In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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The Hatch Rest+ stands out as a best baby monitor as a multifunctional, app-enabled device. Apart from sound monitoring, it also functions as a best night light, sound machine, lullaby generator, and a time-to-wake clock for toddlers. Its WiFi connection offers a more extended range, and you can operate it remotely with the downloaded app, potentially calming your little one with sound or light without leaving your bed. Unfortunately, it lacks sound activation and filtering, and its sound quality is less than impressive (though not the worst). It's also more expensive than other options in the group. While the Hatch Rest+ doesn't cover all the bases as a top-ranked sound monitor, we appreciate this unique option and think some tech-savvy parents who value multifunctional devices may like it.
REASONS TO BUY
Multiple functions
App-enabled
Better range
Easy to use for the tech-savvy
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the best sound quality
Few features for sound
Pricey
Updated Version 2nd Gen
The Hatch+ now has a Gen2 version that is similar to the original, and we have now linked to this option. While the two versions have differences, we believe they are similar enough that our review of the original can still help in your buying decision.
//Recall Notice: Hatch has recalled the power adapters sold with the first generation Hatch. If you have a first generation Hatch, you should stop using it immediately and contact the company. You can find more information here
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Multi-purpose monitor that is also a sound machine and nightlight with better range but sub-par sound
A well-rounded sound monitor that comes with two parent units
An adorable, inexpensive sound monitor
Awesome sound with lots of features that is a winning choice for almost any family
A sound monitor with a performance that falls short
Rating Categories
Hatch Rest+
VTech DM1211
TimeFlys QQ Portable
VTech DM221
Motorola AM24
Sound Clarity(30%)
6.0
8.0
7.5
9.5
7.3
Ease of Use(25%)
8.7
9.1
9.1
5.5
6.1
Range(20%)
8.8
8.8
5.3
5.5
6.0
Battery Life(15%)
5.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
Features(10%)
6.1
8.7
10.0
8.7
6.2
Specs
Hatch Rest+
VTech DM1211
TimeFlys QQ Portable
VTech DM221
Motorola AM24
Indoor Range Test (Walls & Feet)
8 Walls
169 Feet (WiFi)
7 Walls
170+ Feet
7 Walls
115 Feet
5 Walls
90 Feet
7 Walls
110 Feet
Open Field Range Test
155 Feet (WiFi)
1180 Feet
575 Feet
1325 Feet
750 Feet
Manufacturer's Claimed Range (*Buyer Beware!)
NA
1500 Feet
1000 Feet
1000 Feet
1000 Feet
Communication Technology
WiFi
DECT 6.0 Digital Technology
DECT 6.0 Digital Technology
DECT 6.0 Digital Technology
DECT 6.0 Digital Technology
Sound Activation
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Mic Sensitivity
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Sound Filtering Test Results
Very Good
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Average
Two-Way Talk
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Max Sound
96 dB
93 dB
92 dB
103 dB
87 dB
Temperature
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Battery Type
Not Listed
Rechargable
Rechargable
Rechargable
Rechargable
Nursery Unit Battery Backup
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
EMF @ 6 Feet Nursery Unit
0.43 V/m
1.07 V/m
1.38 V/m
3.11 V/m
1.01 V/m
Night Light
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Lullaby Music
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Out Of Range Alert
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Vibrate Alert
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Warranty
1 Year
1 year
1 Year
1 year
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Ann Weiss and her husband, Dave, believe technology can improve lives. As entrepreneurs at heart, their passion for helping people led them to create Hatch, starting with products specifically for babies before branching out to adults. Their experience with their first baby and insomnia, in general, inspired them to create Rest and Rest+. Since being featured on “Shark Tank” in 2016, the company has grown into a leader in restorative sleep products.
Performance Comparison
Sound Clarity
The Hatch Rest+ isn't super impressive for a sound monitor, but it gets the job done despite lacking sound-specific features. This product does not have sound activation or microphone sensitivity adjustment but still manages relatively impressive sound filtering technology keeping a quiet monitor quiet unless your baby is crying.
