Outdoor Naps for Babies and Toddlers
At Forest School for Life, we see how nature supports children’s wellbeing, including rest. Outdoor sleeping has been part of our practice from the beginning, inspired by Scandinavian early childhood traditions and shaped by evidence‑based practice.
As UK safer sleep guidance has developed, we have adapted our routines and environment to ensure outdoor naps remain safe, calm, and comfortable. This year, we are building new sleep decks to give babies and toddlers more space, better shelter, and a quieter sleep environment.
More information on safer sleep guidance is available from: –
Help for early years providers : Safer sleep
Baby safer sleep advice – Best Start in Life – NHS
The Science behind outdoor sleep
Outdoor naps offer a simple, natural way for children to rest. Research and practitioner evidence highlight several benefits:
- better sleep quality Fresh air and natural sounds help children sleep more deeply.
- boosted immunity Outdoor air contains fewer indoor pollutants, which may reduce illness.
- emotional regulation Gentle outdoor rhythms, such as birdsong and rustling leaves, help soothe the nervous system.
- natural light exposure Daylight supports healthy circadian rhythms, improving both naps and night-time sleep.
These benefits align with what we see at Forest School for Life. Children settle more easily outdoors, sleep for longer, and wake feeling calm and ready to play.
The updated UK guidance emphasises:
- babies under 12 months can sleep outdoors only in a cot
- sleep surfaces must be firm and flat
- sleep spaces must be clear of loose items
- staff must maintain sight and sound supervision
- children must be checked every 10 minutes
- overheating must be avoided
- outdoor sleep must be risk assessed and weather‑appropriate
We check children’s skin temperature on their tummy or back of neck and avoid hats or gloves during sleep to prevent overheating.
How we do it safely
Our outdoor sleep approach is shaped by the science behind safe sleep and a commitment to ongoing professional reflection.
We focus on:
- layered clothing: cotton base layer, warm mid‑layer, waterproof outerwear.
- safe sleep spaces: we use travel cots and raised safer‑sleep mats outdoors. These provide a firm, flat surface and meet UK safer sleep expectations. If it’s pouring with sideways rain then we use our indoor cabins but otherwise we stay outside
- babies under 12 months sleep outdoors only in a cot, following UK safer sleep guidance.
- sheltered locations: Sleep areas are placed under canopies or near buildings to reduce wind exposure.
- continuous supervision: Staff always stay with sleepers and complete 10‑minute checks, maintaining sight and sound supervision at all times.
- gradual introduction: New children often fall asleep in a buggy or in their caregiver’s arms and are then transferred to a cot or raised mat. Over time, they build confidence to lay themselves down independently.
The Science Behind Outdoor Sleep Research
Outdoor sleeping is increasingly recognised across Europe as a beneficial practice. Studies and practitioner reports highlight:
- Longer sleep durations, Babies often sleep for longer outdoors compared to indoors.
- Calmer emotional states, Children wake more settled and transition smoothly back into play.
- Improved respiratory comfort.
- Outdoor air contains fewer irritants such as dust mites and indoor pollutants.
- Support for circadian rhythms. Natural daylight helps regulate melatonin production and stabilise sleep-wake cycles.
These findings reflect what we see in our setting. Outdoor naps support deeper rest and calmer children.
The Science behind Brain Development and Outdoor sleep
Cooler outdoor temperatures can support deeper non‑REM sleep, which is linked to physical growth and neural development. The gentle sensory environment outdoors also acts as natural white noise, helping babies stay asleep longer and wake more regulated.
As UK safer sleep guidance has evolved, we have refined our environment. This year, we are building new sleep decks to give babies and toddlers:
- larger, more comfortable sleep spaces
- improved shelter and airflow
- quieter areas away from busy play zones
- dedicated zones for travel cots and raised safer‑sleep mats
- better visibility for staff supervision
Why we share this research
We want families to feel informed and reassured. Outdoor sleeping is not about being hardy or brave. It is about offering babies a calm, clean, natural sleep environment that supports their wellbeing.
Fresh air, natural light, and gentle outdoor rhythms help children rest more deeply and wake feeling settled. Our new sleep decks will strengthen this practice and give children the space they need to sleep comfortably outdoors.
Come and see it for yourselves, or visit our policy page to download a copy of our Safer Sleeping Policy.