Nanny Cameras

Every parent’s first priority is safeguarding their children against the many dangers of the world. Unfortunately for many parents they have no choice but to leave their children in the care of others for portions of the day which makes it hard to determine if their children are being well cared for. No matter how well you interview a nanny or caregiver, you can never really be sure that your child is safe in their care unless you turn to a nanny camera for peace of mind. A nanny cam allows you to see exactly what is going on in your home with your child while you are not home and ensures that your child is safe and cared for in a way that you approve of.

If you are one of the many parents that turn to a nanny to care for their children, chances are you have though about a nanny cam but may have dismissed the thought because they seem like an expensive undertaking. The truth is that a nanny cam that will allow you to see exactly how your child is being cared for and will provide you with priceless peace of mind can cost as little as one hundred dollars. Installation is also easy and most people can even install nanny cameras entirely by themselves from picking the location to setting up the transmitter and monitoring device.

If you are considering a nanny camera to protect your child, there are a few factors to consider before making your purchase. You do not have to spend a fortune or have your nanny camera professionally installed, but there are still many features that you may or may not need. Before you purchase your nanny camera think about if you want your nanny cam hidden, how you want to watch the video feed, where you want to place your nanny cam, and how many cameras you will need.

Many parents use nanny cameras that are hidden because then they get to see what a nanny is like when they think no one is watching. There are many types of nanny cams that are designed to be hidden and come in a variety of appearances such as radios, clocks, smoke detectors, plants and even toys. Small cameras can also easily be concealed even without being embedded in other objects.

When you buy a nanny camera you must also think about how you want to watch the video feed. Most cameras allow you to use a recording device that allows you to transmit the video to a recorded for later viewing as well as transmitting to a computer or TV so that you can view the video in real time. Whichever method you prefer make sure the nanny camera you choose is compatible with your preferred viewing method.

You will also want to decide if you want a wired or wireless camera. A wireless camera can be put in a variety of different places and is more discreet. Wired cameras will also work with a regular electrical outlet but a wireless camera relies on batteries that must be changed or recharged periodically.

Can Hidden/Nanny Cams be legally used in your home?

Currently, it is legal in all states to make a video-only recording of anything happening in your home, at any time, without informing anyone. Because the camera is hidden has no effect on this concept. As long as your camera is video only (no sound is being recorded), then you can do whatever you want with it, in your own home.

It is illegal to record someone’s voice without their permission in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington State. If you live in any of these states, be sure the hidden camera/nanny camera DOES NOT record sound before buying one.

Can Hidden/Nanny Cams be legally used in the workplace?

This depends on your employer’s intentions. The main issues are where the employer wants to put the cameras and why. Employers must have a reasonable, legitimate business reason for wanting to monitor employees by camera, such as for security reasons or to prevent theft. Some states have made certain areas of the workplace off-limits to cameras, such as restrooms.

A very important thing to know about cameras in your workplace is that your employer is required to let you know that they are there.

NOTE: Since laws change from state to state at any time, it is advisable to check your state laws before purchasing a nanny cam.

By: Theresa Troolines

About the Author:

First of all, what is a nanny camera or nanny cam? Nanny cams are small cameras hidden in household objects that can be used to monitor your in-home childcare provider and be assured that your children are not being abused or neglected. Hidden cameras used for this application are increasingly gaining popularity because of their proven effectiveness in identifying abusive Nannies or Caretaker. Nanny cams generally require minimal to no installation and they can normally provide up to 10 hours of recorded video. These hidden cameras are of great use for the working couple who has no other option than to leave their children at home under the care of a Baby Sitter or Nanny. Nanny Cameras are also a great way to capture your child’s first milestones, such a first steps, first words or other first time activities!

Are Nanny Cams legal? Many questions have been raised whether hidden cameras for this purpose are legal. Nanny and hidden cams, used in your home, are generally legal in most states and are not a violation of the rights of a caregiver, but you should always investigate your local laws before using any surveillance equipment. These cameras are obviously in favor of a homeowner’s legal rights, when the cameras are not being placed in locations such as the bathroom or changing area. Nanny cams are generally placed in a home’s living room, kitchen, a child’s bedroom and other living areas where most interaction takes place. Nanny type cameras are not only small and discreet, but they are also becoming more affordable than ever before, which allows a parent to purchase more than one and maintain surveillance in multiple rooms of their home. Most hidden cameras are an inexpensive and proven method to effectively monitor your children’s activities alone or with their Nanny.

