Overview
Establishing consistent bedtime routines is a cornerstone of healthy child development. In 2025, families face the challenge of balancing busy evenings with their child’s need for calm, predictable transitions to sleep. Enter the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen, an all-in-one sound machine, night light, and time-to-rise device designed specifically for young children. With its customizable features and app connectivity, the Hatch Rest+ has become a favorite among parents aiming to create soothing, evidence-informed bedtime rituals.
This review explores how the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen fits into modern bedtime routines, evaluates its build quality, developmental benefits, and real-world use, and compares it to other popular bedtime helpers in 2025.
What’s Inside / Build Quality
The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen arrives neatly packed with the main unit, a power adapter, and a quick-start guide. The device features a sleek, minimalist design—rounded edges, matte finish, and a compact footprint (about the size of a small table lamp). It’s made from BPA-free, child-safe plastic that feels sturdy to the touch. The touch-sensitive top and softly glowing LED ring allow for intuitive interactions, even in the dark.
Inside, the Rest+ houses a high-quality speaker for white noise and lullabies, a multicolor LED night light (customizable via app or device), and a digital clock display that can be dimmed or turned off. Notably, the 2nd Gen model includes a backup battery, so nighttime routines aren’t interrupted by power outages. The device can connect to Wi-Fi for app-based controls and firmware updates, but also offers basic manual controls for quick adjustments.
Learning & Development Benefits
While not a traditional toy, the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen supports multiple areas of child development, especially when woven into a consistent bedtime routine:
- Self-Regulation: Predictable bedtime cues (such as dimming lights or playing calming sounds) help children wind down and transition to sleep more smoothly.
- Independence: The time-to-rise feature teaches children when it’s okay to get out of bed, fostering autonomy and reducing early morning wake-ups.
- Emotional Security: Soft lighting and familiar sounds can provide comfort, reducing nighttime anxieties and supporting emotional well-being.
- Routine Building: Repeated use of the same cues (like a certain lullaby or color) helps children internalize bedtime routines, which research links to improved sleep quality and behavior regulation.
These benefits align with current evidence on the importance of environmental cues and routines in supporting healthy sleep and socio-emotional development in early childhood.
Setup & Use
Getting started with the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is straightforward. After plugging in the device, families can use the touch controls or download the free Hatch Sleep app (iOS/Android) for enhanced features. The app walks you through Wi-Fi setup and offers a wide range of customizations:
- Choose from dozens of soothing sounds (white noise, rainfall, ocean, lullabies, and more)
- Set bedtime, wind-down, and wake-up routines with customizable colors and sounds
- Adjust night light brightness and color to suit your child’s preferences
- Schedule the time-to-rise feature, signaling when it’s morning with a sunrise-like glow
- Remotely control the device without entering your child’s bedroom
Manual controls on the device allow for quick changes—tap the top to turn the light on/off or spin the dial to adjust volume. The backup battery ensures continued operation during power outages (though Wi-Fi features require mains power).
Families can tailor the Hatch Rest+ to their unique routines: some use it for naps, others for overnight sleep, and many appreciate the flexibility to change sounds and colors as their child grows.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Combines sound machine, night light, and time-to-rise in one sleek device
- Highly customizable routines—colors, sounds, schedules—grow with your child
- Intuitive app controls with remote access
- Child-safe build, BPA-free materials, and sturdy construction
- Backup battery ensures reliability during power outages
- Supports evidence-informed bedtime routines and healthy sleep habits
Cons
- Requires Wi-Fi and smartphone app for full feature set
- Premium price point compared to basic sound machines
- Some parents report occasional app connectivity issues
- Night light may not be bright enough for all preferences
Alternatives & Similar Toys
There are several alternatives for families seeking bedtime routine support in 2025, each with its own strengths:
- Hatch Rest Mini: A more affordable, simplified sound machine and night light without the time-to-rise feature.
- LittleHippo Mella Ready to Rise: Combines a digital clock, soothing sounds, and a color-changing night light with a child-friendly design, though less customizable via app.
