Overview
Creating a soothing bedtime routine is a cornerstone of healthy child development. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen straddles the line between toy and tool, offering a multi-functional device that combines a night light, sound machine, and time-to-rise alert in one sleek, kid-friendly package. While not a traditional toy, it has become a beloved part of bedtime for many families, helping children transition from day to night with routines that are both comforting and fun. In this review, we’ll explore how the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen can fit into your child’s nightly rhythm, its build quality, developmental benefits, and if it truly delivers on its promises for families in 2025.
What’s Inside / Build Quality
Out of the box, the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen feels sturdy and thoughtfully designed. The device itself is a compact cylinder, about the size of a large mug, with a soft-touch matte finish that’s easy to clean. It features a touch-sensitive top for manual control, a subtle speaker grill at the base, and subtle, child-safe LED lights that emit a customizable glow.
- Device: The main unit has a rechargeable battery (for backup power), making it portable – useful for travel or power outages.
- Power Adapter & Cord: Designed with minimal loose parts and a secure, child-safe power connection.
- Materials: Free from BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Edges are rounded and smooth, with no small removable pieces.
- App Integration: Setup instructions include a quick-start guide for connecting to the Hatch app, which parents can use to control features remotely.
Overall, the build feels durable enough for daily use, and the gentle lighting is designed not to overstimulate sensitive young eyes.
Learning & Development Benefits
While the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is not a traditional educational toy, it provides several indirect developmental advantages, especially when used as part of a nightly routine:
- Supports Healthy Sleep Habits: Consistent use of sound and light cues helps children learn to recognize when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to wake.
- Emotional Regulation: Soothing sounds and calming lights can help reduce anxiety around bedtime, particularly for toddlers and preschoolers who may struggle with transitions.
- Routine & Independence: The time-to-rise feature encourages children, especially those 2 and up, to stay in bed until the light changes, fostering independence and routine adherence.
- Auditory & Visual Stimulation: High-quality nature sounds, lullabies, and white noise provide auditory input, while soft lighting allows for visual comfort without overstimulation.
Parents can use the device as a tool to establish and reinforce bedtime rituals, which research links to improved sleep quality and emotional security in young children.
Setup & Use
Getting started with the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is straightforward:
- Download the Hatch App on your smartphone (iOS or Android).
- Plug in the device and follow the in-app instructions to connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
- Customize settings: Adjust light color, brightness, sound selection, and set up bedtime/wake-up routines.
- Manual Use: The top touch ring allows you to quickly toggle lights and sounds without the app if needed.
Daily use is simple: parents can set timers, schedules, and even control the device remotely (great for parents of kids who fall asleep at different times). The battery backup is a thoughtful touch, ensuring the routine isn’t interrupted by a power outage.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Multi-functional: Combines night light, sound machine, and time-to-rise in one sleek device
- Customizable settings via app or manual controls
- Child-safe materials and design
- Promotes healthy bedtime routines and sleep habits
- Portable with battery backup for travel or power outages
- Wide range of soothing sounds and light colors
Cons
- Requires a smartphone for full feature access
- Premium price point compared to basic night lights or sound machines
- App connectivity occasionally drops, requiring a reset
- Not a traditional “toy” for playtime – may not appeal to children expecting interactive features
Alternatives & Similar Toys
While the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen stands out for its integrated features, several alternatives cater to families seeking bedtime routine support:
- LittleHippo Mella Ready to Rise Clock: Combines a cute design with sleep training lights and sounds, though with fewer customization options.
- Skip Hop Dream & Shine Sleep Trainer: Features a similar time-to-rise light and soothing sounds, but lacks app integration.
- MyBaby SoundSpa Lullaby: Offers a variety of soothing sounds and a simple night light, at a lower price point (no time-to-rise or app control).
- OK to Wake! Alarm Clock: A classic for sleep training, with a child-friendly interface but fewer modern features.
Each of these options has its own strengths, so consider your child’s preferences and your family’s needs when choosing.
Verdict
The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is an investment in your child’s bedtime routine, offering a combination of smart features, gentle design, and developmental support for healthy sleep habits. While it may not replace traditional toys, its role in helping children (and parents) wind down and embrace consistent bedtime rituals is hard to overstate. If you’re seeking a tech-forward, reliable night light and sound machine that grows with your child – from babyhood through early elementary years – the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is a top contender in 2025.
FAQ
+What age is the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen best for?
+Can my child use the Hatch Rest+ independently?
+Does it require Wi-Fi to work?
+Is it safe to leave on all night?
+How loud are the sounds, and can the volume be adjusted?
