Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen Review
The nursery sound machine that becomes a toddler alarm clock — if you don't mind the app.
⚡ Quick Answer
The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is the best all-in-one nursery device at $70. Sound machine + night light + time-to-rise clock + alarm, all controlled from your phone. The portable battery means you can move it room to room. The catch: you need the Hatch app (free tier works, premium is $60/yr), and the charging base has reliability issues. If you want simple, get a Yogasleep Dohm. If you want smart features that grow with your kid, the Rest+ delivers.
What the Hatch Rest+ does
The Rest+ combines a white noise machine, color-changing night light, alarm clock, and toddler sleep trainer in one device. Control everything from the Hatch app — set routines that automatically turn on white noise and dim the light at bedtime, then switch to a green 'OK to wake' light in the morning. The sound library includes white noise, rain, ocean, lullabies, and bedtime stories. The 2nd Gen added a portable battery and wireless charging base.
Sound quality and night light
The sound quality is good — not Yogasleep Dohm good (which uses actual air for white noise), but well above cheap sound machines. The volume range is adequate for masking household noise. The night light is the standout: fully customizable colors and brightness via the app. Need a dim red light for nighttime feeds? Done. Want a bright warm glow for story time? Done. The color options are endless, and dim enough at minimum to not disturb sleep.
Battery and portability
The built-in battery is the 2nd Gen's biggest upgrade. Pick it up and bring it anywhere — car trips, restaurants, grandma's house. Battery lasts about 8 hours on white noise at medium volume (enough for a night away from home). The wireless charging base sits in the nursery as a home dock. This portability alone is worth the upgrade from the original Rest.
The app and subscription
Everything runs through the Hatch Sleep app. The free tier gives you full device control, sound library, custom routines, and time-to-rise. The premium tier ($60/year) adds sleep content, guided programs, and expanded sound library. Honestly, the free tier is enough for 90% of families. The downside: no physical buttons for routine changes — if your phone dies or the app glitches, you're stuck with whatever was last set.
Charging base issues
This is the Rest+'s known weakness. The wireless charging base is finicky — the Rest+ needs to be positioned precisely to charge, and many users report intermittent charging failures. Hatch has acknowledged both hardware and software issues. The device works fine on battery, but coming home to a dead Rest+ because it didn't charge is frustrating. Check alignment every time you dock it.
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- ✅ All-in-one: sound machine + light + alarm + sleep trainer
- ✅ Portable battery lasts ~8 hours
- ✅ Fully customizable via app
- ✅ Time-to-rise feature for toddlers
- ✅ Grows from newborn to school-age
- ✅ Free tier has all essential features
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Charging base is unreliable
- ❌ App-dependent (no physical controls for routines)
- ❌ Premium subscription is $60/year
- ❌ Sound quality below dedicated machines like Yogasleep Dohm
- ❌ WiFi required for app control
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hatch Rest+ worth it over the regular Rest?
Yes, for the battery alone. Being able to pick it up for travel, car rides, or room-to-room use is a game-changer. The 2nd Gen battery adds significant daily convenience.
Do I need the Hatch premium subscription?
No. The free tier includes all device controls, sound library, routines, and time-to-rise. Premium adds sleep programs and extra content that most families don't need.
Can you use Hatch Rest+ without WiFi?
The device works offline with the last-programmed settings. But to change routines or control it remotely, you need WiFi and the app. There's a manual button on the device for basic on/off.
How long does the Hatch Rest+ battery last?
About 8 hours on white noise at medium volume. Varies with volume level and light brightness. Enough for overnight travel but plan to recharge daily.
🏆 The Verdict
The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is the best smart nursery sound machine for dads who want one device that evolves from newborn white noise to toddler alarm clock. Just double-check the charging base alignment.
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