Neobelt: cost-effective management of neonatal hypothermia

Abstract

This report details the complete design and development process of the Kinotech neonatal warming belt, a medical device specifically engineered to combat neonatal hypothermia in low-resource settings. Neonatal hypothermia, defined by the World Health Organization as a core body temperature below 36.5°C, remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among newborns, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. It is most prevalent in preterm and low-birthweight infants, who are especially vulnerable to rapid heat loss due to underdeveloped thermoregulatory systems and inadequate access to continuous, reliable thermal support. The Kinotech team designed a portable, non-electric warming belt using beeswax as a phase change material for consistent thermal energy. The Neobelt heats the chest of neonates, improving circulation and maintaining core temperature. It is reusable, safe, and suitable for newborn care at home and in facilities. The project employed an iterative design approach, beginning with user needs assessment through healthcare worker interviews and benchmarking of existing thermal devices. Initial prototypes were evaluated through tests on heat retention, temperature uniformity, and beeswax melting, which revealed performance inconsistencies and issues with comfort and reusability. In response, the team undertook a redesign phase guided by user-centered design principles. Material substitutions were made to improve heat insulation and comfort, the belt’s ergonomics were enhanced for better fit on neonates of varying sizes, and the heating chamber was optimized for uniform wax melting and safer handling. Feedback from clinical advisors, neonatal nurses, and biomedical mentors was integrated throughout this process to ensure both functional reliability and user acceptability. Following the completion of design refinements, the final prototype underwent confirmatory testing which demonstrated improved heat retention duration, more consistent surface temperatures, faster and safer beeswax activation, and enhanced wearability. The final version of the Neobelt successfully meets predefined clinical and design criteria, showing promise as a scalable solution for reducing hypothermia-related neonatal mortality in resource-constrained environments. This report documents each phase of the design process from problem identification and ideation to prototyping, testing, and finalization, providing a comprehensive overview of the decisions, challenges, and solutions that shaped the development of the Kinotech Neobelt. The resulting device is ready for deployment in pilot programs and clinical trials to assess its long-term effectiveness and scalability.