Medics hope a new resource can help reduce the number of cot deaths in Scotland.

From Friday, parents can contact experts at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for advice on how best to safeguard their baby.

The team also provides information about support for families who have experienced a cot death and staff who have been involved in the child's care.

Lesley Nish, from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "It's vitally important that conversations on how expectant and new families can minimise the risk of cot death start as soon as our staff have their first contact with families and continue after the baby is born.

"There is so much conflicting information out there and it's difficult for families to know what is accurate and backed up by evidence."

Lynsay Allan, executive director of the Scottish Cot Death Trust, welcomed the new resource.

She said: "Prevention messages are a really important factor in reducing the number of sudden unexpected infant deaths.

"We understand that handing out leaflets is not enough. It is important to talk about the 'why' behind the messages."

Expectant mother Donnamarie Bell has already benefitted from the new resource.

"Credible information about which products are appropriate for babies is really important," she said.

"You're inundated with so much information when you're pregnant. It's crucial that as an expectant mum, I know what is best and how I can reduce the risks to keep my baby safe.

"This advice should be for everyone, whether you're a first time mum like me or welcoming another new addition to the family."