THE Neonatal Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary is highlighting the importance of reading to tiny babies.

This new chapter in neonatal care has come about thanks to neonatal consultant, Aishin Lok.

She has been working with Bradford Library Services, who gift Book Trust ‘Bookstart’ packs to the tiny patients and their families.

Dr Lok said: “I am really pleased to have been able to restart the programme as research shows reading to babies from a very early age has a very positive effect on their neuro development.

“This is particularly true in the case of tiny babies who are at a high risk of developmental delay; as a Level 3 neonatal unit here in Bradford, we look after some of the sickest babies.”

She added that all the families of the babies on the unit now receive a pack of story books including nursery rhymes.

“Reading to babies is so important both for babies and their parents. It reduces anxiety and stress levels and has a soothing effect on babies.

“Many babies in our neonatal unit are at high risk of developing communication and literacy difficulties in the future so by exposing them to early, we encourage optimal brain development for them.”