MUMS-TO-BE across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire are being urged to make sure they register for the new baby box scheme.

All babies born on August 15 or later will receive a box with the essentials to help them get the best start in life.

Expectant mothers can register to receive the box at an existing midwife appointment after June 15.

Inspired by Finnish baby boxes, the Scottish version includes around 40 items and the box doubles as a cot.

The roll-out follows pilot projects in Orkney and Clackmannanshire which started in January.

The design for the box was unveiled in March and features a forest fairytale, including Highland cows, squirrels and the Loch Ness Monster.

Childcare minister Mark McDonald said: “I’m delighted to announce that all babies due in Scotland on or after August 15 will receive a baby box as part of the national roll-out.

“Scotland’s baby box will help tackle deprivation, improve health and support parents and we’re proud to introduce it.

“It will include materials to promote the best possible outcomes for children and the box itself will also provide a safe space for babies to sleep near their parents, to promote bonding and early attachment.”

He added: “As the scheme formally begins, our delivery partners will work hard to deliver as many boxes as quickly as possible to ensure new parents can start to use them straight away.

“And, from January 2018, all baby boxes will be delivered at least four weeks before the baby’s due date.”

Delivery of the boxes will begin on August 15 and they will be sent to the mother’s home or other preferred address.

Gillian Morton, head of midwifery at NHS Forth Valley, said the baby box scheme has been a huge success in her area.

She added: “We were delighted that Clackmannanshire was selected as one of the first areas in the country to distribute the new baby boxes.

“The response from local families has been fantastic, with many commenting on how useful the items have been during those important early weeks and months.

“The new design of the box has also been well received and I’m sure it will be extremely popular when the scheme is rolled out.”