Traveling with kids can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with disruptions to their sleep routine. A consistent sleep environment is crucial for children, and unfamiliar surroundings can lead to restless nights for everyone. This is where a Travel Sound Machine becomes an indispensable tool for parents. These portable devices create a soothing soundscape, masking disruptive noises and helping your little ones (and you!) get the rest you need while on the go.
hatch rest sound machine and nanit sound machine
In this review, we’ll delve into two popular sound machine and night light combos that are excellent contenders for travel: the Hatch Rest (2nd Gen) and the Nanit Sound & Light. We’ve used both extensively and will share our experiences to help you decide which might be the best travel sound machine for your family’s needs. We’ll also explore other noteworthy options if neither of these perfectly fits your requirements.
Hatch Rest (2nd Gen) as a Travel Sound Machine
The Hatch Rest (2nd Gen), priced around $69.99, has been a staple in many households for creating a calming bedtime routine. Originally, we purchased the Hatch Rest to establish a “quiet time” routine for our toddler. While the initial “pink light means quiet time” concept didn’t fully pan out, the Hatch Rest has proven to be a versatile and effective sound machine and night light, especially for travel.
Travel-Friendly Features We Love:
- Portability: While not the smallest device, the Hatch Rest is compact enough to pack in a suitcase, making it a convenient portable sound machine for family vacations. Maintaining a familiar sleep sound can significantly ease transitions to new sleeping environments.
- App Control & Customization: The Hatch Rest is easily controlled via a user-friendly app, allowing you to adjust sound and light settings remotely. You can also program routines for different times of the day. Imagine arriving at your hotel and effortlessly setting up the familiar bedtime sounds your child is accustomed to, all from your phone.
- Versatile Sound Options: With 9 built-in sounds, including white noise, nature sounds like birds and rivers, and wind, the Hatch Rest offers a variety of options to find the perfect sleep sound for your child, no matter where you are traveling.
- Night Light Functionality: The customizable night light is a comforting feature in unfamiliar hotel rooms or vacation rentals. The ability to set a dim, soothing light can help children feel secure and less anxious in new surroundings.
- Manual Control Option: Even without the app, you can manually control the light and sound with a simple tap on the device. A child lock feature prevents accidental changes by curious little hands.
Considerations for Travel:
- No Clock: The Hatch Rest lacks a digital clock, which might be a minor inconvenience when traveling and adjusting to different time zones. You’ll need to rely on other devices to check the time in the room.
- Wi-Fi Dependency for Remote Changes: Changing pre-set programs remotely requires a Wi-Fi connection. This became apparent when we traveled and needed to adjust settings for our house sitter. If you’re traveling somewhere without reliable Wi-Fi, program adjustments must be made before you leave your home network.
Where to Buy: Target, Amazon, or Hatch’s site
Nanit Sound & Light: A Rechargeable Travel Companion
The Nanit Sound & Light, from the makers of the popular Nanit baby monitor, is priced slightly higher at $99.99 (though often found for $79.99 on the Nanit site). This device directly competes with the Hatch Rest and boasts some impressive features that make it a standout travel sound machine. Our son was particularly excited about this addition to his room, and we found several aspects that make it incredibly travel-friendly.
Top Travel Features:
- Rechargeable Battery & Cordless Operation: This is a game-changer for travel! The Nanit Sound & Light operates on battery power for up to 8 hours, making it truly portable. You don’t need to worry about finding an outlet immediately upon arrival at your destination. This cordless feature also enhances safety and flexibility in room placement.
- Digital Clock: A built-in digital clock is a significant advantage, especially when traveling across time zones. It provides immediate time awareness in a new environment, which is helpful for maintaining routines.
- On-the-Go Program Functionality: The light and sound functions work even without being plugged in. While program settings require Wi-Fi initially, the device remembers them, making it a reliable travel sound machine even if Wi-Fi is spotty at your destination. Simply connect to Wi-Fi upon arrival to ensure programs function as expected.
- Extensive Sound and Color Options: The Nanit offers 11 sound options, including white noise, pink noise, brown noise, nature sounds, and lullabies. Combined with a wide spectrum of light colors, you can create a truly personalized sleep environment anywhere you go.
- Cry Detection: While perhaps less critical for older children, the cry detection feature can be a valuable safety net, especially for younger travelers. It sends notifications to your phone if your child cries, adding an extra layer of reassurance in unfamiliar settings.
- App Control: Like the Hatch Rest, the Nanit Sound & Light is controlled via a mobile app, offering full control over sound, light, volume, and program settings.
Minor Drawbacks:
- Program Control via App Only: Program routines can only be set and adjusted through the app, requiring a smartphone or tablet.
Where to Buy: Target, Amazon, or Nanit’s site
Other Travel Sound Machine Choices
If the Hatch Rest or Nanit Sound & Light don’t quite meet your needs or budget, several other excellent travel sound machines are popular among families:
- LectroFan Micro2: A compact and highly portable option focused purely on sound, known for its effective white noise and fan sounds. Great for minimalist travel.
- myBaby SoundSpa Portable: A budget-friendly and simple sound machine offering a selection of nature sounds and white noise. Ideal for basic travel sound needs.
- Rohm Portable White Noise Machine: Extremely small and rechargeable, perfect for very light travel. Offers three sound options: white noise, deep white noise, and surf.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Travel Sound Machine
A travel sound machine is more than just a gadget; it’s an investment in peaceful family travels and well-rested kids (and parents!). Both the Hatch Rest and Nanit Sound & Light offer fantastic features for home and away. The Hatch Rest is a reliable and customizable option, while the Nanit Sound & Light shines with its rechargeable battery and built-in clock, making it exceptionally travel-ready. Consider your family’s specific travel style and needs to determine which portable sound machine will be your best companion for adventures to come. Whether you choose one of these reviewed models or another sound machine for travel, prioritizing sleep on the road will make your journeys much more enjoyable for everyone.
