Hatch Rest Vs. Glow Dreaming
When it comes to helping your little one sleep soundly through the night, modern sleep aids have revolutionized the bedtime routine. Two popular contenders in this space are the Hatch Rest and Glow Dreaming devices. Both promise to create the ideal sleep environment for children, but they differ in features, functionality, and price. This comparison will help you determine which device might be the better fit for your family’s needs.
Overview of Hatch Rest and Glow Dreaming
Before diving into the specifics, let’s get familiar with both devices.
Hatch Rest
The Hatch Rest is a multifunctional sleep device that combines a sound machine, night light, and time-to-rise alert in one sleek package. Now in its 2nd generation, the Hatch Rest has become a favorite among parents for its versatility and app-controlled functionality. Many parents in online communities like r/NewParents have described it as “absolutely amazing,” noting how their little ones become “obsessed” with the device.
Glow Dreaming
Glow Dreaming is another popular sleep aid that combines light therapy, humidifier functionality, and sound therapy. It’s designed to help children fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The device has gained traction among parents looking for comprehensive sleep solutions.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hatch Rest (2nd Gen) | Glow Dreaming |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Options | Multiple white noise and soothing sounds | Pink noise and custom sounds |
| Light Features | Customizable colors and brightness | Red LED light therapy |
| App Control | Yes, full remote control | Yes, with scheduling features |
| Additional Functions | Time-to-rise programs, preset routines | Humidifier function, aromatherapy |
| Design | Cylindrical, modern aesthetic | Rounded design with character options |
| Portability | Moderate, requires outlet | Moderate, requires outlet |
Sound and Noise Features
Hatch Rest Sound Capabilities
The Hatch Rest offers a variety of sound options that parents can control via the app. Users can select from white noise, gentle lullabies, and nature sounds. According to reviews, the sound quality is excellent, with adjustable volume levels that can effectively mask household noises without being too overwhelming for sensitive ears.
One parent mentioned in r/NewParents, “The sound and lights can be controlled by an app on your phone,” highlighting the convenience factor that many busy parents appreciate.
Glow Dreaming Sound Therapy
Glow Dreaming takes a slightly different approach with its sound therapy. The device primarily uses pink noise, which some sleep experts suggest may be more effective than traditional white noise for promoting deep sleep. Pink noise contains lower frequencies that can be more soothing to some children.
Additionally, Glow Dreaming offers custom sound options that can be tailored to your child’s preferences.
Light Features and Sleep Environment
| Light Feature | Hatch Rest | Glow Dreaming |
|---|---|---|
| Color Options | Multiple colors across spectrum | Red light therapy focus with some customization |
| Brightness Control | Fully adjustable brightness | Adjustable brightness levels |
| Light Therapy | General ambient lighting | Specific red LED light therapy |
| Time-to-Rise Visual Cues | Yes, with programmable colors | Limited functionality |
Hatch Rest Lighting
The Hatch Rest excels in its lighting versatility. Parents can choose from a rainbow of colors and adjust brightness levels to create the perfect sleep environment. This feature is particularly useful for establishing bedtime routines – many parents use specific colors to signal different parts of the routine.
The time-to-rise feature is especially popular among parents of toddlers. By programming the light to change colors when it’s acceptable for children to get out of bed, the Hatch Rest helps teach children when to stay in bed and when it’s okay to start the day.
Glow Dreaming Light Therapy
Glow Dreaming focuses specifically on red LED light therapy. This isn’t just a design choice – red light is scientifically shown to help increase melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. The device emphasizes this therapeutic approach to lighting rather than offering a wide spectrum of colors.
Additional Features and Functionality
Hatch Rest Extra Features
The Hatch Rest 2nd generation builds on the success of its predecessor with improved sound quality and more intuitive controls. The device allows parents to create preset routines that can be activated with a simple tap, making it easier to maintain consistent bedtime rituals.
For families interested in expanded functionality, Hatch also offers the Rest+ 2nd gen model ($89.99), which includes additional features like a battery backup, two-way audio monitor, and enhanced connectivity options.
