A doll developed in Iceland that mimics an adult's heartbeat and breathing is now available in New Zealand - and its maker says it will help prolong babies' sleep.
The Lulla doll's creator, Eyrun Eggertsdottir, a mother of two who has studied psychology, claims the recording emitted by the doll - a 20-minute loop of breathing and heartbeat that can last up to eight hours - helps lull babies to sleep and stay asleep longer.
The doll, which will be on display at the Baby Show at the ASB Showground in Auckland from Friday, looks unisex and "unirace".
Sleepytot managing director Fiona Boodee, who brought the doll to New Zealand, says the first shipments of the products immediately sold out. A load is on the way to New Zealand and she has a waiting list of people wanting to buy the $110 cotton, microfibre stuffed tot through her website.
The breathing sound was made by recording a yoga teacher in a deep meditative state.
