In a shocking incident in 1997, Danish actress Maria Jensen faced a swift response from Child Protective Services after leaving her 14-month-old child outside a New York City café while she and her spouse enjoyed drinks indoors. Despite their frequent checks, concerned patrons alerted the authorities, leading to charges of child endangerment and a brief separation from their child. This reaction highlights a stark cultural divide, as letting infants nap outside in cold weather is a well-entrenched practice in Scandinavia. Here, newborns may be placed outdoors to sleep as early as two days after birth, with most starting this routine around two weeks, according to Linda McGurk, author of There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather.
In Scandinavia, it is common for parents to place their babies outside even when temperatures plummet below freezing, with some reports indicating they’ll nap comfortably in conditions as low as -16 degrees Fahrenheit. The average temperature considered ideal for a sleeping infant is around 21 degrees Fahrenheit, which seems frigid to many outside this cultural norm. Preschools in Sweden even have children napping outdoors until age three, as noted by head teacher Lars Magnusson, who emphasizes that it’s not just the temperature but also the wind chill that they monitor. On particularly cold days, they will bring children indoors if temperatures drop below -4°F.
What Drives This Practice?
The concept of friluftsliv, which translates to “open-air living,” encourages spending time outside to appreciate nature and nurture a sense of well-being. McGurk explains that exposure to natural sounds—like chirping birds or rustling leaves—has calming effects, reducing stress responses in the body, which may benefit sleep quality for both adults and children. Notably, many Scandinavian parents assert that infants sleep better outdoors and experience fewer illnesses when exposed to fresh air instead of the close quarters of a crowded indoor environment.
While some studies support the notion that children who spend more time outdoors, especially in forest schools, tend to take fewer sick days, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has found mixed evidence. However, many parents feel confident in the benefits of outdoor napping compared to traditional daycare settings where germs circulate easily.
Tips for Outdoor Napping
For those considering this practice, McGurk suggests using a stroller or a reclining seat for older toddlers, with a wool underlayer and a snow suit complete with mittens and a bunting bag. Following the Scandinavian adage that “there is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing,” proper preparation is key. It’s crucial to frequently check the baby’s temperature by feeling their chest and ensuring their extremities are warm. A baby monitor can offer additional peace of mind, and safeguarding against animals is also advisable.
Cultural Perspectives
While American culture may view outdoor napping with skepticism, often associating it with neglect, the Scandinavian approach represents a different perspective. Despite the potential for social services intervention, many parents in these regions embrace this practice as a means of promoting health and well-being for their children. If you’re interested in the intersection of parenting and culture, you can explore more on topics like this in our other blog posts at Home Insemination Kit or for authoritative insights on fertility journeys, check out Make a Mom. For comprehensive information on pregnancy and related topics, News Medical is an excellent resource.
In summary, the Scandinavian practice of letting infants nap outside in cold weather is rooted in cultural traditions that prioritize outdoor exposure for health and well-being. While this might seem unusual to many Americans, it highlights a significant difference in parenting philosophies across cultures.
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