Glow Dreaming Extra Features
Where Glow Dreaming differentiates itself is with its built-in humidifier function and optional aromatherapy capability. These additional features create a more comprehensive sleep environment that addresses multiple senses.
The humidifier can help children with congestion or those living in dry climates, while the aromatherapy option allows parents to add calming scents to the bedtime routine.
Price Comparison
| Model | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Hatch Rest 2nd Gen | $59.99 | Sound machine, night light, time-to-rise features, app control |
| Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen | $89.99 | All Rest features plus battery backup, two-way audio, enhanced connectivity |
| Glow Dreaming Basic | $70-$90 (varies by region) | Sound therapy, red light therapy, humidifier function |
| Glow Dreaming with Aromatherapy | $90-$120 (varies by region) | All basic features plus aromatherapy capability |
User Experience and App Functionality
Hatch Rest App Experience
The Hatch app receives consistently positive reviews for its intuitive interface and reliable connectivity. Parents appreciate being able to adjust settings remotely without entering their child’s room and potentially disrupting sleep. The app allows for programming multiple preset routines and schedules, which helps maintain consistency in the bedtime routine.
Glow Dreaming App Experience
Glow Dreaming’s app also offers remote control capabilities and scheduling options. Some users report that while functional, it may not be quite as intuitive as the Hatch app. However, it does provide all the necessary controls to adjust settings and create sleep schedules.
Pros and Cons
Hatch Rest Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile color options | No humidifier function |
| Excellent app control | Basic model lacks battery backup |
| Time-to-rise feature for toddlers | No aromatherapy capability |
| Growing ecosystem of compatible products | Higher price for advanced features |
| Modern, minimalist design | Requires Wi-Fi for full functionality |
Glow Dreaming Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built-in humidifier | More limited color options |
| Red light therapy specifically for sleep | App may be less intuitive |
| Aromatherapy option | Less emphasis on time-to-rise features |
| Comprehensive sensory approach | May require more maintenance (humidifier) |
| Character designs appeal to children | Price can be higher with all features |
Which One Is Right For Your Family?
Best for Different Scenarios
| Scenario | Recommended Device | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Toddlers learning sleep boundaries | Hatch Rest | Superior time-to-rise features |
| Children with congestion issues | Glow Dreaming | Built-in humidifier function |
| Tech-savvy parents | Hatch Rest | More intuitive app and ecosystem |
| Focus on sleep science | Glow Dreaming | Red light therapy specifically designed for melatonin production |
| Budget-conscious families | Hatch Rest 2nd Gen | Lower entry price with core features |
| Multi-sensory approach needed | Glow Dreaming | Combines sound, light, humidity, and optional aromatherapy |
Parent Recommendations and Experiences
Based on online communities like r/NewParents, the Hatch Rest receives frequent mentions and recommendations. One parent noted, “The Hatch Rest is absolutely amazing. Sound and lights can be controlled by an app on your phone. Our LO is obsessed and we bring it everywhere.”
Glow Dreaming also has its devoted fans, with parents particularly appreciating the humidifier function and red light therapy for children who struggle with falling asleep.
Final Verdict
Both the Hatch Rest and Glow Dreaming offer quality solutions for helping children sleep better, but they cater to slightly different needs:
Choose Hatch Rest if:
– You value versatility in light colors and sound options
– You need a time-to-rise feature for toddlers
– You prefer a more intuitive app experience
– You want a sleek, minimalist design
– You might expand to other Hatch products in the future
Choose Glow Dreaming if:
– Your child has congestion issues or lives in a dry climate
– You specifically want red light therapy for melatonin production
– You’re interested in aromatherapy as part of the sleep routine
– You prefer a more comprehensive sensory approach to sleep
– Your child responds well to character designs
Both devices have proven effective for many families, and your choice will ultimately depend on your child’s specific sleep challenges and your preferences for features and functionality. Whichever you choose, establishing a consistent bedtime routine with either device can significantly improve your child’s sleep quality and, by extension, the whole family’s well-being.