Sleepless nights for new parents could be a thing of the past thanks to a new invention.

Lynda Harding, 44, has been working with researchers from the University of Brighton to develop and trial a mattress that replicates the soothing environment of the womb.

The product, known as the Easidream, has shown remarkable results so far.

The rocking pneumatic pad sits snugly under any cot mattress and gently moves in waves to keep the baby comfortable.

Mother-of-six Lynda said: “The product also encourages babies to fall asleep on their backs, which is proven to be the safest sleeping position for children under six months old.”

She said this would hopefully reduce the temptation for parents letting their children sleep on the sofa or in bed with them.

A cuddly toy called 'Ewan the dream sheep', which can be attached to the bars of a cot by his Velcro tail, produces calming sounds and lights which help the baby fall asleep.

Lynda came up with the idea after two-and-a-half years of struggling to get her youngest son Bradley to sleep.

She said: “Sleep deprivation is draining. This product would have been a godsend for me so I'd like to see it help other parents.”

Several prototypes were created after she approached the university's Faculty of Science and Engineering. They developed her ideas by trialling different rocking movements.

Fourteen parents and their babies were then recruited to take part in pilot operational trials.

The trials, which took place at the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Hampshire, showed that the babies’ average crying time once they were put down was reduced from 18 minutes to less than one minute. It also took babies 90% less time to settle.

Lynda, of Waterlooville, Hampshire, said: “To see this product go through the whole process, from my initial concept to different designs, to bringing out the final product is phenomenal.

“The fact that the product is actually going on the market is a dream come true.”

The final product has a choice of two different speeds and movement settings and works on a timer of up to 45 minutes.

With the help of ex-Dragon's Den entrepreneur and consultant, Rachel Elnaugh, the nursery owner will be launching the Easidream at the Earl's Court Baby Show in October and will be selling the product on her website www.easidream.com.