Napping In The Snow

A little-known practice, in modern times anyway, was the practice of taking babies outside, even in freezing temperatures, to take their naps. It was thought that the practice would boost their immune systems. Of course, I have never heard of such a practice in the United States, or for that matter, in any other country, but it was a common thing in the Soviet Union (now Russia). Such an odd practice it was, but over the centuries, there have been many odd practices in the name of medicine. Things like using leeches to “bleed” a person used to be common. Now we know that “bleeding” a person only makes them weaker. Another odd practice was bathing a feverish child it a hot bath. It was thought that by “sweating” the person, the fever would break. So many of the people treated in this archaic way died. Not from their disease, but from the “cure” that was used.

Russia receives heavy snowfall during the winter months and even remains cold even in the warmer seasons due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle. With that, you might assume that people would stay indoors all the time due to the frigid climate. However, during the Soviet era, particularly in the 1950s and 1970s, there was a common practice of letting small children sleep outside for fresh air and sunlight. This tradition continued even in winter…the children actually napped outdoors in the snow. As strange as it sounds, this was once a widespread custom in Soviet Russia. Most of us can’t imagine doing that, and our doctors would probably pass out in shock. Family services would likely take the kids away from such parents, but not in the Soviet Union. It was considered a healthy practice!!

Although it might seem strange, this practice actually stemmed from the opposite extreme. The Soviet emphasis on fresh air in kindergarten routines for kids was influenced by how the Tsars were raised. During the Romanov era, the early Romanovs seldom left their quarters to enjoy fresh air or sunlight, resulting in weak immune systems and poor health throughout their lives. Observing this, civilians recognized that a lack of sunlight, activity, and fresh air contributed to declining health in both children and adults. By the 1930s, as Soviets battled a tuberculosis epidemic with treatments and vaccines, it became evident that everyday hygiene and lifestyle changes were crucial in overcoming the disease. You can’t just treat disease. You have to live a healthy lifestyle too.

The Soviet people understood the importance of raising a generation with strong lungs and healthy respiratory systems to prevent the return of epidemics. So, to achieve this, they introduced practices that exposed children to fresh air and outdoor activities, starting from kindergarten. I suppose that part makes sense, but kids were often left outside to strengthen their immune systems, and those who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s recall sleeping on open verandas, even during winter. Beyond sleeping outdoors, children were encouraged to play outside regularly, which makes sense. Schools also ensured kindergarten rooms were aired out at least twice a day, providing toddlers with fresh air, sunlight, and vitamin D, which helped build immunity against airborne pathogens. Additionally, Soviet children were dressed warmly but not overly protected from the cold, which helped them develop a natural tolerance to low temperatures.

These practices were thought to help children adapt to their natural surroundings and build immunity. As a result, kids wore winter coats only when temperatures dipped below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. It was common to take children outside for naps, even infants who couldn’t walk were placed in cots outdoors and wrapped in warm blankets. Verandas and semi-open rooms were often heated with firewood stoves to combat the cold. This tradition continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with many recalling being taken for walks in just underwear and even washed with freezing water from a hose. While the kids survived the harsh upbringing, I wonder if here is any proof that these practices actually built stronger immune systems. We will probably never know.