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Intro: How Sleeping in Fresh Air Can Boost Your Baby’s Health, Happiness, and Development
In the Scandinavian and Nordic countries, children take their afternoon naps outside, nestled comfortably in their baby carriages starting at just two weeks old. They are, of course, dressed in appropriate, high-quality, suitable clothing for the season and time of year, with wool always being the main base layer.
Even in sub-zero temperatures, outdoor napping can be very beneficial for babies and young children. Not only does it give kids more outdoor time, but it can also improve their mental health and cognitive development. And it's an excellent way for children to breathe in the fresh air and get some much-needed rest.
Foreigners are always so surprised, stunned, and flabbergasted (I love that word) by all the infants sleeping comfortably curled up in their strollers during the winter. In many other parts of the world, babies would be tucked inside their houses, bundled up in a warm blanket, or snuggled on someone's lap while out and about. But not in Norway.
“Even in sub-zero temperatures, outdoor napping can provide a world of benefits for babies and young children.”
And while we are on the topic: sleeping outside is not just for babies and children either! Adults also benefit from taking a nap in the great outdoors. A recent Finnish study proved that napping outside can help with seasonal depression, increase creativity and even cure insomnia.
The Science Behind Outdoor Napping for Babies and Kids - And Why It’s Good for Them
Napping outside is safe for babies and young kids in frigid conditions and warmer temperatures. Period. Nordic parents have been doing this for centuries because they believe it's healthy. Besides, interacting with nature, an essential part of human development, helps children learn about colors, shapes, textures, and more.
Babies are born with an instinct to sleep outside because it is how they would have slept in the womb. They are used to being tucked in, warm and comfy.
You might be shocked that most Norwegian children in private and public daycares sleep outside. Parents either have extra strollers or baby carriages at the daycare center (called barnehage) or bring one when they drop off their child in the morning.
The Ultimate Guide to Wool Layering for Outdoor Sleeping
Dressing your baby or child with a base layer of wool next to their skin is the most important thing you can do to keep them warm. Polyester is NOT recommended. The wool yarn will ensure that no heat escapes. The next layer should be a fleece or wool romper that serves the purpose of further insulation. And last but not least, put them into a high-quality one-piece snowsuit and top them off with a wool hat and warm mittens before you snuggle them into a down-goose sleeping bag.
Another vital aspect to note is that Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland are all Nordic countries with extremely low crime rates compared to countries like the United States. As a result, you never hear of babies or children being kidnapped or strollers taken. And that's also why you will see so many sleeping babies in rows of prams outside on busy city sidewalks, in green spaces, or in front of coffee shops or the local grocery store.
“You might be shocked to know that most Norwegian children in private and public daycare sleep outside.”
The Truth About Outdoor Sleeping: What Experts Say About the Benefits and Risks
Several positive studies have been conducted on the benefits of children sleeping outside in cold weather. However, Marjo Tourula from The University of Oulu in Finland concluded:
1. The topic needs to be studied more
2. Correct warm clothing is essential
In other words, some doctors are for outdoor naps, and some are against them, as with everything else. So you have to make an educated decision yourself.
However, Norwegian mothers choose to listen to their Nordic doctors, midwives, and their motherly instincts. We don't talk about letting our kids sleep outside daily because it's considered common sense in Norway and ingrained in our society. It's just not a big deal, not even a little bit.
“Children are raised to admire, respect, and enjoy all the gifts mother nature provides.”
How Outdoor Sleeping Can Benefit Your Child’s Health and Development - 10 Amazing Reasons
Outdoor living (friluftsliv) is part of the Norwegian everyday lifestyle. Children are raised to admire, respect, and enjoy all the gifts mother nature provides them from birth. Generations of Scandinavian parents have firmly believed in living in and with nature, including letting children enjoy their nap time outside in cold temperatures.
feeling happier
have better concentration
improved memory
better sleep and longer naps
good for physical development
improved creativity
heightened senses
faster cognitive growth and motor skills
fewer winter colds because cold air decreases exposure to germs
they develop a closer relationship with the sounds of nature
How to Celebrate and Respect Cultural Diversity in the World
Norway is one of the oldest European countries with a strong cultural heritage that is very much rooted in its history. The population is approximately 5.4 million, and the crime rate is extremely low. Norway also hosts a lot of weather, and we've had to adapt to it in the best way possible to live and thrive. And therefore, an outdoor lifestyle has been in our gene pool for a long time.
It's always fun to talk to tourists, especially Americans, because they're always so stunned, and at times critical, of our outdoor way of life. And when I tell them about the "free to roam" laws, they are blown away. Now, you might be asking what this has to do with children sleeping outside? Well, I'm just trying to say that, just like people, countries are different, too. Each has a unique personality, historical traditions, and ways of living. And Norwegians love the simple and environmental way of life that nature provides.
So what might be odd, strange, and inconceivable in North America might be the norm for Scandinavians. And vice versa.
How Daycare, Parental Leave, and Health Care Make Norway a Great Place for Families
Other nations often look to Scandinavia for child development ideas. The region's childcare arrangements are among the most generous in the world, supporting parents from pre-natal days until school and more.
Norwegian parents are entitled to a flat-rate child benefit allowance of approximately $160 monthly for each child. The assistance is doubled for single parents. Kindergarten hours are 10 hours per day at an average rate of $300 per month, which allows parents more flexible hours to drop off and pick up their kids.
“I am very grateful to live in Norway, with its social benefits, natural beauty, and economic opportunities.”
Parental leave is 49 weeks (15 weeks are reserved for each parent) with 100% coverage or 59 weeks (19 weeks are reserved for each parent) with 80% coverage. To encourage workplace diversity, fathers must take at least 6 weeks of parental leave, compensated by 80% to avoid payment interruption. The Norwegian government pays for this through social programs; all citizens are eligible.
Note: These figures may be subject to change.
Norway's healthcare system is highly regarded, and much of it is funded through employers' contributions and employee taxes. Its automatic enrollment and services covered include mental health, general care, ambulatory services, and prescription drugs.
The Norwegian Holidays Act states employees are entitled to at least four weeks and one day of vacation per year. However, most employers in Norway offer five weeks of vacation each year. In addition to the approximate 12 public holidays, most Norwegians have the opportunity to turn overtime into paid leave. This allows for an outstanding work-life balance, even in the private corporate world. You also get paid if you must stay home when your child is sick.
I am very grateful to live in Norway, with its social benefits, natural beauty, and economic opportunities. Yes, the weather can sometimes be challenging, but as we say... there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
Conclusion: Tips and Advice to Safely Let Your Child Nap Outdoors
There is no such thing as bad weather. Only bad clothing is Norway's main mantra. But this doesn't mean you should let your baby or child sleep outside in all types of weather conditions; you have to use your instincts and make sensible choices like:
Dressing them in warm layers, starting with wool next to their skin
Make sure the baby carriage has a raincoat cover for protection
Take them inside if the temperature is below - 10 degrees Celcius or + 15 degrees Fahrenheit
