MORE than a third of parents are missing out on an early opportunity to boost their children's reading skills, by not reading to them when they are babies.

A new report by Booktrust shows that 37 per cent of parents never read with their baby, despite the benefits it can bring.

Past research has shown that if a parent reads to their infant every day they will be almost 12 months ahead of those who are read to less often, in terms of their reading and language skills.

Head of Early Years at Booktrust, Nicole Walker said: ‘It’s never too early to start enjoying books with your child – even tiny babies that are too young to understand the story will be soothed and calmed by your voice when you share a book with them.

"The more words a baby is exposed to, the better prepared they are to eventually start reading on their own; and above all reading together is fun.

"Developing the habit of reading with your baby right from their first days will teach them that reading is something to be enjoyed and that attitude will foster a love of reading that will take them through school and into adulthood."

Booktrust’s flagship reading programme - Bookstart - supports parents and carers to enjoy books with their child from as early as possible with the gift of free books to children in the first year of their life and again when they are three to four years old.

For more information on getting your free books, plus tips and advice, visit www.bookstart.org.uk, or visit your nearest library.