Designing and Prototyping of a Portable Cradle Infant Warmer

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal hypothermia is a leading cause of mortality among premature and low-birth-weight infants, particularly in low-resource settings like Rwanda, where access to conventional thermoregulation devices such as incubators and radiant warmers is limited due to high costs and lack of infrastructure. This study aimed to design and prototype an affordable, portable cradle infant warmer (PCIW) to address the challenges of accessibility, cost, and portability associated with existing neonatal warming technologies. METHODS: The PCIW prototype consists of four main components: a cradle bed, a warmpack (containing water, paraffin wax, and sodium acetate), a heating table, and a temperature display unit. The warmpack absorbs and slowly releases heat to maintain the infant’s temperature within the normothermic range (36.5–37.5°C). Performance was assessed using a surface thermometer to measure temperature stability over time, with three experimental trials conducted to ensure accuracy. RESULTS: The prototype maintained a stable temperature range of 36.6–37.4°C for 90 minutes before requiring reheating. The warmpack reached the operating temperature within 25 minutes of heating and demonstrated consistent heat retention. The total cost of the device was approximately $100, making it significantly more affordable than conventional incubators ($1,500–$35,000). CONCLUSION: The portable cradle infant warmer is a cost-effective, non-electric solution for preventing neonatal hypothermia in resource-limited settings. Its ability to maintain normothermia for 90 minutes, combined with portability and ease of use, positions it as a viable alternative to expensive and inaccessible warming technologies.