So, you’re looking at the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen. Maybe you saw it on a registry, or your neighbor swears it’s the only reason their toddler hasn’t staged a 3 a.m. coup.
Honestly? It's a lot of plastic for a sleep machine. But it's also kinda brilliant.
Parenting in 2026 is basically just managing a series of small, glowing rectangular screens while trying to make sure a tiny human sleeps. The Rest+ 2nd Gen tries to be the one screen—well, device—that actually helps. But there is a massive amount of confusion about what this thing actually does versus the cheaper "non-plus" version, and whether that monthly subscription is just a giant money grab.
The Big Difference: Why the "Plus" Matters
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first.
The standard Rest 2nd Gen has to stay plugged into the wall. If the power blinks? It’s dead. If you want to move it to the living room for a nap? You’re unplugging cables and crawling under the crib.
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The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen has a battery. Specifically, it comes with a cordless charging base. You just pick the unit up and carry it. It’s rated for up to 8 hours of battery life, though if you’ve got the light on "surface of the sun" brightness and the volume cranked to "thunderstorm in a tin shed," you’ll probably get closer to 5 or 6.
It also has a digital clock on the front.
You’d think a clock wouldn't be a big deal, but when you’re nursing at 4:12 a.m. and your phone is across the room, that dim little display is a lifesaver. Plus, it works as an "OK-to-wake" indicator. You can program it so the light turns green at 7 a.m., telling your kid, "Hey, don't come jump on my face until the light says so."
It rarely works the first time. But eventually, they get it.
The Setup Headache Nobody Mentions
I’m going to be real with you: the setup can be a nightmare.
Hatch requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. If your router is one of those fancy modern ones that mashes 2.4GHz and 5GHz together into one name, the Hatch might just... refuse to see it.
You’ll be sitting there, blinking light staring at you, wondering why your $90 sound machine is acting like it’s 1998.
Pro tip: If it won't connect, try moving it literally two feet away from the router for the initial sync. Also, avoid special characters in your Wi-Fi password. It doesn't like them. Weird, right? But true.
Is the Hatch+ Membership a Scam?
This is the part that bugs people. You buy the machine, and then the app immediately asks you for $4.99 a month (or about $50 a year).
Do you need it? No.
The "base" sounds—white noise, rain, ocean, dryer (which is surprisingly effective)—are all free. They live on the device. You can set your schedules and change colors without paying a dime.
The subscription gives you "Hatch+ Sleep Membership" content. Think of it like a mini Spotify for kids. It has sleep stories, curated music, and "wind-down" routines. If your kid is the type who needs a new story every night to stop kicking the wall, the $5 might be the best money you ever spend. If you just want a pink noise machine that turns on at 8 p.m., skip the sub.
Why It Beats the Old Version
If you find a 1st Gen Rest+ on clearance, should you buy it?
Maybe. But the 2nd Gen fixed the charging port issue. The old ones used a micro-USB or a specific barrel plug that felt like it was held together by hopes and dreams. The 2nd Gen’s charging base is much sturdier.
Also, the audio fidelity is actually better.
The 1st Gen sounded a bit "tinny" at high volumes. The 2nd Gen has a richer, deeper bass. This matters because "Brown Noise" (the lower-frequency version of white noise) is way better at drowning out a barking dog or a loud TV in the next room than the high-pitched static of older machines.
Real World Use: The "Touch Ring"
The top of the Hatch has a metal ring. Tap it to turn it on. Long press to turn it off.
It sounds simple, but in the dark, it’s a godsend. You don't have to find your phone, face-ID yourself (which usually fails when you're bleary-eyed), and open an app. Just a quick tap and the room glows a soft amber.
Actionable Troubleshooting
If your Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen starts acting glitchy—and it might—don't throw it out.
- The "Power Cycle" actually works: Unplug it from the wall AND the base for 10 full seconds.
- The Reset Button: There is a tiny "R" button on the bottom. You need a paperclip. Hold it for 5 seconds while the unit is plugged in.
- Check the Clock Brightness: If you think the display is broken, check the app. There’s a slider that lets you turn the clock completely off. Sometimes a firmware update resets this to 0%.
Next Steps for Your Nursery
Before you commit, check your Wi-Fi signal in the baby’s room. If your signal is weak, the "Smart" features of the Hatch will be more of a "Frustrating" feature.
If the Wi-Fi is solid, go for the Rest+ 2nd Gen over the standard Rest. That battery backup is the difference between a 3 a.m. meltdown during a thunderstorm and a baby who sleeps through the power flicker. Stick to the free sounds first, and only trigger the Hatch+ trial when you hit the "toddler protest" phase.