Giving Children a Healthy Start found that while there are fewer deaths in infancy and obesity rates are slowing overall, gaps between the health of children in disadvantaged areas and those in better-off places have grown.
Steve Bundred, chief executive of the Audit Commission, said: "The under-fives rarely seem a priority locally. Overall, the findings are disappointing."
He added: "Despite progress, our infant mortality rate remains higher than countries such as the Netherlands, France, the Republic of Ireland and Spain. Even before they are born, for many, place and parents’ income determine their quality of life and their lifespan."
The report found that some parents from vulnerable groups are not using Sure Start children’s centres because they are unaware of the service, or say they dislike the "judgmental nature of health professionals".
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