Understandably, most new parents are quick to keep their babies out of harm's way, which includes extreme temperatures, hot or cold.
via: Fatherly
Well, in Scandinavia, they do things a little differently.In the northern countries, temperatures are regularly below freezing, but you'll still babies sleeping in their strollers outside.
via: Fatherly
The climate is so cold that keeping children inside during the cold would mean they're pretty much housebound for five months a year, which wouldn't be good for their mental, social, or physical development.
via: Facebook
In fact, believe it or not, parents will often line up their strollers outside of stores so their babies can sleep while they go in and shop!
via: Facebook
Even at home, if the mom or dad is having company over, parents will actually wheel their kids OUTSIDE to sleep.
via: Facebook
There's a good reason for this. Babies tend to sleep VERY well in the cold, provided their bundled up. They're not only better-rested, but they fall asleep faster.
via: Facebook
The cold isn't viewed as dangerous, but rather as healthy. So the practice is passed down generationally.
via: Facebook
One grandmother, whose daughter practices the cold-sleeping technique on her child, says, “It was important for her to get fresh air and stay healthy."
via: Facebook
For nap time, day care centers move the children outside all at once for naps! They sleep outside until they're about three.
via: Facebook
The precautions they take are pretty basic, according to this day care worker. “When the temperature drops to 5 ºF we always cover the prams with blankets. It’s not only the temperature that matters, it’s also how cold it feels."
via: Facebook
Outdoor time is considered so important in Sweden that kids are regularly kept outside to play from the hours or 9 AM to 3 PM, coming inside only for food and the restroom.
via: Facebook
Many believe the time outside limits exposure to germs and sicknesses that spread in enclosed spaces.
via: Facebook
Tests have proven that time outside benefits the mind and also results in more restful sleep later.
via: Facebook
In fact, one study shows babies sleep 50% longer outside than they do inside. That's a big difference and benefit to new parents!
via: Facebook
They're also very tightly swaddled for warmth, which could explain the deeper sleep.
via: Stroller Queen
A study found that the ideal temperature for leaving your baby outside for a nap is a frigid 23 degrees, though it's done at much lower temperatures in Sweden.
via: Facebook
However, the results of the studies are in dispute, and many feel the risk of exposure isn't worth the reward.
via: Facebook
Some studies show children spending time outside registered fewer sick days at school, but other studies found the opposite.
via: Facebook
So while the jury is still out on this foreign practice, it sure is interesting, especially for new parents who would love to see their kid sleep 50% longer.