+Can it be used for naps as well as nighttime?
+What happens if there’s a power outage?
Expert Commentary: Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen – The Smart Night Light & Sound Machine for Calmer Bedtimes
The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen stands out as a thoughtful and highly practical addition to any child’s bedtime routine. As a smart night light and sound machine, it integrates seamlessly into busy family life, helping children wind down with soothing sounds and gentle lighting cues. The customizable color and sound settings empower parents to create a tailored sleep environment, whether their child needs white noise, lullabies, or a warm glow to feel secure at night.
What truly sets the Hatch Rest+ apart is its intuitive app-based control, which allows parents to adjust settings remotely—no more sneaking into the nursery and risking a wake-up. The device also grows with your child, serving as a sleep trainer for toddlers and a reassuring nightlight for older kids. The built-in two-way audio monitor adds another layer of convenience, eliminating the need for a separate baby monitor. For families seeking a reliable, multi-functional sleep aid, the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen delivers both comfort and peace of mind, making bedtime a calmer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Customizable night light colors and soothing sound options
- App-controlled for easy, quiet adjustments
- Integrated two-way audio monitor
- Grows with your child from infancy to early childhood
How portable is the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen for a road trip or an overnight stay with family? Is it compact enough to fit easily in a diaper bag or will it need its own space in luggage?
—planning ahead for sleep routines during travel can make a big difference for your child’s comfort. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is larger than most portable sound machines and generally won’t fit in a standard diaper bag; it’s about the size of a small table lamp. For travel, it’s best to pack it in its own section of your suitcase or a tote bag, and handle it gently since it’s an electronic device. Always bring the charging cable, and double-check the power needs for your destination. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
Is there a recommended age when kids can start using the time-to-rise feature on the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen, or is it mostly up to each child’s readiness? I want to be sure I’m encouraging independence but not causing any confusion if my toddler isn’t quite there yet.
It’s wonderful that you want to encourage your toddler’s independence while being mindful of their development. Most children start to grasp the concept of ‘time to rise’ features between ages 2.5 to 3, but readiness varies. Try introducing the feature with simple, visual explanations—use colors or icons your child understands. Start with short time intervals and celebrate small successes. Watch for signs of confusion or frustration; if your child seems unsure, it’s fine to pause and try again later. Always supervise initial use to ensure safety, especially if your child is under 3 years old. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
My child loves having a night light, but I am concerned about sleep disruptions from too much light. Does the Hatch let you fully dim or turn off the light while still playing sound, or does it always emit some glow when in use?
Your concern about light affecting your child’s sleep is very valid. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen allows you to fully dim the night light or even turn it off completely while keeping the sound machine running. You can adjust the brightness to the lowest setting or switch the light off via the app or physical controls, so your child can enjoy soothing sounds without extra glow. Always make sure any night light is set to a dim, warm tone for young children, and check that cords or the device itself remain out of reach. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
We have limited space in the nursery and already have a few gadgets. Is the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen bulky, or does it combine enough functions to replace other items like a separate sound machine and nightlight?
It makes sense to want to minimize clutter in your nursery while still meeting your child’s needs. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is compact and thoughtfully designed, combining a sound machine, nightlight, and time-to-rise feature in one unit, which can help you replace multiple devices. When considering replacing other gadgets, double-check that its light brightness and sound options meet your preferences. Make sure cords are out of reach for safety, and always follow age recommendations for safe sleep. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
Can the sound volume and light brightness on the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen be dimmed enough to avoid disturbing my light sleeper, or are the lowest settings still noticeable in a small, dark nursery?
You’re right to be careful about minimizing disturbances for a light sleeper. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen lets you adjust both the sound volume and the light brightness in small increments, so you can usually set them quite low. For very sensitive infants or toddlers, try starting with the lowest settings and sit quietly in the nursery at night to test if either is still noticeable. You might also experiment with white noise at a barely audible level or using only the night light, not both, if any sound is disruptive. Always check for any small parts or cords within baby’s reach. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
I’m a bit concerned about devices in the crib area with infants. Are there any safety recommendations for where to physically place the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen in a daycare setting to ensure it’s safe for 1-year-olds who are crawling and pulling up?
Your caution about device placement around curious toddlers is very important. For 1-year-olds, always place the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen well outside the crib, at least 3 feet away, to prevent access to cords or the device itself. Use cord covers or secure cords high up and out of reach. Position it on a stable surface where crawling or pulling up children can’t topple it. Regularly check that the device remains out of reach as children grow and their mobility increases. This isn’t medical advice; if you have safety concerns, please consult your pediatrician or a childcare safety specialist.
