Mom-of-4 Shocks Fans by Leaving Her Kid Sleeping in Stroller outside Home

The online community was abuzz when a mother of four shared a video of her months-old baby napping alone in a stroller parked outside her residence. Although the woman insisted it was a widespread practice in her area, not everyone agreed, with many questioning the safety and viability of such a choice.

Parents, in their quest for a peaceful night's sleep for their infants, often resort to diverse methods. From swaddling and gentle rocking to soothing lullabies and calming environments, parents explore numerous avenues to ease their little ones into a restful slumber. Yet, putting a baby to sleep can be an arduous task, and parents often find themselves trying various techniques, hoping to find the one that works best for their child.

Some parents even resort to taking their babies on a drive around the block as a calming method. The rhythmic motion of the car often lulls babies into a deep sleep, providing a much-needed break for the exhausted parents. Amid these common strategies, a mother revealed her unconventional approach to getting her baby to sleep. When she let the online community in on her parenting method, it elicited a mix of shock and concern.

Why Does This Mother's Baby Nap Alone in a Stroller?

In September 2022, a TikTok user named Annie (@annieineventyrland) stirred a debate about safe sleeping practices for infants when she shared a common custom embraced by many parents in Denmark. The custom involved letting babies sleep alone outside in strollers, an approach that some parents questioned for its practicality and safety.

Annie hesitated to move the baby indoors, fearing it might disturb her sleep.

Annie, a mother of four who relocated from the United States to Copenhagen, Denmark, revealed in her video that she allowed her then-six-month-old baby girl to nap alone in her stroller outside. The video, which garnered thousands of views and millions of likes, portrayed this practice as a normal aspect of Danish culture.

According to Annie, this practice was not only culturally accepted but also recommended by midwives and baby nurses in Denmark. She argued that there were health benefits associated with letting babies sleep outdoors. Fresh air, she claimed, was believed to contribute to the baby's overall health and improved sleep quality.

Annie stated that regardless of the weather, most babies in Denmark were left to nap outside. They were typically dressed in lightweight wool clothing to ensure comfort and often slept with a down duvet that regulated their body temperature, keeping them warm without causing overheating.

The mother continued to defend the practice, asserting that kidnapping was not a significant concern in Denmark. According to her, it was common for parents to leave their babies napping outside while they ran errands or enjoyed some leisure time in a cafe. To ensure their baby's safety, parents in Denmark typically kept a close watch or used baby monitors placed in the stroller.

She emphasized the low risk of baby abductions in Denmark due to the societal responsibility and the support provided by the healthcare system. Annie explained that people in Denmark were generally unwilling to take on the responsibility of someone else's child, especially when the healthcare system made it feasible for anyone who wanted a child to have their own at little to no cost.

Annie revealed that she often allowed her baby to sleep outside even when they were all at home. For her, it was a way for her child to benefit from fresh air and maintain a familiar sleeping environment. She appreciated the freedom it gave her family, allowing them to go out without being confined to their home while her baby napped.

What Do Commenters Think?

Despite Annie's reasoning and the perceived benefits of outdoor napping, many parents expressed their disagreement with her in the comments section. "I. WOULD. NEVER," wrote one commenter. "You can never do this in [America]. [We] can't even go grocery shopping alone," opined a stunned fan.

"Wow that's amazing.. In our country we'd go [to] jail if we did this," added a third user. "America could NEVER!" noted a fourth netizen. "I understand on your [private] balcony. But people just put them out the front door onto the street?!" wondered a fifth TikToker. "Yes or could be in their courtyard as well," replied Annie.

Annie's Fulfilling Life in a Foreign Country

Annie's TikTok and social media platforms are filled with posts detailing her experiences in Denmark. She shares insights into her daily life as a parent of four, offering glimpses into her weekdays and weekends. Through her content, Annie invites her followers to explore the diverse Danish traditions and celebrations, showcasing a fulfilling life as a content creator.

In September 2023, Annie shared an 18-second TikTok video reflecting on her astonishment at the freedom she experienced in Denmark. In the clip, she stood on her balcony, recounting how she found her youngest daughter sleeping in her stroller while she was doing chores.

Annie hesitated to move the baby indoors, fearing it might disturb her sleep. Instead, she opted to leave her outside, separated by a few stairs to avoid waking her. Amazed, Annie expressed her disbelief at being able to leave her baby outside without worry. In the video, she showed her peacefully sleeping baby girl, whose face was covered with a pink blanket.

Turning the camera towards herself, Annie expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to manage her household tasks without interrupting her baby's nap. "[My baby girl] can take her nap while I take care of the things I need to take care of around the house," she marveled, adding the "mind-blown" emoji to convey her astonishment.

Do you support this mother's approach of letting her baby sleep alone in a stroller outdoors? Click here to read another story about a tired mom who did her best to calm her baby during a flight. However, instead of help, she faced harsh criticism.