Scandinavian Mothers Let Their Children Sleep Outside, Even at Freezing Temperatures. Smart Toughening up Brings Nothing but Benefits

People living in the north of Europe have got an unusual attitude towards bringing up children. In the winter they will often let their kids have a nap... outside! Being in Sweden or Denmark don't be surprised to see prams left outside with the babies in, even at subzero temperatures. You can see them on balconies, playgrounds, in front of stores or restaurants. At the same time their parents are in sipping coffee or doing the shopping. There are even dedicated zones for prams only.

Scandinavians believe that there is no bad weather; it’s just people sometimes put on wrong clothes. That is why even in the winter, no matter what the current conditions are, they leave their sleeping children outside. Of course they are wrapped up like an onion inside waterproof sleeping bags. Parents check their body warmth from time to time as well as their general well-being.

The idea of 'frosty naps' originated in Finland at the beginning of 20th century, when the fatality rate among babies was very high. Arvo Ylppo, a pediatrician, suggested that children shouldn’t spend much time in small confined and badly-ventilated rooms as this made them prone to viruses and bacteria, not to mention rickets. He believed that children, beginning from the earliest stages of their lives, should be toughened up to endure the harsh Finnish climate. His methods brought about the desired effect.

According to a team of Finnish scientists, left outside children sleep from 1.5 to 3 hours. Inside that will be only 1 to 2 hours. After a nap outside they are much more refreshed, more energetic and eat better. Moreover, they fall asleep more easily at night.

Sleeping outside does not increase the risk of infections. In fact children who have frosty naps have a more effective immune system and fall ill much less frequently.

Toughening our children up from the early years results in better academic progress once they are at school. This is primarily due to the fact, that being more immune to illness they miss much fewer classes.

Of course if the air quality in your area is poor, for example as a result of smog, such naps are not recommended.