Here in the USA, families practice many different sleeping styles. Some co-sleep; others stick to the crib. Some sleep train; others wouldn't dream of letting their baby cry. Between us, we have a wide range of bedtimes and rituals. Even so, when we look at how babies around the world sleep, we may be surprised!
Whatever is safe and works for the baby's family is the right thing to do, of course. But I think we can take some pointers from parents around the world to try new tactics when it comes to our babies' sleep.
Check out these fascinating sleep habits of babies around the world.
Finnish babies sleep in cardboard boxes.
With a tradition that dates back to the 1930s, parents in Finland put their babies to sleep in cardboard boxes — the box is actually a gift from the government, as part of a program to help reduce the rate of infant mortality. It's baby's first bed, and it's important to note that since the boxes were implemented, Finland has gone on to have one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world.
Norwegian babies nap outside in cold temps.
In Norway, parents don't fear the cold, and their little ones even take naps outside in their strollers during Scandinavian winters. Bundled up, of course.
Japanese parents sleep next to baby.
Forget a nursery down the hall. Japanese parents tend to sleep very close to baby — they sleep on a mat or futon right next to baby's bed. Or they have the baby's crib right next to their bed in their bedroom.
Japanese babies get belly pats to fall asleep.
Japanese mothers also practice a rhythmic tummy pat on their babies' bellies so they fall asleep. It's called a "ton-ton," and it's a gentle pat that mimics the heartbeat.
Kenyans are attachment parents.
In Kenya, co-sleeping is the norm, and moms always stay close to baby. Some suggest this is why Kenyan babies don't cry much — mama is always nearby to soothe and calm.
Spanish and Argentine parents don't believe in early bedtimes.
Kids in Spain and Argentina don't have set bedtimes — parents allow their kids to stay up later so they get more family time in. They probably would think a 7:30 p.m. lights-out rule is ridiculous.
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Sleeping Danish babies are left unattended.
Running errands with a baby can be a challenge. (How do you push the stroller and a shopping cart when you have a sleeping infant?!) And so in Denmark, caregivers just leave baby outside in strollers unattended while they take care of the errands. We hear there is no fear of abduction like there is here in America.
Swiss babies snooze in a bouncing hammock.
Swiss babies take their naps in hammocks that bounce called hngemattes — they're said to really keep baby calm and soothed. They have a lovely aesthetic, too.
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Swedish parents 'buff' baby to sleep.
Swedish families have a buffing technique for helping their babies get to sleep. It's basically light taps on their bottom.
British babies sleep alone.
Babies in Britain are said to mostly sleep alone in their own room. Parents in the UK also read up on various sleeping techniques. (Sound familiar?)
Families in Singapore co-sleep.
Many families co-sleep in Singapore. In fact, over 72 percent of families believe in bed-sharing with their babies.
