am i wrong? baby sleeping outside - Page 9

[Queen of my Castle]

This thread is incredible! It's really got me thinking about safety, there was a really great article in Mothering a few issues back, featuring Sweden I believe.

Oh, and I'd leave my babies/kids sleeping outside. We're in rural Canada. We also let my toddler ride a tractor and play with real hammers.

I'm sorry for the OP's luck in neighbors though!
A

[saratchka]

Originally Posted by Llyra

Actually, I'm not really sure WHAT he thinks the danger is. DH went over last night to chat and kinda feel things out (because of the CPS thing) and my neighbor told him that I'm a crazy hippie freak who's warping his children. He talked about how I let DD1 dig in the dirt and play with bugs and go outside without shoes, and how he can't understand why she's not in some kind of organized activity so that she doesn't "waste all her time outside getting dirty". He mentioned the other day when DD1 was lifting her dress up outside and had on no panties (we're potty learning). He mentioned how my babies are never bundled up "properly"-- jeez, it's 68 degrees out there and they're in cotton sleepers and cotton swaddling. How bundled does he think they need to be? He thinks I'm going to "suffocate that baby" with my Mei Tai, and he thinks it's a "trashy" that I put cloth diapers out on the railing to sun out the stains. He also mentioned the garden being "a mess" and complained about how I dress and how I really ought to "get my hair done". So I think he just doesn't like us, and that my babies sleeping outside is just another "hippie" thing. He's really strait-laced and religious and generally a crank, I think, but DH says he doesn't think the guy would ever call CPS. I've decided to think of something really outrageous and over-the-top to do to really freak him out, and then he'll forget all about the babies.

First things first, your neighbor is a nut! You mustn't mind him or think that others view your family as he does. What a nitwit!

Personally, I'd be uncomfortable leaving a baby on the porch while I was indoors, even if I was generally right by the screen door. ITA with everyone who has said the chances of kidnapping, animal attack, etc are minute, but I'd still worry. DH left DD1 alone in the car for ~1 minute to bring my keys into my yoga class a few weeks ago and I nearly had a heart attack when I realized what he'd done! (Yes, you can call it American paranoia if you like, but that's how I feel about it.) If you have the option of putting them somewhere less visible while still being able to watch them effectively, I'd use it. If not, I'd try to lure your toddler outside. The fresh air is good for her, too! And it can't hurt anything for your presence to be obvious to neighbors, passers-by, and wildlife alike.

That's JMO, of course. If you feel good about what you're doing, then keep doing it. You're certainly not "wrong" to do things the way you have been. And let us know what you decide on to shock your neighbor. It should be a good story!

[TirzhaZ]

I think this is just fine. DD stays with grandma during the day and grandma always puts her on the porch for her naps. DD loves the fresh air and she sleeps better at night when she gets plenty of outside time during the day. grandma eats her lunch or tends to things inside while DD sleeps, but she can see and/or hear everything because they are only separated by a screen door. I should point out that while DD is in an enclosed porch, she is on the first floor of an apartment building, so she is easily accessible by other people. But the neighborhood is nice enough and I feel like we shouldn't live our lives worrying about all of the "What ifs" that there are. Yes, it is possible that someone *could* kidnap a baby sleeping outside, but the likelihood of it happening and you not seeing is extremely slim and would probably never actually happen. Babies need their time outside to soak up the fresh air and sun, so go with your instincts. Don't listen to your neighbor and do what you feel is best. As a PP said, your neighbor seems to keep a good eye on things anyway. I'm pretty sure he would see if something happened. Or, here's a thought! Befriend the old man (since he is probably lonely) and ask if he would like to sit on your porch and watch DC during nap time. Make him some lemonade and give him something to do. Then use the opportunity to tell him all the benefits of allowing DC to have plenty of time outdoors. It could be a positive change for both of you!

[finn'smama]

Originally Posted by Queen of my Castle

We also let my toddler ride a tractor and play with real hammers.

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Yeah, us too...

[rbeaufoy]

Me too!! We even let our son "help" muck out the horse stalls.....shocking

[loraxc]

So hey, what kind of strollers do you all have that your kids magically sleep in them? (I'm serious! DD never would sleep in hers, the stinker, but all we had was a Chicco Caddy, which is kind of a glorified umbrella stroller). And where do you get the bug nets?

In case you can't tell, I think it's fine. My worry here *would* be stray dogs, but if she's right there, she'd see the dog.