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About Belt Canes

The only mobility tool for toddlers who are blind

Belt Canes enable children born blind or mobility visually impaired to begin walking on time, allow later walkers to start walking, and help infrequent walkers to meet their recommended amount of physical activity.  

The Pediatric Belt Cane consists of a lightweight rectangular frame that connects with magnets to a custom-made belt. The cane tips slide along the floor and provide two points of contact.

Diagram of the belt cane Image of three items, the biggest is a standard cane frame, black handles, white shafts, red tips, labels read: Magnetic handles with spring action points to the specialty frame handles below as well, carbon fiber shafts with reflective coating, standard frame. Specialty frame looks the same except it is shorter and the tips turn in the standard frame tips point forwards. The belt is below with the Safe Toddles purple and white logo of a capital T with a black dot on top. Labels read structured belt, rubber foam inner layer, fastener, magnet port. Bottom label reads tips with ball bearings and steel plates.
close up photo of the belt and cane frame.

Adults find the Pediatric Belt Cane easier to keep in position so the child experiences maximum white cane safety. The two-step safety buffer provides sensory feedback as it protects the child from most forward collisions. 

 

Pediatric Belt Canes are an effective, developmentally appropriate mobility tool. Adult oversight is the key to children with MVI/B using the Pediatric Belt Cane. Children are not able to put the belt on or connect the cane frame independently. However, once the Belt Cane is attached, the children need less direct assistance from adults than with hand-held white canes. 
 

All children benefit from the Belt Cane. Children who have direct instruction from certified professionals and whose families use it with them most of the day receive the most benefit. 

Benefits of Early Introduction of
Pediatric Belt Canes

Introducing your child to a Belt Cane at a young age can have many benefits for their development and well-being. Here are just a few:

Increased Independence

Adult confidence in Belt Cane safe mobility results in their creating more opportunities for blind babies to engage in safe and fun independence.

Improved Cognition

Adults found that the ability to keep their children safe led them to engage in more typical toddler play with balls, dolls and roughhousing, less stimming more learning.

Reduced Risk of Injury

Adults love seeing how Belt Canes stop the blind child from colliding with danger, reducing the risk of injury and increasing their safe mobility.

Improved Social Skills

Adults said that when their children wore the Belt Cane they were more social. They enjoyed the playground. At home, they seek out their family and playmates.

The Belt Cane is a safety buffer for parents to use to keep their blind toddlers safe when being physically active. Parents provide the Belt Cane because it enables them to feel confident their blind toddlers are protected as they explore (Ambrose-Zaken, 2022).

Title Safe Mobility O’Clock an analog clock graphic with a black clock hand pointing at 12. from clockwise captions read, 1 to 2 hours Therapy only or age 10 to 11 months, to stand with assistance, 3 to 4 hours Therapy & practice or age 12 months, to stand solo and walk with assistance, 5 to 6 hours  age 15 to 18 months, to walk solo and run with assistance, 6 to 8 hours age 24 months, to walk and run solo, 8 to 9 hours, age 36 months to explore, 9 to 12 hours plus, age 4 years and older, to play well with others

Features of Pediatric Belt Canes

Our Pediatric Belt Canes are specially designed with your child's safety and comfort in mind. Here are some of the key features:

2-year old boy walks with big smile down the road wearing his belt cane.
Standard and custom sizes

Our Belt Cane sizes grow with your child, ensuring maximum comfort and functionality at every stage of development.

1-year-old walking bearfoot wearing his belt cane.
Reflective Tape

Our Belt Canes feature highly visible reflective tape to keep your child safe and visible in all lighting conditions.

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Two Frame Sizes Per Belt Cane

Each Belt Cane set has a standard long frame and a shorter, tight spaces frame. The standard frame is the correct length for the child's height and is recommended to be used for most activities. The shorter frame is designed for use smaller spaces (ex: cluttered living rooms with furniture with legs).

close up of 1-year-old boy walking wearing his belt cane.
Molded grip handle

The handle is designed to comfortably fit small hands and provide maximum grip, ensuring a safe and secure experience for your child.

2-year-old sitting on the floor eating an ice cream pop wearing her belt cane.
Lightweight Construction

Our Belt Canes are designed to be lightweight and durable, ensuring ease of use and maximum functionality.

wearing his belt cane.
Expert Support

Our Belt Canes come with a learning guide to help you teach your child how to use them. Our team of experts is always available to answer your questions. 845-244-6600

Get a Pediatric Belt Cane

Purchase a Belt Cane Directly

Order by 1pm ET and our pediatric Belt Cane ships same day!

*Pediatric Belt Cane costs are currently being sold at a subsidized rate

Join our Research Projects

Participants receive one Belt Cane ($200 value) plus $100 for child participant who is blind/mobility visually impaired to test the Smart Belt.

Insurance Coverage

Durable Equipment Suppliers reimbursed for purchase Belt Cane as it is a Medical Necessity for blind toddlers to walk age appropriately.

Schools & Agencies

Safe Toddles is the sole source for Pediatric Belt Canes. We accept purchase orders and will provide any paperwork needed by your organization.

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