About Belt Canes

A medically necessary tool for infants with a MVI/B

Belt Canes detection of and protection from obstacles enable infants born with a mobility visual impairment or blindness (MVI/B) to walk, allows later walkers to start walking, and helps infrequent walkers to meet their recommended amount of physical activity.

3-year-old boy happily works a toy remote control air plane on the city sidewalk wearing his belt cane.

A one-year-old boy walks down the stairs wearing his belt cane.

two-year-old boy throws a ball in a school gym wearing his belt cane.

a 2-year-old boy walks down a school hallway wearing his belt cane.

a 3-year-old girl blows the viewer a kiss wearing a tiara, red Miss Texas sash and her belt cane.

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.

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 and reliably detects drop offs.

Pediatric Belt Canes are medically necessary for children with a MVI/B to walk and they are covered by Medicaid. Adult oversight is the key to children with a 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, children get more protection with less help from adults than with a hand-held canes.

Children with a MVI/B require a Belt Cane during the recommended daily activity hours. At 10 months, 1 to 2 hours a day. By 18 months, they need to wear their Belt Canes 5 to 7 hours a day, every day.

Benefits of Early Introduction of
Pediatric Belt Canes

Providing a Belt Cane to your child is a medical necessity because it provides detection of and protection from obstacles which benefits their development and well-being. Here are just a few examples of the benefits of wearing the Belt Cane during recommended daily activity:

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

Infants, toddlers, and children defined by walking ability. infants do not walk, toddlers meet milestones. Preschooler swalk 8 to 9 hours a day. Preschool children with a mobility visual impairment or blindness walk and play as many hour sa day as their parents provide them Pediatric Belt Canes.

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.

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, specialty 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.

Expert Support

Our Belt Canes come with a our Start with Safety curriculum learning guide to help you include the Belt Cane into your daily life. Our team of experts is always available to answer your questions. 845-244-6600