Newborns are very vulnerable to being smothered or dying from hypothermia. The heated whelping box kit we’ve developed prevents both of these. A perimeter shelf, or pig rail, is placed just above the floor to protect the newborns from being pushed against the outer wall and trapped or suffocated. The floor under the rail is heated to keep the newborns warm. They’ll stay in this safe and warm area and then move to the mother to nurse. The added benefit is that only the floor perimeter is heated, the mother is not continually subjected to additional heat and stress.
You can find more information about the Heated Whelping Kit at My Breeder Supply.