NEED TO KNOW
Dammylene Natnat shared videos on TikTok of her toddler napping outside in the snow
The videos have since gone viral, racking up millions of views
Natnat tells PEOPLE why outdoor naps are a normal part of her family’s routine in Sweden
When Dammylene Natnat shared videos on TikTok of her toddler napping outside in the snow, she didn’t anticipate much of a response. But the clips quickly drew widespread attention — particularly from viewers unfamiliar with Nordic parenting norms.
Natnat, 31, lives in Sweden after moving from the Philippines at age 15. She worked as an early childhood teacher before deciding to pursue studies as an operations technician. She and her partner are parents to one child, their son Colin, who will turn 2 in February.
While the videos surprised many viewers, Natnat says outdoor naps are a normal part of daily life where she lives.
“It’s actually not a tradition, but more of a method or a common practice here in Sweden,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively. “It’s very common here and in other Nordic countries as well. Midwives, doctors and daycare centers recommend this practice. Even my toddler naps outside at daycare.”
She adds that the sight of strollers left outdoors — whether outside cafés or daycare centers — is especially common in quieter areas.
“It’s believed that fresh air helps children sleep better, longer, and more deeply,” Natnat explains. “It also helps children adapt to the climate, since Sweden has a tough winter weather.”
Beyond the health benefits, Natnat says the practice is rooted in a broader sense of safety and trust.
“Sweden also has low crime rates, and there is a high level of trust in the community,” she says. “We trust our neighbors, and many public spaces are designed with families in mind.”
Dammylene Natnat
Dammylene Natnat with her son Colin
Colin’s outdoor nap routine began early. When he was between 3 and 12 months old, he regularly slept outside twice a day — a schedule that has evolved as he’s grown.
“As he’s gotten older and is now almost 2 years old, his sleep needs have changed, so we let him nap outside for around an hour after lunch,” the mom says.
Safety, she emphasizes, has always been the priority. Colin’s pram is placed just outside their front door so he’s easy to monitor, and he’s dressed appropriately for the conditions.
“We make sure he’s always warm and safe,” she says. “In winter or cold weather, he’s dressed in warm layers, including wool and sleeps in a sleeping bag made for cold temperatures.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
For added reassurance, Natnat also relies on technology.
“We also use a baby monitor in the pram, which has a built-in thermometer, so we can constantly check the temperature and make sure he’s comfortable,” she adds.
The practice was first recommended to her by a midwife, along with specific guidelines.
“She said it’s fine as long as it’s not colder than –10°C,” Natnat says. “Layering is key.”
Still, Natnat understands why the video sparked debate — particularly among viewers outside Europe.
“I didn’t think it would go viral since it was just a 5–7 second video with no explanation,” she says. “I’ve gotten both positive and negative comments, but honestly, reading them has been kind of educational for me.”
Some responses, however, were more jarring than others.
“What really surprised me was how some people outside Europe called it child neglect or said they’d report me to CPS,” she says. “This has been done for centuries here, and even midwives, doctors, and daycare centers recommend it.”
While she doesn’t expect universal agreement, Natnat hopes the conversation encourages understanding rather than criticism.
“I don’t expect everyone to understand or accept it,” she says. “But I wish people could be more respectful of other cultures and parenting methods.”
After nearly two years of outdoor naps, Natnat says the routine has become second nature for her son, and has worked well for their family.
“We’ve been doing this for almost 2 years, and he’s totally used to it,” she says. “He usually sleeps 1–2 hours without waking up, and when he does wake up, he’s happy and content.”
Ultimately, she says the viral moment was never about changing minds, just sharing her reality.
“I’d just like people to know that this is part of our everyday life, and it really works for our family,” Natnat says. “Every family has their own way of doing things and this is just what works for us.”
Read the original article on People