However, for sound quality, this product isn't the best or the worst in the group, with a score that manages to be just below average. The Hatch Rest+ has a maximum dB output of 96.3 in our tests, which is better than most of the competition. Unfortunately, the sound it emits isn't impressive at higher volumes. It wasn't until the sounds dropped below 75dB that we could decipher what was said in the nursery. You will be able to hear your baby crying, but if the noises are more subtle or super loud, the details could be lost. This monitor is never totally quiet, but the features let you turn it down low enough for most parents to sleep. Of course, if you use the sound machine or lullaby features, you will hear those through your device.
Ease of Use
The Hatch Rest+ is one of the easier options to use in our best sound monitor review, which is surprising given the more involved setup and app-enabled user interface. While we doubt your average grandparent will love this unit, we think most tech-savvy parents accustomed to utilizing their smartphones will have no trouble with this setup or application.
This monitor automatically connects to your phone as soon as you open the Hatch sleep app, as long as you are in range and the product is on. This is far superior to products that require linking or syncing to start. You can manually sync the Hatch to your phone if it doesn't connect after setting up an account. The app automatically registers your Hatch, which is a nice feature if you have problems.
The app is intuitive and straightforward if you are familiar with smartphone apps. We were able to set up programs and nightlight/sound schedules easily. The touch ring on the top of the Hatch allows you to toggle through your pre-programmed settings, and there are buttons on the bottom for volume and brightness control. One of the best advantages is that all features can be operated from the parent device and outside the nursery.
Range
The Hatch Rest+ is a WiFi option that requires this technology to work. The upside is this typically extends the range past where most dedicated monitors can go.
The Hatch Rest+ has a better-than-average range in our tests but will depend entirely on the WiFi range in your home. It should work wherever you have a WiFi connection.
Battery Life
The Hatch Rest+ battery life is long enough, with 13 hours in our tests. While this is plenty to make it through the night should the electricity go out, it isn't on par with some of the competition.
Depending on your use of this option, your battery life will be affected. Using the sound machine and nightlight will decrease your overall battery life over using it as a monitor alone. The manufacturer writes that the battery is not intended for frequent or all-night use and is designed as a backup or for shorter nap times.
Don't Let Your Battery Die
If the battery on the Hatch dies, you'll have to start the setup process over again. We highly recommend not letting the battery die to avoid this annoyance.
Features
The Hatch Rest+ has some fun features for little ones, but none are helpful for a sound monitor. So depending on your goals, the available features may be exciting or disappointing. While we'd like to see a sound activation or microphone sensitivity adjustment, it didn't offer either, instead choosing to focus on soothing features for little ones, like sound and light.
The Hatch Rest+ also has the following features:
Nightlight with infinite colors and brightness levels
Sound machine
Lullabies
Ok to wake clock for toddlers
Talk to baby
Clock
Remote capabilities
Alexa capable
EMF
The Hatch offers one of the lowest EMF readings in the group, with a reading of 0.43 V/m at a distance of 6 ft. This result is even more impressive than it might be with an ordinary monitor because it uses WiFi, which often increases the production of EMF.
If you want even lower levels near your little one, we recommend placing the Hatch as far from the crib as possible to still be effective. Given that it is also a nightlight and sound machine, this might not be as far as some of the competition as you'll want your little one to be able to see and hear everything the Hatch has to offer for soothing.
Should You Buy the Hatch Rest+?
There are several top-ranked baby monitors available. If you are looking for a chic app-enabled or WiFi-driven monitor, the Hatch Rest+ might be the perfect fit. With night light functionality, lullabies, a sound machine, and more, it's quite the package. While it doesn't excel in sound clarity, it certainly isn't the worst either. But if your primary focus is features, we think this cool option works for those who love app-assisted products.
What Other Sound Monitor Should You Consider?
The Hatch Rest+ goes beyond the simplicity of a typical sound monitor with its WiFi and app control, and this could potentially offer more than you require or desire. If ease of use is your goal, the VTech DM1211 is a wonderful option. With its straightforward setup and user interface, it ranks well among the competition. For those who are budget-conscious, the TimeFlys QQ Portable strikes a balance between value and performance.