I used the Hatch Sound Machine for 3 years and thought nothing of it. In fact, I thought it was an amazing and intuitive product. I used it to sleep-train my daughter when she was 1 year old. I created routines surrounding the product. I used a green light and a song to indicate to her when it was time to come out of her room after she woke up in the morning. I created routines of sounds and lights for various activities, from nap time to bedtime, and even reminders to go potty during our potty training season. 

On a general level and from the outside looking in, it appeared to be a completely harmless product, and I was a new mom looking for a tool to support our lifestyle and routines. But you’ll notice that I am not providing an affiliate link for the product in this article. In fact, I am not even promoting or recommending the product. I mentioned it a couple of times in some of my articles years ago, and those articles have since been intentionally updated. 

So, what happened? Why did I decide to get rid of my Hatch Sound Machine that had been in my daughter's room for 3 years? And yes, if you’re wondering, we went cold turkey. The moment my husband and I made the decision, we removed the product from her room and haven’t looked back. And no, my son won’t be getting one for his sleep training. And yes, I will share what we do now, without using sound machines currently in our children’s rooms. We will also cover some alternate options to consider if you still prefer a sound machine.

I want to share with you some interesting information that extends beyond a specific product or company. I want to shine light on the importance of a mother raising, discipling, and protecting her children. In Wife, Mother, Watchman. Spiritual Protection for Your Household!  I taught you the importance of guarding the hearts in your home. So let’s also discuss the spiritual implications that accompany living in the world and doing the “harmless” things that we see everyone else doing without using discernment.

What is the Biblical Basis for Being Concerned About the Hatch Sound Machine

You may have heard about the controversy surrounding the Hatch Sound Machine. There have been videos circulating on social media showing Christian moms throwing away their Hatch Sound Machine, and there are videos of parents explaining that they’ve been hearing voices and conversations coming from the sound machine in their child’s room. Hatch (the company) also broadcast a couple of Halloween advertisements that were more along the lines of horror movie trailers.

These things got back to the company, and they issued a response stating they didn’t mean to imply that their devices are literally possessed by dark forces. To address the concerns, they introduced their RePOSSESion Program. They said, “If you are unsatisfied with your Hatch device in any way, including if you suspect a tiny demon is talking to you at night, SEND IT BACK.” They said they would offer the returned devices to other people who want them.

So, how can we address this from a biblical perspective? 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 says,

“Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.” 

Regardless of your perspective and interpretation of the “accusations” and controversy surrounding Hatch, we are encouraged to “test all things”. We are also instructed to hold fast to what is good and abstain from evil. This is what we must take into consideration in all decisions, especially when deciding what companies and businesses we support and come into agreement with with our money.

Regardless of whether the ads were for Halloween or not, Christians are held to a different standard.  

There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass[a] through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations, the Lord your God drives them out from before you. Deuteronomy 18:10–12

The elements in the advertisements were abominations to the Lord. The company revealed their heart and intentions in their ads and their statement.

The Word of God instructs us to:

Keep your heart with all diligence,

For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Not only are you responsible for guarding your own heart, but you are also responsible for guarding the hearts of your children. Be aware of what they are listening to, seeing, hearing, and learning from other people.

Pray and seek God for wisdom regarding the best decision that you can make for your household. 

Should Christian Moms Throw out the Hatch Machine, Anoint it, or Stop Using it Entirely?

At the end of the day, you must follow your own discernment. Pray and ask the Lord what the best decision is for you and your family. I will share my opinion regarding the matter. Based on everything I presented to you, I’d say it’s not worth taking the risk. We are in the middle of a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6). It is possible to invite demonic influence into your home through something as innocent as a sound machine.

Based on this information, it would be a good idea to stop using, and throw out the Hatch Machine to ensure that every spiritual door is closed. I personally have no desire to fellowship with, come into agreement with, or financially support a company that values and prioritizes things that are in direct opposition to God and the truth of His word. Also, do not neglect your children’s spiritual well-being. Do not allow the enemy to come in through objects and products in your home. Guard your home and guard your children.

Safe Alternatives to Replace the Hatch Sound Machine

When we got rid of our Hatch, we didn’t replace it with anything. We gave our 4-year-old a lamp and a clock, but no new sound machine. However, I still love the idea of a sleep trainer and sound machine, so here is what I would do if I ever decided to look for a replacement. 

There are a variety of options available online. Amazon has a variety of different options. A Sunrise Alarm is a nice alternative. It may not be a dedicated kid’s sleep trainer, but it still gets the job done, and provides the time, night light, sound machine, etc. You can also look into a Sleep Training Clock, which will allow you to use colors like red, yellow, and green to teach your child healthy sleeping habits. However, these things are not a necessity for healthy sleep habits. These are new conveniences.

Regardless of what you choose to do, I strongly recommend that you do your research. See what companies you are supporting. What are their belief systems, intentions, and values? Do they align with yours? Are they contrary to the Word of God? You can learn more about a company by looking into its content, its social media pages, and the way it presents itself to the public.

Consider This As You Raise Your Children In Today’s World

As you raise your children in today’s world, I would encourage you to be vigilant. Remember that even seemingly innocent things can be spiritually influential or harmful. Don’t allow the enemy to plant his evil and antichrist seeds in the hearts of your children. That is what he wants. It is his job to steal, kill, and destroy according to John 10:10. He takes his job seriously, so we as mamas can’t be passive and say that it’s too extra or dramatic to be intentional when making decisions in this life. 

Partner with the Holy Spirit, and He will help you raise your children in this dark world. He will reveal things to you and tell you whether something is good for you and your family to partake in or not. Guard your children. Guard their hearts. Protect them. Pay attention to your discernment and convictions. If something seems or feels off and dark or evil, don’t brush it off. Pay attention. Be vigilant. Seek the Lord and ask for wisdom and clarity when you need it. And if you’ve had something or have accepted something before, and the Holy Spirit is now revealing that it is time to let it go or it has dark and evil origins, be okay with change. Let it go, get rid of it, make the changes that need to be made for the spiritual well-being of your household.

Wrapping Up: Why Christian Moms Are Throwing Out Their Hatch Sound Machines — and What the Bible Says About It

Christian moms have been throwing out their Hatch Sound Machines, and I believe it is with good reason. I’m one of those mamas because I’m a mama that don’t play when it comes to this spiritual battle. When I see a company’s beliefs and values and the things they support, I pay attention because, after all, 2 Corinthians 6:14 says,

 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

Use the bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit to help you make decisions that are best for you and your family. Follow your own convictions. There are alternatives that you can consider if you’re looking for sleep training or sound machine products. Do your research. Be intentional in your motherhood and parenting journey. It’s a spiritual battle, and Satan is playing for keeps. So remember, you aren’t just raising your littles, you are shaping souls. This is kingdom business! Until next time, Mama!