Our First Touch Program

The First Touch Program is a relationship-based intervention that takes the form of a five-session parent-baby group program. Using a health promotion framework, the program addresses the specific security and interaction needs of infants, as distinct from older children.

The First Touch Program uses evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies to support and promote the development of healthy, secure attachment relationships between parents and infants. Activities in the First Touch Program involve a mix of infant massage, use of sensitve/ responsive touch, voice, singing, pacing, eye-gazing, movement and other interactions and is used in diverse clinical, community and social settings across Australia.  Learn More

Nationally accredited training to support parent-infant interaction

We provide nationally accredited training to qualify graduates to deliver the First Touch Program to parents and babies. This course also certifies graduates as an Infant Massage Instructor. Our graduates work in health and community services, as well as in private practice.

This course is the only training program available in Australia which meets the government & industry approved competency standard forDelivering Infant Massage Education to Families. Graduates receive a a nationally (government) recognised Statement of Attainment, meeting the International Association of Infant Massage Australia certification standards. Some scholarships are available. Learn more.

Take an in-depth look

Our First Touch Program brings together many different types of evidence-informed and scientifically-grounded interventions to support the development of early parent-baby relationships. Interestingly, research shows the simplest of measures to support parent-baby bonding and high-quality relationships in the first 12 months is one of the single, most effective things we can do to reduce impacts of violence, poverty and social isolation.  The focus of our work is to support parent-baby relationships to promote this early development. Take an in depth look at ths science that informs our work. Learn more.

For parents and health services: Find a Certified Educator

Find a First Touch Program in your area, with a Certified educator trained to national accreditation standards. Our educators provide community-based and public programs, private groups (e.g. for mothers groups), as well as contract sessions for health and community services. Search now.