Magical sleep-inducing doll sends parents into a frenzy

Parents around the world are clamouring for a doll that promises to helps children sleep.

The Lulla doll was created by an Icelandic psychologist, who wanted to find a children’s sleep aid that would imitate closeness to a parent or caregiver. The doll plays a heartbeat and breathing sounds that replicate the sound a sleeping baby would hear.

Some parents say the dolls sound similar to Darth Vader, and are so loud they can be heard in an adjacent room, but many agree that they work – and there’s also the science to prove it.

The team who created the doll tested it in the newborn intensive care unit of Iceland National Hospital, and found they had a range of benefits for premature tots.

The researchers said the doll helped babies to fall asleep sooner, promoted less stress and crying, and helped the babies’ heartbeat and breathing to stabilise.

The initial release of just 5000 Lulla Dolls quickly sold out, and there are waiting lists around the world for the eagerly awaited second shipment.

The dolls have been attracting fierce bidding wars, selling for as much as £500 on online auction site, eBay.

Other parents have been putting out desperate calls to Facebook in an effort to track down the dolls.

The toy distributor, Roro Care, is said to be working with suppliers throughout the UK, Australia and New Zealand to fill demand.

The next shipment of dolls is expected to hit the shelves in early September.