IAIM Classes for Parents – Bond, Learn & Relax With Your Baby

Join IAIM Classes for Parents – Nurture Your Bond, Learn Together

IAIM classes are designed for parents to attend with their babies (from birth to one year old), as the program focuses heavily on observing and responding to baby cues. For this reason, expectant parents are encouraged to wait until their baby is born before joining a class.

The IAIM program is founded on a deep respect for babies. Therefore, instructors demonstrate the massage strokes exclusively on a demonstration doll. Only parents massage their own babies, ensuring the focus remains on enhancing the intimate bonding process between parent and child.

During the five-session course, parents learn how to massage their babies while gaining valuable insight into the practice. Topics include the best times to massage, proper positioning, selecting the right oil, creating a soothing environment, and the importance of asking for the baby’s permission. The curriculum also explores infant behaviors, reflexes, and cues, alongside a specialized routine designed to relieve colic, gas, and constipation.

It is important to recognize that some parents may be unable or prefer not to attend a group class. IAIM instructors approach these situations with sensitivity and active listening. When appropriate, they can offer private, one-on-one sessions where:

  • All standard IAIM course content is comprehensively covered.
  • Parents receive individualized attention and a tailored approach.
  • The pacing and environment are adjusted to fit the family’s unique circumstances.

In every class setting—whether a group environment or a private session—parents can expect a welcoming, accepting, and non-judgmental atmosphere.

The IAIM program is highly adaptable and can be safely used for premature babies and children with special needs.

The course also covers how to adapt the massage techniques as the baby grows, allowing parents to extend the program’s benefits throughout their child’s development.

In addition to learning the massage strokes, each session includes discussions facilitated by the IAIM Certified Instructor, providing a space where parents can learn from one another. These discussions cover various topics such as sleep, feeding, crying, returning to work, adjusting to siblings, and general family life.

Parents are encouraged to participate in group classes for several reasons:

  • They provide comfort and reassurance in a supportive environment.
  • They offer opportunities to socialize and share the challenges and joys of parenting.
  • They help reduce feelings of isolation, the “baby blues,” and postnatal depression, promoting overall emotional and mental well-being.

supporting material

IAIM Nurturing Touch for Babies – The IAIM Approach, commonly known as the IAIM Book, is designed to support the parent and baby classes conducted by IAIM Certified Instructors.

The content offers an introduction to the history, background, and benefits of infant massage, as well as the most important aspects of a parent course. This includes guidance on choosing oils, asking for permission, knowing when to massage, and reading a baby’s cues. It also provides detailed illustrations of the massage strokes so parents can use it as a reference after completing their five-week course.

The book is currently being translated into several languages. To obtain a copy, please contact your local Chapter. If there is no Chapter in your country, please reach out to a nearby Chapter or email us at info@iaim.net.

Please note that IAIM is the exclusive owner of the intellectual property rights to the IAIM Nurturing Touch for Babies book, and it is fully protected by copyright laws.

IAIM testimonials

What Parents think of us

“As my children grew up, I looked for those quiet moments when they really appreciated a massage. Sometimes it was when we all snuggled up in bed. Sometimes it was when I was visiting with a friend and a child found my lap was free and crawled in for a rubdown. Or after a bath. Or when they were sick. My youngest, who is now 19, still likes me to give her a massage. And sometimes she gives me one, too.”
A MOTHER
FROM UNITED STATES
“My twins are typical toddlers in lots of ways, but there really haven’t been any out of control fits or screaming or anything like that, and they’re both pretty centred for the most part. I give massage most of the credit for that”
SINGLE DAD OF PREMATURE TWINS
FROM DENVER, COLORADO, USA