- Yoto Player: An audio player for stories, music, and sleep sounds, encouraging independent listening and routine building through physical story cards.
- Skip Hop Dream & Shine Sleep Trainer: Features a time-to-rise light and sound options, but with fewer customization options and a more playful appearance.
For families who prioritize flexibility, remote control, and a sleek aesthetic, the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen remains a top choice. Those seeking simpler or more budget-friendly options may find the alternatives above a better fit.
Verdict
The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen stands out as a thoughtful, multi-functional tool that supports healthy bedtime routines for young children. Its combination of sound, light, and routine cues—rooted in research on child development—helps families create calm, predictable evenings. While it comes at a higher price point, the robust build quality, customization, and app connectivity make it a worthy investment for many households.
Whether your child struggles with bedtime transitions or simply enjoys a soothing wind-down, the Hatch Rest+ offers flexibility and peace of mind. It adapts as your family’s needs change, supporting both toddlers and preschoolers as they grow in independence and confidence around sleep. For parents aiming to build lasting bedtime habits in 2025, the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen earns high marks for function, design, and developmental support.
FAQ
+Is the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen safe for infants and toddlers?
+Can the Hatch Rest+ be used without the app?
+How does the time-to-rise feature work?
+Does the Hatch Rest+ have a backup battery?
+What sounds and colors are available?
+Is the device portable for travel?
+Does the Hatch Rest+ emit blue light that might disrupt sleep?
Expert Commentary: Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen – Sound Machine, Night Light & Time-to-Rise for Bedtime Routines (2025 Edition)
The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen stands out as a thoughtful addition to bedtime routines, blending modern technology with child-friendly design. As a parent or caregiver, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly this device integrates sound, light, and time cues to create a calming sleep environment. The sound machine offers a variety of gentle options, from white noise to lullabies, helping little ones settle down and stay asleep. The customizable night light provides a comforting glow that’s easy on sleepy eyes, with a palette of colors to suit your child’s preferences or age.
One of the most valuable features is the time-to-rise function. It empowers children to understand when it’s time to get up, fostering independence and supporting consistent sleep schedules. The companion app is intuitive, allowing you to adjust settings remotely—a real convenience for busy evenings or middle-of-the-night tweaks. While the price point is higher than basic sound machines, the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen’s versatility and reliability justify the investment for families seeking a smoother bedtime routine and restful nights.
- Combines sound machine, night light, and time-to-rise in one device
- Customizable via easy-to-use mobile app
- Encourages healthy sleep habits and routine
- Modern design fits seamlessly in any nursery or child’s room
While I like that the device has a backup battery, I wondered whether the materials are durable enough to withstand being dropped or handled by a curious preschooler. Is it sturdy in real use?
Your concern about durability with a preschooler is completely understandable. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is designed with young kids in mind, so the outer shell is sturdy plastic, but it is still an electronic device and not meant for rough play or frequent drops. To keep it safe, place it on a stable surface out of direct reach, and show your child how to use it gently. Always supervise younger children around electronic devices, as parts could be a choking hazard if broken. For very active or curious kids, consider additional safety measures or relocation. This isn’t medical advice; if you have specific concerns, check in with your pediatrician.
I have twins with opposite sleep patterns—one tends to wake early, the other falls asleep much later. Is it possible to set separate time-to-rise or sound/lights schedules for each child using a single Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen, or would I need two devices?
It’s understandable to want a solution that supports both your twins’ unique sleep needs. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen allows you to program one set of sound, light, and time-to-rise schedules per device, so you would not be able to set separate routines for each child using just one unit. For your situation, consider using two devices—one for each twin’s schedule. If sharing a room, place the devices close to each child’s bed but ensure cords are safely out of reach, especially for younger children. This isn’t medical advice; if you have deeper concerns about their sleep, a pediatrician can help.
Since the device is made from plastic, how does its durability compare to similar products made from wood or other eco-friendly materials? Are there concerns about the long-term environmental impact of the materials used?
