Do new babies have to sleep "flat"?

[Caz10]

I was looking at these "hamock" type things like these www.naturesnest.co.uk/

and all the blurb that goes alongside them, plus a previous thread on here has made them sound wonderful. But then a couple of other threads I've read have said that babies NEED to be lying down flat.

Yet another baby related thing that I just don't know!! Can anyone advise? Thanks!

they don't have to be flat. they spend 9mths scrunched up in a ball, after all. I let DS sleep in a chair and pushchair when he was teeny, and he was fine.

They should be placed on their backs though, that's all.

flat as in not in a carseat, buggy... haven't clicked the link but I imagine baby hammocks might be ok.

that baby hammock looks like it has a mattress of sorts
so would be flat
the trouble arises when they spend long periods of time in a carseat, then a buggy, then a bouncy chair, getting no time flat at all.

that baby hammock looks like it has a mattress of sorts
so would be flat
the trouble arises when they spend long periods of time in a carseat, then a buggy, then a bouncy chair, getting no time flat at all.

that baby hammock looks like it has a mattress of sorts
so would be flat
the trouble arises when they spend long periods of time in a carseat, then a buggy, then a bouncy chair, getting no time flat at all.

that baby hammock looks like it has a mattress of sorts
so would be flat
the trouble arises when they spend long periods of time in a carseat, then a buggy, then a bouncy chair, getting no time flat at all.

It has a mattress but they are def not flat in them:

"During the 12th/13th week of pregnancy your baby will more than likely have assumed a three quarter lying position-and so he remains until shortly before birth in that position - a position that is so comfortable, secure and perfect.

Natures Nest is the only baby bed designed to create a womb like effect, here baby can still enjoy what nature provided a snug tactile environment, with a gentle vertical and bouncing motion."

Sounded comfy to me until I read all the "flat" stuff!!

I have only heard good things about these. They are suspended in a soft hammock, not scrunched up on a hard surface like say a car seat. Supposed to mimmick natural position in the womb, being carried in a sling.Babies and Pedeatricians love them.Wish I could afford one.....

Love the idea of paeds sleeping in baby hammocks

In many cultures babies sleep in hammocks. They sound fab to me. I think some of this hysteria about babies sleeping flat is because we want babies to be like adults as quickly as possible. And also because so many people keep their babies in carseats, etc all the time.

I think the problem with babies sleeping in car seats etc for long periods of time is that they have a downward pressure on their spines. They are not evenly supported and more of their weight is supported at they point where their bum touches the seat than where their shoulders touch the seat. I think they would be better supported in a hammock because it's flexible so there shouldn't be a problem with their upper body weight pressing down through their lower spine.