By: Brook Gregory

About the Author:

Installing a nanny cam is fairly straightforward, and most people can install their own equipment, after choosing a camera.

For best results, choose a wireless camera. Your camera should be within about 300 feet of the receiver, which in turn should be attached to a computer or digital video recorder. You can use a tape recorder with a continuous loop, but tapes can jam, so you will probably prefer to hook your nanny cam to a digital recording device, rather than tape.

You can use a wireless camera that looks like almost anything, for your nanny cam. Hidden cameras now look like clocks, DVD players, books and even plants. If you’re recording your caregiver covertly, hiding the camera is as simple as choosing a camera that looks at home in your home, whether that be an air freshener or a potted fern.

Choose your location carefully, and make sure your nanny cam has a good view of the room. The receiver and recording device do not have to be in the same room as the camera, so you can put them in your home office or even in the closet or basement.

Set up your wireless receiver so that it records onto a computer hard drive or digital video recorder. This should be easy, with instructions accompanying the receiver you buy for your nanny cam system.

Test your system to make sure your nanny cam is working properly, and be prepared for hours of reviewing recordings. While having a hidden camera in place can increase your child’s safety and security, you will need to spend a good deal of time watching the recordings to verify your caregiver’s actions.

Be sure, when setting up your nanny cam, that you do not place cameras in bathrooms and other areas that could be considered private. This can create major legal problems that you don’t want. Keep your cameras in “public” areas of your home.

By: Richard Novak

About the Author:

I recently watched a video on Momversations about ‘nanny cams’ and was very intrigued, and decided to post about my thoughts on this topic, being a nanny/babysitter myself. Out of curiosity, I did a little research online and was surprised by what I found. There are numerous options out there if you feel the urge to spy on your nanny, including cameras disguised as household items like alarm clocks, lamps, stuffed toys, and tissue boxes. Honestly speaking, I was pretty creeped out and wondered “who would buy these?” According to this About.com article, “Counter Spy Shops, an international retail chain, reports a 25 percent increase in sales of these devices – often called “nanny cams,” – over the past five years.”

On the other hand, I understand when leaving your child with a stranger, “one can never be TOO careful”. Not to ignore the fact that it does allow some working parents to feel more involved and connected when they can see the going-ons of the house throughout the day. If you do decide on setting up a surveillance system, the big question is: Do we monitor? Or do we spy? – In other words, are we going to let the nanny know that he/she will be videotaped?

Honestly, as a nanny/babysitter, I would rather not be videotaped at all. The thought of someone watching my every move makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up a little. But if I were interviewing with a family and they tell me upfront that they would like to be able to monitor the household, I might still consider taking the job, especially if they are honest and clear with why they have decided to do it. My only concern would be if they are using the cam not just to ensure the safety of their child, but to nit-pick and scrutinize my every move, so if that turns out not to be the case, I don’t see any reason for it to be a deal-breaker.

Now moving on to the spying option, where the Bond gadgets come in. I’m sure it’s no surprise that my advice for that is: Don’t do it. Bottom line is, if you want to ensure the well-being of your child through surveillance, you will achieve the same goal being honest about it. The only reason I can think of wanting to secretly spy on someone is to ‘catch’ them doing something bad. However, if you have reason to suspect negligence or abuse…why would you continue working with the same babysitter? And what if your babysitter accidentally knocks down that lamp with the hidden camera and finds out? How mortifying would that be for everyone involved? And what would it do to the relationship he/she has already established with your family, that you might be very happy with?

Every family is different, as is their approach to child care, but I think everyone should be comfortable with the situation, including the babysitter. If I were working with a family that did not feel completely comfortable leaving their children with me, I probably wouldn’t take it personally, but I would definitely not work with them again. When looking for a great babysitter for your family, it boils down to honesty, communication, and trust from everyone to make it a positive relationship. So if you are considering the ‘nanny cam’ for whatever reason, don’t forget to consider how it might affect these important elements for everyone involved.

By: Ko Chun Yang

About the Author:

Every parent’s first priority is safeguarding their children against the many dangers of the world. Unfortunately for many parents they have no choice but to leave their children in the care of others for portions of the day which makes it hard to determine if their children are being well cared for. No matter how well you interview a nanny or caregiver, you can never really be sure that your child is safe in their care unless you turn to a nanny camera for peace of mind. A nanny cam allows you to see exactly what is going on in your home with your child while you are not home and ensures that your child is safe and cared for in a way that you approve of.

If you are one of the many parents that turn to a nanny to care for their children, chances are you have though about a nanny cam but may have dismissed the thought because they seem like an expensive undertaking. The truth is that a nanny cam that will allow you to see exactly how your child is being cared for and will provide you with priceless peace of mind can cost as little as one hundred dollars. Installation is also easy and most people can even install nanny cameras entirely by themselves from picking the location to setting up the transmitter and monitoring device.

If you are considering a nanny camera to protect your child, there are a few factors to consider before making your purchase. You do not have to spend a fortune or have your nanny camera professionally installed, but there are still many features that you may or may not need. Before you purchase your nanny camera think about if you want your nanny cam hidden, how you want to watch the video feed, where you want to place your nanny cam, and how many cameras you will need.

Many parents use nanny cameras that are hidden because then they get to see what a nanny is like when they think no one is watching. There are many types of nanny cams that are designed to be hidden and come in a variety of appearances such as radios, clocks, smoke detectors, plants and even toys. Small cameras can also easily be concealed even without being embedded in other objects.

When you buy a nanny camera you must also think about how you want to watch the video feed. Most cameras allow you to use a recording device that allows you to transmit the video to a recorded for later viewing as well as transmitting to a computer or TV so that you can view the video in real time. Whichever method you prefer make sure the nanny camera you choose is compatible with your preferred viewing method.

You will also want to decide if you want a wired or wireless camera. A wireless camera can be put in a variety of different places and is more discreet. Wired cameras will also work with a regular electrical outlet but a wireless camera relies on batteries that must be changed or recharged periodically.

Can Hidden/Nanny Cams be legally used in your home?

Currently, it is legal in all states to make a video-only recording of anything happening in your home, at any time, without informing anyone. Because the camera is hidden has no effect on this concept. As long as your camera is video only (no sound is being recorded), then you can do whatever you want with it, in your own home.

It is illegal to record someone’s voice without their permission in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington State. If you live in any of these states, be sure the hidden camera/nanny camera DOES NOT record sound before buying one.

Can Hidden/Nanny Cams be legally used in the workplace?

This depends on your employer’s intentions. The main issues are where the employer wants to put the cameras and why. Employers must have a reasonable, legitimate business reason for wanting to monitor employees by camera, such as for security reasons or to prevent theft. Some states have made certain areas of the workplace off-limits to cameras, such as restrooms.

A very important thing to know about cameras in your workplace is that your employer is required to let you know that they are there.

NOTE: Since laws change from state to state at any time, it is advisable to check your state laws before purchasing a nanny cam.

By: Theresa Troolines

About the Author:

With so many different kinds of spy cameras and micro spy nanny cams to choose from, it can be a bit daunting to actually distinguish one nanny cam from another. So, in the service of public interest and safety, here’s a simple list that you can follow of all the various types of spy cameras which are on the market today.
Hidden Spy Nanny Cams

These are the most common types of spy cameras the people are usually looking for. Usually disguised like a simple everyday household or office item like a pen holder or a desktop calculator, hidden spy nanny cams usually have the camera lens (and sometimes the receiving device as well) built right into the item itself. Nobody will ever figure out that there’s an advanced nanny cam in the room watching and monitoring every move that’s taking place.
Internet IP Spy Nanny Cams

Internet IP spy nanny cams hook up to any computer – either desktop or laptop – and can transmit video images directly to your computer screen. What makes these types of nanny cameras so effective is that people can enjoy and experience peace of mind no matter where they are and no matter what they’re doing. In fact, there are internet IP spy nanny cams that are so powerful, they can transmit video surveillance to any computer – no matter where it is in the world.
Self-Contained Spy Cams

Much like hidden spy nanny cams, self-contained spy cams are nanny cameras which are contained or kept inside other objects. However, what makes self-contained spy cams so beneficial is that, for the most part, they do not require a VHS or other video recording device separate from the camera itself. Everything that’s needed for safe and reliable camera operation and recording is built directly into the unit itself – giving you a high-tech camera that blends into any home or office locale.
Wireless Spy Cams

