Nordic parents let their babies sleep outside, people are loving it

A TikTok video posted by Australian user Olly Bowman has gone viral, showing something many of us might find shocking: baby strollers lined up outside in sub-zero temperatures, completely unattended. In his video, titled "Another day in Norway, another group of babies left out alone in the cold," Bowman films the strollers with no parents in sight, explaining, "It helps with their breathing and makes them more independent."

The video has sparked a wave of reactions, especially from viewers in the United States. One user, @kristacole4, shared her concern, saying, "Babies being left outside for mums to shop and in America, we are scared to send any age to school." Another commenter, @reyana.fit, humorously responded, "Me & my baby moving to Norway. Seems like a place ppl mind their own business."

This isn't the first time this practice has caught attention online. In September 2022, TikTok user @annieineventyrland, a mom of four, posted a video showing rows of baby strollers outside a Danish shop. Her video, which garnered 16 million views, explains, "The Danish practice of having your baby sleep outside in their stroller is not only the cultural norm but it's even recommended by your midwives and baby nurses." She noted that babies are left outside "in all kinds of weather," bundled in "lightweight wool and a down duvet" to keep them cozy while their parents shop or enjoy a coffee nearby.

When Danish musician Amalie Bruun posted a photo of her then four-month-old son on Instagram, proudly stating he "sleeps outside most of the time," it sparked further discussion. The idea of leaving babies outside, even in cold weather, is supported by research. A 2006 study found that children "took longer naps outdoors compared with naps taken indoors."

Katie Palmer, a London-based sleep consultant, explained some benefits of this practice, such as "potentially longer and better quality sleep, as well as reduced exposure to germs compared to sleeping indoors." However, she also warned of risks like "hypothermia in the winter and sunburn in the summer, exposure to pollution, and the potential risk of abduction if parents are not supervising their children."

In Finland, the practice of letting babies nap outside starts when they are just two weeks old and is a regular part of daily life. Finnish parents believe it's better for the baby's health and sleep quality. One Finnish mom shared, "It just feels right. The fresh air is good for them, and they sleep so soundly."

However, some sleep experts still advise against leaving a baby unsupervised, whether indoors or outdoors. "It's always important to be aware of the potential risks," Palmer advised.

This article was originally published in June, 2024.