I know the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is marketed as safe with no small parts, but how resistant is the device to mouthing or teething if my 10-month-old grabs it? Is the charging cord easily detached or hidden to keep it out of reach when baby-proofing the room?
It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about keeping your curious 10-month-old safe. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is designed with no small, detachable parts, but the device itself isn’t intended to withstand mouthing, biting, or chewing, so it should be kept out of reach, especially during the teething stage. The charging cord can be unplugged, but for maximum safety, unplug the device when your child is exploring the room, and use cord covers or secure the cord behind furniture. Always supervise closely if your baby is mobile. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
Are there any specific safety concerns with younger siblings around the cord or buttons, especially since we usually do bilingual bedtime stories together and the kids sometimes get excited or rough near the nightstand?
It’s understandable to want to keep bedtime both fun and safe, especially with excited little ones near the nightstand. For younger siblings, cords can be a strangulation risk—always use the Hatch Rest+ cord shortener or secure cords out of reach. Supervise closely if your child is under three, as small removable parts or pressing buttons could be tempting. Place the device on a stable surface away from crib edges or where it could be knocked down. Teach children gentle hands with electronics during story time. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician for extra guidance.
Is there a way to set different time-to-rise schedules for weekends versus weekdays? My kids tend to wake up earlier than I’d like on days off, and I would love to use this feature to encourage them to stay in bed a little longer.
You’re not alone—many parents wish they could fine-tune wake-up routines for weekends. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen does allow you to set multiple time-to-rise schedules through its app, so you can program different times for weekdays versus weekends. To do this, open the Hatch app, select your device, and create separate programs for each day set with your preferred light color and sound cues. This feature works well for toddlers and preschoolers with some understanding of routines. Always supervise younger children with the device and check for any small removable parts. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
I noticed the device has a rechargeable battery for backup power. How long does the battery typically last if used overnight without being plugged in? This would really help for power outages or travel situations.
It’s completely understandable to want a reliable backup for your child’s sleep routines. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen’s rechargeable battery can typically last about 8 hours when used unplugged, depending on features like sound, light brightness, and Wi-Fi use. For power outages, try lowering the light and sound volume to stretch battery life. When traveling, fully charge the device beforehand and pack the charging cable just in case. Always supervise use, especially for younger children, and keep cords out of reach. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
I have a toddler who likes to press every button and a newborn who is super sensitive to sound. Is it possible to control the volume and light settings separately for each child at bedtime, or do you recommend having two devices for different age needs?
You’re thoughtful to consider both your toddler’s curiosity and your newborn’s sensitivity. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen allows you to adjust both the volume and the light brightness individually using the app, so you can set quieter sounds and dimmer lights for your newborn while creating a more engaging setting for your toddler. If your children share a room, try placing the device out of your toddler’s reach to prevent button pressing, and use soothing, consistent sounds for your newborn. For very different needs or rooms, two devices might make things simpler. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
For families on a tight budget or with limited space, would you recommend prioritizing a multi-functional device like the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen over adding more toys or books to the bedtime routine?
You’re thoughtful to consider what will help most at bedtime when space and budget are limited. If your child is struggling with sleep routines, a multi-functional device like the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen can be a practical investment: it combines a night light, sound machine, and clock, reducing clutter and providing consistent cues for sleep. For younger children, ensure all device parts are secure and cords are out of reach. Books and calming toys are valuable too, but if you need to choose, a restful environment may bring more immediate sleep benefits. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
I’m curious how adjustable the sound and light levels are on the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen. My child is sensitive to bright lights and sudden noises—do you find the controls precise enough to fine-tune for those needs, or are there preset levels?
It’s completely understandable to want gentle, customizable settings for a sensitive child. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen offers both preset options and precise manual controls for sound and light intensity. You can use the app or device to gradually adjust the volume and brightness, starting at very low levels and increasing only as needed. For children who are sensitive, begin with the lowest settings and test them together, making sure neither the sound nor light is too stimulating. Always supervise younger children around electronic devices. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
For families on a tighter budget, do you think this replaces both a sound machine and a night light well enough, or would a cheaper combination of separate devices work just as well for a toddler?
It’s understandable to want the best bedtime setup while being mindful of your budget. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen does combine a sound machine and night light in one device, which is convenient, but many families find that a basic, safe night light and a simple sound machine can work just as effectively for toddlers. When choosing separate devices, check that the night light uses a soft, warm glow and has no small, detachable parts. For the sound machine, look for volume controls and continuous play options to avoid sudden stops during sleep. Always supervise cords and placement for safety. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.