Cot invention that mimics the womb: A dream come true for tired-out mums
A revolutionary new cot mattress that simulates the sensation of the womb could spell the end of sleepless nights for parents.
The invention, which has a series of inflatable pads and is placed under the existing mattress, reduced the time it took to settle babies by up to 90 per cent in trials.
Good night's sleep?: The Easidream mimics the sensations of the womb to keep babies happy at night
The pads gently fill with air and then deflate again, mimicking a rocking motion.
And a cuddly toy sheep clipped to the side of the cot broadcasts the sound of a mother’s heartbeat, along with a choice of sounds, including a vacuum cleaner and harp music.
Vacuum-cleaner noise has long been known to help calm babies because it is similar to the whoosh – or white noise – heard in the womb, while studies have shown that harp music can help to soothe and relax.
The motion of the pads also encourages babies to sleep on their backs, recommended as the safest position for babies under six months old.
The product, Easidream, was developed by mother-of-six Lynda Harding after she battled to get her youngest child Bradley, who is now seven years old, to sleep as a baby.
Mrs Harding, 44, of Waterlooville, Hampshire, said: ‘Sleep deprivation is draining. This product would have been a godsend for me so I’d like to see it help other parents.
'The fact that the product is actually going on the market is a dream come true.’
Researchers at the University of Brighton developed a prototype. Fourteen sets of parents, all with babies, signed up for a trial during which they had to complete sleep diaries.
Revolutionary: The system's makers claim it reduced the time babies take to settle in 90 per cent of trials
Nursery nurse Jane Hale, 32, from Portsmouth, was one of the volunteers who signed up with her six-month-old daughter Isabelle.
She said: ‘We used it for two weeks and Isabelle absolutely loved it. She was asleep within two minutes.
'I couldn’t believe my eyes. This changed our lives.’
The product will be launched at the Baby Show in London in October.
Jeanne Tarrant, from the Royal College of Midwives, said: ‘Babies do respond to hearing their mother’s heartbeat or white noise and it usually sends them to sleep.
'A rocking motion can also help. Anything that reminds them of being in the womb is useful.’
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