PATH Solar Powered Infant Warmer

Still In Development Last Update: January 11, 2013

The Program for Appropriate Technology In Health is developing a solar-powered infant warmer to provide initial warmth before skin-to-skin care is provided to prevent infant death by hypothermia. The warmers lightweight photovoltaic modules developed by HighFlex Solar, Inc and phase-change material will be used to store and maintain heat. It will also include a temperature monitoring device. The warmer will be less than $200 and is currently in development. A two year grant will be used to design and test the warmer until introducing a final design. This technology came to our attention through the Saving Lives at Birth Challenge, 2011.