As you may know, in most Scandinavian countries, it's common and even recommended to let babies sleep outside during the day, even when it's cold or snowing. Why? Because this Nordic nap, as it's called, is said to provide better quality rest and strengthen the immune system in the long term. But can this practice be adapted for babies in France?
SUMMARY
The outdoor nap, a tradition from the north
In Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Denmark, but also the Netherlands, Finland, and Sweden, seeing babies sleep outside, even in cold or windy weather, is not surprising. This practice stems from old recommendations aimed at combating infant mortality in a time when homes were basic and poorly ventilated, and from a simple philosophy: fresh air is believed to improve health , boost the immune system , and promote sleep .
Thus, swaddled babies with rosy cheeks sleep everywhere. In parks , in front of cafes or at the door of nurseries , strollers are lined up and parents talk about children who sleep longer (less movement for deeper sleep), calm down faster (the fresh air, by slightly lowering body temperature, actually promotes sleep) and enjoy the benefits of a life in close connection with nature .
Moreover, beyond the practical aspect, this habit reflects values deeply rooted in Nordic culture: the independence of children, social cohesion and a genuine love of the outdoors .
Did you know? In Norway, they say there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! So, sub-zero temperatures, sometimes as low as -15°C and even lower, don't scare Norwegians. Is the Nordic nap really the miracle cure for well-rested, healthy babies?
From what age can babies sleep outside?
In Scandinavia, outdoor napping is a deeply ingrained and early habit. From the first weeks of life , healthy infants can therefore be placed in their strollers to rest in the fresh air.
Therefore, for parents, the issue isn't so much about age, but rather about establishing a beneficial sleep and health routine for newborns from a very early age, one that will last into adulthood. This is why, depending on the weather, infant clothing is carefully chosen and adapted to provide maximum comfort and avoid any risk of overheating or, conversely, hypothermia.
Up to what temperature can a baby nap outdoors?
In Nordic countries, with experience and habit, babies sleep outside even in sub-zero temperatures , provided they are sufficiently and effectively covered and supervised.
In France, it's best to keep the temperature within a milder range, between 0°C and 20°C, avoiding periods of extreme cold, inclement weather, or intense heat. And if your baby isn't comfortable, they'll let you know by waking up quickly, sometimes crying.
Want to check her temperature? Gently run a finger under her neck: it should remain lukewarm, without shivering or dampness.
The 3 benefits of outdoor naps for your baby
- Better quality sleep: fresh air promotes sleep and helps baby sleep longer.
- Less indoor pollution: spending time outdoors helps avoid the sometimes confined or particle-laden air in modern homes.
- A better-regulated natural rhythm: daylight regulates its biological clock and supports the production of vitamin D.
- A boosted immune system: many parents observe that gradual exposure to fresh air strengthens their babies' resistance. Even if science hasn't yet proven everything, this practice remains widely popular.
- A more serene daily life for you: a baby who falls asleep easily outside means the possibility of taking a breather and maintaining (or regaining) a social life outside, without disrupting their sleep rhythm.
A nap in the fresh air, yes, but in complete safety
While the idea of the Nordic nap is attracting more and more parents around the world, it must always be accompanied by great vigilance to be practiced in the best conditions, especially at the beginning, and if your child is very young.
First, a baby should never be left alone . Your supervision (or that of the person caring for them) must be constant and direct, from the window or in the immediate vicinity. Also, you must always be able to hear your baby if they cry or wake up. In the garden, on the covered balcony, in a park next to your bench… As long as the place is safe and protected from major nuisances (pollution, noise, traffic, rain, wind, direct sunlight…), you can put your baby there.
Also keep an eye on the weather and its changes . In case of excessive heat, biting cold, and risk of rain, baby is just as safe in their bed.
Adapt their clothing accordingly , using several layers in winter: a bodysuit, sweater, snowsuit, footmuff, and blanket, for example. In cool weather, when temperatures drop below 10°C or a light breeze picks up, remember to cover their head with a hat and protect their hands with extra layers.
In terms of duration, start with short periods outdoors and bring the baby inside (without waking them) to observe them. A whimper, a movement, a sigh… will tell you their favorite place to sleep.
How to create an outdoor bubble for your baby?
For the Nordic nap to be truly beneficial, your main mission should be to create a safe, sensory and reassuring bubble around your little one .
No risk of falling from the stroller with the brakes engaged or from the securely fastened pram, like a cozy cocoon. Fold down the canopy or rain cover, attach the parasol and footmuff, and position this portable bed to protect your baby.
If you're not staying with your baby, choose an enclosed area where the stroller won't roll away and where no one can enter. In France, babies sleeping outdoors aren't that common, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
And to ensure that the nap is truly soothing and, above all, suitable for any terrain, maintain their usual little bedtime rituals : a bottle of warm milk given just before putting them down, a cuddle that is always welcome, a lullaby sung or played… Continuity reassures babies and helps them relax.
🩷 In fact, at Élhée, we've come up with some perfect allies for this moment:
- The Bib ROUND recreates the magic of breastfeeding and satisfies hungry little tummies.
- The ChooChoo extra-soft and physiological pacifier soothes and promotes sleep.
- The oleo-calcareous liniment and the organic moisturizing milk protect delicate skin against the aggressions of cold and wind.
What if you, too, took a nap outdoors? Because the well-being of parents naturally goes hand in hand with that of babies, why not make the Nordic nap a shared ritual? A deckchair, a blanket, a down jacket, a book, music in your ears… and close your eyes for a few moments. While your baby sleeps beside you, savor the serenity brought by the fresh air.
What if we practiced the French-style outdoor siesta in our gardens?
In Nordic countries, napping outdoors is an established practice in nurseries, experienced daily by all children, regardless of the season. In France, it could be reinvented on a more intimate scale : a stroller parked in a quiet spot during a walk, a bassinet placed near you on the terrace, or simply a short rest in the family garden.
Here, there are no universal rules, but rather specific choices, adapted to the weather, your rhythm, and your baby's comfort. Rather than an imposed ritual, an outdoor nap can become a chosen haven: a moment of nature and serenity. And what if, ultimately, the "Nordic nap" became, for us, a French way of life: simple, comfortable, and free?
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