2024-03-01 08:30:00
The Nordic nap, which consists of letting babies sleep outside in cold weather, arouses growing interest among parents and early childhood professionals… So much so that it is now offered in certain French nurseries! But this tradition, well anchored in Scandinavian culture, nevertheless raises questions about the safety and health of infants. Some people praise the virtues of fresh air on sleep and the immune system of little ones, but others are particularly concerned about the risk of hypothermia. Anyway, it is not no question of reproducing this practice without taking precautionsinsists Dr. Sandrine Launois-Rollinat, pulmonologist specializing in sleep and president of the Morphée Network.
What is a Nordic (or Scandinavian) nap?
The Nordic siesta, or Scandinavian nap, is a practice that comes straight from the Nordic countries, notably Norway and Denmark. As you probably know, this tradition consists of letting your baby nap outside, whether it’s raining, snowing or windy… As long as he is well protected and swaddledso that he cannot move, is not too cold and is not exposed to bad weather.
Historically, this type of nap would have exposed the little ones to indoor pollution, in a context of high infant mortality. In other words, having your child sleep outside made it possible to get him some fresh air, failing to be able to properly ventilate the interior of traditional houses. Homes have modernized over time but the practice has continued and it is still possible to see babies bundled up in their strollers on balconies or terraces of shops of certain Scandinavian cities.
Good to know: in which countries do children sleep outside?
It is difficult to know how far this practice has spread… As Dr. Launois-Rollinat notes, it seems to be originally from Norwaybut is today practiced in many Nordic countries, such as Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, but also the Baltic countries and Russia.
Supposed benefits: why do children sleep outside in Sweden and other Nordic countries?
In theory, this outdoor nap would allow improve the quality of babies’ sleep, stimulate their vitality and strengthen their immune system. In practice, certain points are more debatable…
According to Dr. Launois-Rollinat, making babies sleep outdoors would indeed be beneficial: “swaddling babies limits their movements, which generally increases the duration of their sleep and promotes deep sleep “, she says. Furthermore, coolness makes it easier to fall asleep: “low temperatures help to better regulate body temperature, thus contributing to relaxation and falling asleep,” she recalls.
Still not convinced? Please note that in 2008, a study carried out by Finnish researcher Marjo Tourula even indicated that this habit extended the sleep time of infants. According to his team’s observations, naps taken indoors lasted on average one to two hours, while those taken outdoors lasted on average one and a half to three hours (source 1).
As for the benefits of the Nordic nap on the immune system… They are much more discussed. As Dr. Launois-Rollinat points out, no study has yet proven that exposing babies to fresh air strengthens their immunity. “The idea that exposure to cold hardens us against disease is still very popular, but it is a belief without scientific basis,” she assures.
Good to know: parents who are fans of Nordic naps also benefit greater flexibility and greater freedom. In fact, they have the possibility of letting their baby nap anywhere, which allows young parents to enjoy a moment of shopping or a coffee with friends without worrying about their child’s sleep. Some parents also indicate that it allows their infant to be more awake because more accustomed to outside noise and environment.
The Nordic siesta is an eminently cultural practice. It is not necessarily dangerous, but is not recommended in France. Dr. Sandrine Launois-Rollinat, pulmonologist specializing in sleep and president of the Morphée Network.
How long can you let your child sleep outside?
In theory, there are no instructions specifying the maximum duration of a Nordic nap. In practice, these naps do not need to last all afternoon… Their length depends largely on the sleep needs of each child. According to Marjo Tourula, nap time should not exceed three hours and just one outdoor nap per day is enough (source 1).
What is the maximum temperature for such a nap?
No question of endangering your baby! If he is dressed warmly and well swaddled, he can support very well temperatures of -15°C. According to the Finnish research team’s observations, some parents even have the habit of having their child sleep outside at -27°C, but the ideal temperature is around -5°C (source 1). And Dr. Launois-Rollinat specifies that parents generally monitor their baby when the temperature passes the -10°C mark.
Beware of hypothermia!
If your baby is not sufficiently covered, such temperatures associated with sleep inevitably increase the risk of hypothermia. As the expert points out, a baby’s temperature tends to drop much faster than that of an adult. The signs that should alert you? Your baby has cold skinil gets chills, seems sleepy and lethargicil breathe quickly, his skin turns pale and takes on a bluish color and he doesn’t have no more strength to feed.
Nordic nap: what precautions should be taken for baby’s safety?
First of all, let’s remember that the Nordic nap must be practiced in the fresh air, far from any external pollution. But who says fresh air, sometimes says extreme weather conditions (pouring rain, freezing cold, ox-dehorning wind, etc.), fall risks and monitoring problem which require taking some precautions to avoid doing more harm than good to your baby:
Invest in a quality stroller or pram.Check the outside temperature beforehand and dress your baby accordingly.Cover it depending on the temperature and take care to layer layers of clothing (preferably wool) to properly insulate your child from the cold. “ All parts of the body must be covered », insists the sleep doctor: think about a hat, mittens, bodysuit, pajamas, even overpajamas, a suitable sleeping bag and a warm blanket.Always place your baby on his or her back in their pram or stroller, in accordance with safety recommendations for the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Also avoid pillows or blankets which could cover your baby’s head during naptime and suffocate him.Choose a relatively quiet, dark place for your child to nap. Noises and movement can soothe and rock him, but the stroller should not be in a noisy area, recommends Dr. Launois-Rollinat.Always keep an eye on your baby during naptime to make sure he is breathing normally and is safe.Respect your little one’s individual sleep needs by limiting the duration of his nap to a reasonable period, based on his age and sleeping habits.
This practice is anchored in a specific culture and it is not necessarily desirable to reproduce it in France, mainly for reasons of safety and quality of life. Walking your swaddled baby in the park in the cold, yes. Gardening outdoors with your child nearby in a stroller, yes. But letting your infant sleep in a stroller in front of your favorite café in the city center of Lille, Rennes or even Paris… no! Dr Sandrine Launois-Rollinat, pulmonologist specializing in sleep
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