When I first read about the Lulla doll, I was intrigued. My baby daughter is not the most avid sleeper – she wakes around 2am for a feed, and most nights she'll go to sleep around 9pm – on weekends it can be as late as 10/10.30pm. She's not grumpy or overtired at night – it just seems she needs less sleep.
I had read rave reviews on the doll, and how parents overseas were scrambling to get one. The dolls were first released on Indiegogo, and they immediately sold out. There was even a bidding war on eBay with people paying up to $350 for a doll, which had initially sold for $71 each.
What is a Lulla doll
The Lulla doll, created by Roro Care, is made of soft cotton and emits a steady heartbeat and soft breathing sounds for up to eight hours (rechargeable batteries are recommended for usage). The doll can also soak up a parent or caregivers' scent if kept next to their skin, helping the doll take on another nurturing feature.
The doll also comes with a set of velcro straps, so that they can be attached to a cot or shelf so that infants can sleep near the doll without it being loose in the crib with them.
Eyrún Eggertsdóttir, the founder and CEO of Roro, says that the design of the doll is based on scientific research, taking into account the effects of heartbeat, breathing sounds, smell, sight and touch on small children.
She says that when babies hear these sounds, they tune into them and start following the rhythn that they hear. When babies feel more relaxed and stable, it helps them to fall asleep and stay asleep for longer at a time.
More about the design
Did it work for us?
Those who are friends with me on Facebook now from my 9.30pm postings that my one-year-old generally goes to sleep later than what is usual. I knew a doll was never going to change that fact, as I believe she just needs less sleep.
What the Lulla did help with was helping Rebecca get to sleep once she was in her cot, and over time, she very easily fell asleep next to the doll. She hasn't started sleeping through, and still wakes around 2am for a quick feed, but again, I don't blame the doll for not seeing her though to morning without being hungry.
Rebecca now sleeps with the dolls every night, and it's a huge source of comfort and company to her.
To find out more about the Lulla doll, watch this video:
