In America, parenting comes with a set of unwritten rules that can sometimes make cultural differences difficult to understand. What might be considered normal in one country can be seen as unusual or even dangerous in another. One practice that may raise some eyebrows in the U.S. is the Scandinavian tradition of letting babies nap outside, even in cold weather. In many Scandinavian countries, parents bundle up their little ones and leave them outside to nap while they check in from time to time. To those unfamiliar with this custom, it may seem shocking or even alarming.
But in Scandinavian countries, napping outdoors—whether it's winter or summer—is common practice. Babies are often left outside in their strollers while parents go about their day, sometimes without being right next to them. This might sound strange to an American ear, and in the U.S., it could even trigger concerns from Child Protective Services.
However, with the increasing popularity of Scandinavian-style forest schools in America, this unconventional practice might eventually gain acceptance here as well. Could the trend of outdoor napping catch on?
In America, it's generally believed that babies and freezing temperatures don't mix, which makes the idea of outdoor napping hard for many to accept. Yet, just as forest schools have long been a norm in some countries, it’s possible that outdoor napping may become more accepted in the U.S. in the future. But what motivates Scandinavian parents to let their infants nap outside in the first place? Researchers and parents alike believe that outdoor napping can strengthen a child’s immune system, improve mood, and lead to longer, better-quality sleep.
While sleeping outdoors in cold temperatures might sound uncomfortable, there’s research to back it up. A Finnish study from 2008 found that babies who nap outside actually sleep longer. So perhaps there’s something to this practice after all.
In 2020, Danish musician Amalie Bruun posted a photo on Instagram showing her baby napping outside, which sparked a conversation among commenters who shared that they, too, placed their babies outdoors for naps. While there are risks—like hypothermia in the winter or sunburn in warmer months—many Scandinavian parents stay close by and monitor their babies to ensure safety.
Despite the apparent benefits, parents in the U.S. should be cautious about adopting this practice, as it may be met with misunderstanding. A famous incident in 1997 involved a Danish actress in New York who was arrested and strip-searched after she placed her baby on the patio of a restaurant to nap while she and her partner had drinks inside.
Cultural differences aside, parents everywhere are simply trying to do what’s best for their children, whether that’s ensuring better sleep, fresh air, or a few moments of peace for themselves. If outdoor napping turns out to be the secret to longer naps for babies—and some quiet time for parents—it could very well catch on in the U.S. But until then, bundling up and enjoying a nap in the fresh air may be a Scandinavian practice best left for Scandinavia… at least for now.