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.<\/p>\n
While the videos surprised many viewers, Natnat says outdoor naps are a normal part of daily life where she lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s actually not a tradition, but more of a method or a common practice here in Sweden,\u201d she tells PEOPLE exclusively. \u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
She adds that the sight of strollers left outdoors \u2014 whether outside caf\u00e9s or daycare centers \u2014 is especially common in quieter areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s believed that fresh air helps children sleep better, longer, and more deeply,\u201d Natnat explains. \u201cIt also helps children adapt to the climate, since Sweden has a tough winter weather.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond the health benefits, Natnat says the practice is rooted in a broader sense of safety and trust.<\/p>\n
\u201cSweden also has low crime rates, and there is a high level of trust in the community,\u201d she says. \u201cWe trust our neighbors, and many public spaces are designed with families in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Dammylene](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bb86875c7f82a1da433c18754be1ffbc.jpeg\"\/)
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Dammylene Natnat<\/p>\n
Dammylene Natnat with her son Colin<\/p>\n
Colin\u2019s outdoor nap routine began early. When he was between 3 and 12 months old, he regularly slept outside twice a day \u2014 a schedule that has evolved as he\u2019s grown.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs he\u2019s 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,\u201d the mom says.<\/p>\n
Safety, she emphasizes, has always been the priority. Colin\u2019s pram is placed just outside their front door so he\u2019s easy to monitor, and he\u2019s dressed appropriately for the conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe make sure he\u2019s always warm and safe,\u201d she says. \u201cIn winter or cold weather, he\u2019s dressed in warm layers, including wool and sleeps in a sleeping bag made for cold temperatures.\u201d<\/p>\n
Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for\u00a0PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter<\/a>\u00a0to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer\u200b\u200b, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.\u00a0<\/p>\n For added reassurance, Natnat also relies on technology.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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\u2019s comfortable,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n The practice was first recommended to her by a midwife, along with specific guidelines.<\/p>\n \u201cShe said it\u2019s fine as long as it\u2019s not colder than \u201310\u00b0C,\u201d Natnat says. \u201cLayering is key.\u201d<\/p>\n Still, Natnat understands why the video sparked debate \u2014 particularly among viewers outside Europe.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t think it would go viral since it was just a 5\u20137 second video with no explanation,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019ve gotten both positive and negative comments, but honestly, reading them has been kind of educational for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Some responses, however, were more jarring than others.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat really surprised me was how some people outside Europe called it child neglect or said they\u2019d report me to CPS,\u201d she says. \u201cThis has been done for centuries here, and even midwives, doctors, and daycare centers recommend it.\u201d<\/p>\n While she doesn\u2019t expect universal agreement, Natnat hopes the conversation encourages understanding rather than criticism.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t expect everyone to understand or accept it,\u201d she says. \u201cBut I wish people could be more respectful of other cultures and parenting methods.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been doing this for almost 2 years, and he\u2019s totally used to it,\u201d she says. \u201cHe usually sleeps 1\u20132 hours without waking up, and when he does wake up, he\u2019s happy and content.\u201d<\/p>\n Ultimately, she says the viral moment was never about changing minds, just sharing her reality.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d just like people to know that this is part of our everyday life, and it really works for our family,\u201d Natnat says. \u201cEvery family has their own way of doing things and this is just what works for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Read the original article on People<\/a><\/p>\n