Project Description: 

Newborns are not able to regulate their own temperature, which puts them at a high risk of developing neonatal hypothermia. Hypothermia is defined as a drop in temperature below 36.3°C degrees, and every degree drop in temperature increases the risk of mortality by 80%. The neonate is at the highest risk of developing neonatal hypothermia during intrahospital transportation. Current devices in the market don’t address the needs of low resource environments as they are either expensive or not efficient in providing heat. Our device is designed to provide warming and can function completely without power, has the ability to be transported easily, while still providing the optimal heat to the newborn. Chemical warming packs inserted into a drawer in the device provide power-free heat and are also reusable. Several insulative and conductive layers are incorporated to optimize heating. It further consists of a rolling frame designed specifically to fit the bassinet, which allows it to be easily pushed throughout the hospital. However, in the event that rolling is not possible (such as transport from one floor to another) the bassinet can also easily be removed and carried via handles.