Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Marpac Hushh

$29.95

Marpac Hushh is a portable sound machine designed for babies and kids. It offers soothing sounds to help create a calming sleep environment.

Our take

Perfect for on-the-go baby sleep.

Alright, let's break down the Marpac Hushh. This little gadget is basically a portable white noise machine, and it’s aimed at helping babies sleep better. Right off the bat, I gotta say, the size is pretty handy. It’s small enough to toss in a diaper bag or just clip onto a stroller. So if you’re on the move a lot, this could be a lifesaver. But, I mean, it’s not gonna work miracles. If your kid is determined to stay up, this thing won’t magically knock them out.

The sound itself is pretty decent. You’ve got a few options: bright white noise, deep white noise, and gentle surf. They're all soothing in that constant kind of way. Personally, I found the deep white noise to be the most effective, but hey, every baby is different. One thing though, you might notice a slight digital tone in the background. It's not a dealbreaker, but I can see how it might bug some folks. Don’t expect the sound quality to rival a full-sized machine. It gets the job done, but it’s not perfect.

Battery life is where things get interesting. It recharges via USB, which is super convenient, but it’s not gonna last you days on end. If you’re using it for naps and bedtime, you’ll probably be charging it every couple of days. To me, that’s a bit of a bummer, especially if you’re out and about without easy access to an outlet. So, you might want to keep a power bank handy just in case.

Durability seems pretty solid, though. It’s got a nice, rubbery outer shell that feels like it can handle a drop or two. Plus, it’s water-resistant, which is a nice touch if you’re caught in the rain or dealing with a surprise spill. I wouldn’t dunk it in water, but it can handle a bit of splash. For something you’re likely to throw in a bag and forget about, it’s nice to know it won’t fall apart the first time it hits the ground.

Overall, the Marpac Hushh is a neat little gadget if you need a portable white noise solution. It’s definitely not perfect — the sound quality and battery life have their hiccups — but for a small, travel-friendly device, it’s pretty solid. If you’re on the fence, consider how much you travel and how crucial white noise is for your baby’s sleep. If it’s gonna make your life a bit easier, it might just be worth the investment. Just keep your expectations grounded, and you should be good to go.