What you get inside CIMC
Everything you need to implement the method as a legitimate therapeutic intervention.
- Live instruction with capped attendance (for direct feedback & clinical Q&A)
- Take-home test to earn your Certified Infant Massage Coach credential
- Video demonstrations + teach-back support to confirm application
- Documentation system: goal-writing, note language, and billing guidance
- Implementation ecosystem: handouts, diagnosis-specific adaptations, and on-demand resources
Optional Upgrade
Add Expanded Clinical Implementation Support After Enrollment
Get everything included in the core CIMC certification training, PLUS hands-on tools, implementation resources, expanded vault access, and confidence-building support designed to help you feel more prepared in class and successful in real-world pediatric practice.
Your CIMC enrollment is complete either way. This optional upgrade is designed for clinicians who want additional implementation support, parent education tools, hands-on practice materials, and expanded clinical resources.
Proof the New CIMC Works in Practice
Clinicians are already seeing the difference.
“The new manual is clearer, easier to use, and more inclusive. I especially value the focus on developmental differences and embedding massage into everyday routines.”
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Here’s the Schedule
Designed for real-world implementation — so you leave with a repeatable clinical system, not just notes.
- 8:30 AM Welcome, course objectives.
- 8:45 AM Foundations of Therapeutic Touch
- 10:00 AM 15-minute break.
- 10:15 AM Neuroregulation Pathways
- 11:15 PM Principles of Therapeutic Massage
- 12:00 PM 60-minute lunch break.
- 1:00 PM Massage strokes & demonstration.
- 3:30 PM Daily wrap-up and take-home test instructions.
- 8:30 AM Welcome, quick review of day one.
- 8:45 AM Coaching Parents with Confidence.
- 10:15 AM 15-minute break.
- 10:30 AM Stroke demonstration/Teach-back.
- 12:00 PM 15-minute break.
- 12:15 PM Working lunch with massage video demonstrations.
- 1:00 PM Developmental Differences and Adaptive Care.
- 1:45 PM Embedding Massage into Everyday Routines.
- 2:15 PM Pulling it all Together: From Sessions to Systems.
- 2:45 PM Practicum and Professional Growth.
ENROLLMENT DETAILS
Enrollment is limited — and registration closes one week before the session
Earn your Certified Infant Massage Coach credential and get the full implementation ecosystem (bonuses included) for $597, with flexible payment plan options available.
Tip: enroll early to secure your preferred session date and give yourself time to plan.
Approved for occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals. Earn your Certified Infant Massage Coach credential upon completion.
THE COMPLETE CLINICAL SYSTEM (COURSE + IMPLEMENTATION BONUSES)
The Complete Package Value
This isn’t “just a CEU.” It’s a clinical system— so you can integrate therapeutic touch confidently into your practice.
- Certified Infant Massage Coach Course 2-day training • certification included
- BONUS Clinical Implementation Toolkit Templates + language so you can document & justify care fast
- BONUS Complete Video Demonstration Library Rewatch techniques anytime (and coach parents with clarity)
- BONUS Specialized Populations Mastery Kit Adaptations across diagnoses—without reinventing sessions
- BONUS Lifetime Professional Support Network Guidance + community so you never implement alone
Together, these pieces are what turn infant massage into a repeatable clinical tool— easy to integrate, document, and use across your whole caseload.
BOARD-APPROVED CEUS
Approved by Leading Licensing Boards
Earn 1.4 CEUs (14.0 contact hours) through nationally and state-recognized approvals. Use the arrows to find your board. Hover/tap to pause.
Acceptance varies by state and profession. Always verify with your licensing board.
See the full approval list in the FAQ below.
REAL WORLD RESULTS
Infant Massage That Actually Translates to Practice
Therapists don’t come back because it’s “nice.” They come back because it’s a clinical system they can implement immediately — with clearer sessions, stronger parent buy-in, and real carryover.
The Certified Infant Massage Coach course was excellent. Laura kept me engaged for the full two days and taught in a way that was easy to follow. I’m excited to use my new skillset with my patients.
— Kimberly Hartley
Very informative — I can immediately use the techniques with my caseload. Great examples and handouts. I feel like I can use one massage stroke for multiple treatment outcomes.
— Shelby Cross
Laura is an excellent instructor. Her presentation was focused on learning the skills with lots of practice and great feedback. I feel ready to use them right away.
— Carla Soares-Goulet
These are the outcomes you get when you learn a clinical system — not “strokes.”
Ready to implement this with confidence?
BUILT FROM REAL CLINICAL PRACTICE
Why This Training Was Created
If you’ve ever felt like touch could help a child regulate — but you weren’t sure how to apply it consistently across diagnoses, ages, and settings — this course was built for you.
Most CE courses teach techniques. CIMC teaches implementation.
I created the Certified Infant Massage Coach course because clinicians deserve a repeatable clinical system — not a list of strokes you have to adapt alone once you’re back in the clinic.
