KidsFirst Huron Perth and the Foundation for Education Perth Huron have launched a program to encourage parents to read to their babies.
Starting this week, the parents of every baby born in Huron and Perth will receive a 'Read to Baby Bundle'.
It includes a colourful baby book, a specially designed booklet of rhymes, songs and developmental milestones, and a complete list of service and support agencies for the parents.
Foundation Executive Director Wes MacVicar points out reading to babies strengthens the relationship between the parents and the baby, but also leads to better literacy outcomes for the child.
MacVicar adds Health Unit statistics show there are about 1,300 babies born every year in the two counties, and about 325 of those babies are at risk of developing some kind of communication or literacy problems.
