Some Parents Leave Their Babies to Sleep Outside, Here’s Why

A TikTok video went viral, amassing millions of views, showcasing strollers left on the street with babies napping inside. While this might seem peculiar, it’s a common practice in Denmark. The video shed light on this Danish cultural norm, sparking curiosity. In addition to the viral clip, there are more intriguing details emerging about outdoor sleeping practices for infants, providing a glimpse into unique cultural habits and parenting approaches.

The video was uploaded by a mother residing in Denmark.

Annie Samples, a mother of four from the United States, relocated to Denmark with her family about three years ago when her husband’s company established an office there. While she had heard about the practice of babies napping outside before their move, she was pleasantly surprised to witness it firsthand after arriving in Denmark. This cultural difference became a delightful and intriguing aspect of their new life in a foreign land.

Danish midwives and baby nurses endorse this practice.

In the video, Annie Samples highlighted that the practice of letting babies nap outside in Denmark is believed to help them sleep better. “Napping your baby in their stroller outside is done in all sorts of weather. Babies are dressed in lightweight wool and have a down duvet, which regulates the baby’s body temperature and keeps them warm without overheating,” she added.

Annie Samples shared that in Denmark, it’s completely normal for parents to leave their babies sleeping outside while they run errands or enjoy a coffee. However, parents are always vigilant, and they keep a close watch on their newborns. Strollers often come equipped with baby monitors, ensuring that parents can monitor their babies’ safety and well-being even when they are a short distance away.

Annie Samples continues the Danish tradition even at home by placing the stroller outside the door while her baby takes a nap. “It’s for her to get the benefits of fresh air. It’s her most familiar sleeping surface at this point,” she explained. “And I love that whenever my family and I want to go somewhere while she’s napping, we’re never stuck at home.”

This is also considered safe to do in their country.

The practice of letting babies nap outside in strollers is so widespread in Denmark that it has become a common cultural norm. In fact, the country has designated “stroller parking spots” outside business establishments and in public parks.“Babies here don’t get kidnapped because no one wants the responsibility of someone else’s kid.” For those who wish to have children, the local healthcare system provides substantial support at minimal to no cost.

“Another result of our healthcare system, social services, and tight-knit communities is that there are endless checks and balances in place to ensure the welfare and safety of children all over the country,” Samples explained.

According to a 2022 report on the Safest Countries in the World, Denmark secured a high rank, placing fourth. This level of security and safety in the country fosters an environment where children can enjoy a considerable degree of freedom and independence. It is a common sight to witness children as young as 8-9 years old traveling alone on public transport.

Outdoor sleeping for babies is also done in other countries.

The practice of letting children nap outdoors is not limited to Denmark but is also popular in other Nordic countries. Even in sub-zero temperatures, it’s common for children to sleep outdoors. Surprisingly, some studies have suggested that kids who spend time sleeping outside are less prone to illnesses compared to those who spend more time indoors. However, it’s crucial to note that there are conflicting studies, with some showing no significant difference in the health of children based on whether they sleep outdoors or indoors.

According to Samples, napping outdoors has been found to boost the infant’s immune system and also provides advantages for the entire family. “What my visiting nurse emphasized most to me is that it would help with my stress levels and help the family function better.”

Samples also noted that in the United States, it was common for families to remain indoors and maintain a hushed environment while their little ones fell asleep. “We really enjoy the freedom of not having to do that anymore,” she said.

Internet users had mixed reactions about the video.

In the comments section of her post, TikTokers expressed their opinions regarding the practice of leaving babies unattended outside. “Imagine feeling this safe in a country,” one user said. “Meanwhile, in the States, you can’t even leave your Amazon boxes outside for too long,” someone said in jest. “In our country, we’d go to jail if we did this,” another user chimed in.

As for Samples, her main intention in posting the video was to encourage people to “consider why the Danish healthcare system and social services allow us to live in a society that’s so safe and functional.”

Leaving babies to sleep outdoors offers a fascinating glimpse into cultural differences in parenting approaches. But no matter where you are in the world, every parent seeks guidance and support. In our upcoming article, we’ll share valuable tips and tricks that can enrich your parenting experience, making it a must-read for parents navigating the challenges of raising children in today’s fast-paced world.