I’ve worked across pediatric settings where regulation, tolerance to handling, and parent follow-through determine whether a session moves forward. Over time, I built a framework that helps therapists use therapeutic touch intentionally — with clear reasoning, consistent routines, and real carryover.
CIMC is built for therapists by a therapist, with real-world implementation at the center — so you leave ready to use this Monday with confidence.
Laura Barnhart
Pediatric clinician • CEU instructor • Creator of the Clinical Infant Massage Integration System™
If you want a method that strengthens sessions and improves carryover, this training is the next step.
Your CIMC Course Prep Kit
Inside the Certified Infant Massage Coach training, you'll learn using practical tools that support positioning, hands-on practice, and real-world implementation. To make preparation simple, here are the recommended items used during training and in clinical practice.
Practice Doll
Used for demonstration, positioning, and practicing massage sequences during training.
View on AmazonGrapeseed Oil
A lightweight, commonly recommended option for infant massage practice.
View on AmazonTravel Spray Bottles
Helpful for portioning oil for sessions, classes, or caregiver education.
View on AmazonSwaddle Blankets
Used for positioning, comfort, and creating a supportive treatment environment.
View on AmazonThese are recommended tools to support your learning and clinical implementation. You may use similar alternatives based on your setting and preferences.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Still Have Questions Before You Enroll?
Board-required details on approvals, completion requirements, policies, and program objectives.
Is this course approved for continuing education?
Course Approvals & Continuing Education
This course is approved for:
- 1.4 AOTA CEUs
- 1.35 ASHA CEUs
- 14.0 contact hours by multiple physical therapy boards, including: California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia
- 12.75 CE hours by the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy
- 14.4 contact hours by the Kentucky Board of Nursing
- Approved provider for the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
- Approved by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy
- Approved by the IBLCE for 16.0 R-CERPs
Additional States That Accept CIMC for Continuing Education:
Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, DC, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Acceptance varies by state and profession. Always verify with your licensing board.
For questions regarding contact hour approval, please contact Laura at admin@pediatrictheratools.com.
Are there prerequisites for this course?
No. This is an introductory level course.
How is this course taught?
This course is taught in both LIVE and VIRTUAL formats and uses discussion, PowerPoint, video, and demonstration/return-demonstration teaching methods. For the Interactive Distance Learning (virtual) format, you will receive a zoom link by email approximately one week prior to the course date
What is required for completion of this course?
You must attend both days in their entirety, meet all learning objectives, and pass a test with 80% accuracy. (For the distance learning option, you must have a computer with video capabilities.)
What is the cancellation policy?
Learner Cancellation Policy: For a full refund of course registration fees, the learner shall provide a written request to cancel registration no less than 30 days prior to course date. For cancellations less than 30 days in advance, a 50% refund will be provided OR the learner can choose to utilize funds toward a future course date. All refunds to be processed through the Teachable secure payment site.
Provider Cancellation Policy: The CE administrator/trainer shall make every attempt to contact registered learners via email and/or phone to notify of course cancellation. If the course is canceled due to the trainer, the learner may opt to receive a full refund OR apply their registration fee to a future course.
How can I make special needs/accessibility requests?
If you need any special accommodations, please email laura@pediatrictheratools.com
What is the deadline for the virtual course registration:
The deadline for course enrollment is one week prior to the course start date. Courses have limited seats in order to provide individual attention to each student, and registration will close once capacity has been reached. You are encouraged to register early.
What are the course objectives?
Certified Infant Massage Coach (CIMC) — Program Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, the learner will be able to:
- Summarize the historical significance of infant massage.
- Paraphrase the on-going research of infant massage and its evidence-based practice.
- Identify and explain basic concepts of brain development.
- Explain and discuss the development of the sensory systems, and the role of touch on human development.
- Identify and explain environmental considerations prior to initiating massage.
- Describe and identify baby's states and cues.
- Summarize the general principles and benefits of infant massage.
- Correctly return demonstration of Infant Massage Strokes, adjustment of strokes for premature infants, toddler, and growing child.
- Define and describe the signs and symptoms of colic.
- Return demonstration of the Colic and Gas Routine and Baby Yoga movements.
- Discuss the use of infant massage strokes and application.
- Demonstrate massage strokes verbally and physically to the class as a means of instruction simulation.
- Identify various pediatric emotional and physical impairments and describe how to adapt an infant massage routine.
- Identify key aspects of an infant massage private or group session.
- Recall information related to all focus areas of the Certified Infant Massage Coach class.
Quick note:
Acceptance varies by state and profession. Always verify with your licensing board.
NEXT STEPS
Choose Your Path
Enroll in the Certified Infant Massage Coach course, or bring this 14.0 contact hour pediatric CEU certification to your hospital, clinic, or early intervention team as a host site.
Scheduled Courses
Choose a course date and enroll now. Available in LIVE or VIRTUAL formats.
1.4 CEUs / 14.0 Contact Hours • Certification included
Become a Host Site
Bring this pediatric CEU certification training to your organization for staff development or community providers.
Ideal for hospitals, EI agencies, outpatient clinics, and NICU teams • Typical reply within 1–2 business days