It’s thoughtful that you’re considering both durability and environmental impact when choosing products for your child. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen, made of plastic, is generally lightweight and can withstand daily use or minor drops, which is helpful for busy family routines. In comparison, wooden or eco-friendly devices may offer greater long-term durability and lower environmental impact, but they might be heavier or more prone to surface damage. Whichever you choose, always ensure small parts are secure and supervise young children during use. This isn’t medical advice; if you have concerns about materials or safety, consult your pediatrician.
Our family sometimes serves cultural herbal teas as part of the bedtime wind-down. Have you seen any research or practical tips on pairing sensory routines like certain smells or foods with the light and sound settings on this device?
It’s wonderful that you’re creating a calming bedtime routine rooted in your family’s traditions. While research on pairing herbal teas with specific sound or light settings is limited, you can combine sensory cues thoughtfully. Try offering your herbal tea (avoiding caffeinated or allergenic ingredients for young children) while playing a gentle white noise or lullaby and setting the Hatch Rest+ to a warm, dim color. Let your child help pick the night light color to add a sense of control. Keep routines consistent, and always supervise young children around hot liquids. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
How suitable is the brightness of the night light for children who are especially sensitive to light when they’re trying to fall asleep? Can it be set very dim or even turned off completely without affecting the other functions?
It’s great that you’re thinking about your child’s sensitivity to light at bedtime. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen offers a fully adjustable night light, so you can set it to a very dim level or even turn it off entirely—this won’t affect the sound machine or other functions, which can run independently. For light-sensitive children, starting with the lowest setting or darkness is usually best, especially for infants and toddlers. Always check that the brightness feels comfortable for your child, and supervise little ones to make sure the device stays out of reach. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
You mention the device is built from child-safe plastic. I’m curious about safety—how stable is it if my preschooler accidentally knocks it off a nightstand during the early hours? Does it have any sharp parts or easily removable pieces that could become a problem?
It’s great that you’re thinking about your child’s safety around bedroom devices. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is made from sturdy, BPA-free plastic and is designed without sharp edges or small detachable parts, making it generally safe for preschoolers. If knocked off a nightstand, it tends to stay intact, but as with any electronic item, check for cracks or exposed components if it falls. Place it on a stable, lower surface to reduce fall risk, and supervise its use if your child is especially curious. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
We struggle to keep a consistent bedtime routine with after-dinner activities and sometimes some TV time. How customizable is the Hatch app so we can set different light or sound cues on nights with varying schedules?
It’s understandable to want flexibility when your evenings vary. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen app is quite customizable: you can program different light colors and sounds for specific times, and create multiple routines to match your schedule. For example, set a calming sound and dim light to signal ‘wind-down’ even if bedtime shifts, or use a specific color as a gentle 10-minute warning before bed. For younger children, keep cues simple and consistent to avoid confusion. Always supervise and avoid overstimulation close to sleep. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
With the time-to-rise feature, do you find it works equally well with both preschoolers and slightly older kids, or does it seem more appropriate for a certain age group? I’d love to hear any tips for helping younger kids understand the concept.
—helping little ones grasp the time-to-rise idea can be a challenge. In my experience, this feature is most suited for preschoolers (around ages 3–5), since they are just beginning to learn about routines and time. For younger kids, use simple language and practice together: 1) Show them what the light means and do a few pretend play mornings. 2) Pair the light color with a familiar phrase, like ‘Green means go!’ 3) Keep expectations realistic—at first, they might still get up too early. Always supervise young children around electronics and keep cords out of reach. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
Is the light on the Hatch Rest+ dim enough for a toddler who is really sensitive to any brightness in the room, or would I need to cover it? Also, does the sound get quiet enough for kids with sensory issues?
It makes sense to want the room as gentle and calm as possible for your sensitive toddler. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen’s light is highly adjustable, and you can dim it to a very low glow—even off completely if needed. For most light-sensitive toddlers, this should be comfortable, but every child is different, so some parents still use a cover for extra darkness. The sound volume is also very customizable and can go very quiet, which many families find helpful for kids with sensory sensitivities. Always supervise and avoid covering devices with flammable materials. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.