A SUFFOLK pub landlord is set to become an overnight millionaire after inventing a unique baby sleeping suit which can warn parents when their baby's body temperature gets dangerously high.

Russell Claydon

A SUFFOLK pub landlord is set to become an overnight millionaire after inventing a unique baby sleeping suit which can warn parents when their baby's body temperature gets dangerously high.

The world's first colour changing baby grow, which is capable of indicating a child's body temperature, has been invented by Chris Ebejer, of Long Melford - and has been nominated for a product of the year award.

The former magician who runs the Melford Inn conjured up the idea while dozing on his sofa before noticing a documentary about babies not being able to regulate their body temperature in the first 24 months.

The father of one spent �700,000 and six years developing an innovative ink pigment with scientists that features heat sensitive molecules, and embedded them into a cotton baby grow.

Now he is celebrating after signing a �12.5 million contract to produce 900,000 Babyglows a month worldwide, which are set to be launched in October.

The 42-year-old believes his unique product could become known as the “first emergency service” for new parents.

Mr Ebejer, who lives with wife Jane, 44, and son Aaron, 17, in Long Melford, said: “Mothers are going to find these invaluable.

“Heat is invisible. The suits change that and make it visible. It communicates to the mother where a baby can't.

“It doesn't matter how much or how little experience a mother has - it is very hard to spot the early signs of a baby overheating.

“We call it the 'first emergency service' as it can prevent countless problems caused by overheating and spot the early signs of illness.”

The washable Babyglows, set to retail for around �20 each, will turn white from one of three bright colours as soon as the baby's body temperature rises above 37C.

If babies do overheat the results can be catastrophic and can lead to their brain shutting down. Overheating is also an indication of many illnesses, such as meningitis, and is believed to be a factor in cot death.

Mr Ebejer added: “This has been six long, hard years in the making. It has taken over my life but I'm very passionate about it. I believe that this is a product that will save lives. At the end of the day it isn't about making a profit, it's about making a difference.”

The manufacturers are currently overseeing the production of 900,000 Babyglows a month in factories in Pakistan, China and America. Around 200,000 have already been pre-ordered by buyers in the USA. Production is set to reach 1.6 million a month by February next year.

Ian Todd-Weller, the managing director of the product's manufacturer's Quality Workwear 4 U, said: “In my 35 years in the industry I have never seen a product like it. It's such a great idea and a real help for young mothers. It's not just a baby grow, it's a safety garment. This product has massive potential.”

Its official launch will be held on October 13 at the Baby Products Association (BPA) Baby and Child Show in London's ExCel centre. It has been nominated for best innovation product of year at the BPA awards.