The adjustable cot, for babies up to three months, was the brainchild of 24-year-old, Jacqueline McKay, a native of Sion Mills, but who now lives in Derry with her two young sons.

Jacqueline who suffers from bi-polar disorder, revealed the details of her invention for the first time to the 'Journal' this week after it was confirmed that her idea was 'patented' for the next year.

This means that she can now market her idea to local businesses and if it gathers enough momentum and interest in the product idea, it could be developed into a viable product for sale.

Jacqueline said that she was inspired by her own experiences of giving birth and breast feeding her two sons as a single parent and this spurred her on to invent what she describes as a "necessity" for all new parents.

"I came up with the idea after the birth of my son, I was breastfeeding him and I was up with him for hours at a time every night. The pain after giving birth and having stitches and then breastfeeding really took it out of me and I was constantly feeling tired.

"I just thought to myself 'wouldn't it be great if I could have my baby right beside me in a cot so I could lift him in and out without having to get up and down from my own bed?" he said.

She continued: "For me this idea is a necessity for every new parent, rather than a luxury item. It is multi-functional item as it comes in a suitcase, so when the baby is too big to sleep in the cot it can be used as a travel bag to store nappies and clothes and it can even be used as a changing table when parents are out and about."

The portable cot would be attached to the side of the bed comprising of a box like structure with a support structure extendable from one side of the box to be placed between the mattress and the base of the bed.

Jacqueline said: "Parents often like to keep their infant in the bed beside them so they can listen to their baby's breathing and maintain a close bond.

"However, for safety reasons this is not allowed by midwives, so this portable cot is the next best thing to having your child in the bed with you.

"It allows you to monitor their breathing and easily reach into them as you need to for feeding or simply for peace of mind," she said.

Jacqueline will be taking her patented idea to mother and baby businesses in the hope that they will express interest and would be willing to sell the product in their shop.

If you are interested in the idea please contact 02871 272242 for further information.