With more and more electronic items becoming wireless, it was only a matter of time before spy cameras took their rightful place in the wireless parade. Wireless spy cams are incredibly easy to set-up and use, thus mitigating the overriding factor as to why people avoid purchasing wireless spy cams in the first place. And because wireless spy cams don’t have any wires, cords or cables to worry about, you can rest assured knowing that they’ll always be hiding in plain sight and always be on guard without anyone ever detecting them.
Micro Spy Nanny Cams

The smallest of the small, micro spy nanny cams takes big camera technology and puts it inside the smallest possible disguise. Usually, the lens of a micro spy nanny cam is no bigger than a pinhole, and the camera itself is but only a few millimeters across in size. However, these tiny spy cameras pack a big punch, as they usually possess an incredible viewing area that catches everything that’s taking place.
Body Worn Spy Nanny Cams

For covert recording and surveillance in a public or outdoor setting, nothing compares to the quality and reliability that body worn spy nanny cams can provide. These are cameras that you can take with you for all your spying needs, but they aren’t bulky and they won’t compromise your mission or your objective. Whether the camera is hidden in a stick of gum, or in an everyday looking pair of sunglasses, body worn spy nanny cams take your spying activities to the street.
CCTV & Bullet Spy Nanny Cams

For maximum protection and security for the home or office, many people turn towards CCTV & bullet spy nanny cams. These are tough, strong and durable nanny cameras that work in any weather or environmental condition. Full-color cameras which are capable of recording both during the day or night, CCTV & bullet spy nanny cams are perfect for those looking for the ultimate in home or office safety.

By: Manny J Manuel

About the Author:

Lest you think that nanny spy cameras are only good for spying on the nanny, think again. The term is another designation for hidden surveillance cameras, supposedly because these are now more commonly used to monitor childcare providers in an increasingly nanny-paranoid society.

Nanny spy cameras are usually innocuous-looking as a teddy bear, or an alarm clock, or a book, or a box of cereal. As such, the possibilities beyond nanny surveillance can be endless.

Unfaithful Spouse

You can become a total spy on your husband with strategically placed nanny spy cameras. Or at least, when he is at home. You can install a hidden camera in your bedroom, in the kitchen, in the living room, and outside the house. You might spend a little on the cost of these hidden cameras but the divorce settlement can recover it many times over!

And if he is cheating with the nanny and playing house behind your back, then your surveillance will have paid off. It is very painful, yes, but at least you know what happens behind your back in your own house.

Erring Teenager

Your teenage son (or daughter, for that matter) will definitely not like it when he knows you have been spying on him. Then again, for a parent, worrying comes with the territory.

You can install nanny spy cameras around the house to monitor his movements while you are away at work or on a short trip. At the very least, you will know if he is inviting suspicious people and doing suspicious activities in the house. Also, you can decrease worrying about his safety and security while you are away from home. Indeed, the movie “Home Alone” is just a make-believe movie!

Sexual Spice

You can transfer one of your nanny spy cameras to your bedroom. You can videotape yourself doing a sexy dance or imitating the sex act, which you can then send to him via his cell phone. If you are successful, you will whet his sexual appetite by your teasing gestures.

You can even videotape yourselves while doing your thing. How is that for self-pornography and self-voyeurism?

Special Child

Video footages of your special child can help you to monitor his progress. Since children tend to be more self-conscious when cameras are around, a hidden camera might do the trick of videotaping him in his natural element.

For example, you can make progress videos of your autistic child as he undergoes therapies. This way, you can truly appreciate the progress he is making in his speech, social interaction and other mental developments; plus, you have videos for posterity’s sake.

Invalid Relative

If you are the type who does not wish to consign your beloved relative to an impersonal nursing home (or you do not have money for long-term institutionalized care), then nanny spy cameras can help you monitor your patient while you work.

The cost will be worth it when you start thinking in terms of less worrying about what is happening as well as the security of knowing that your substitute caregiver knows that he is being monitored and is unlikely to do anything suspicious.

Indeed, you can make your hidden surveillance cameras to suit your own needs, nanny or no nanny.

By: Nahshon Roberts

About the Author:

One of the questions I often get asked is where someone should place nanny cameras in their house. This is a very good question and by the time you have finished reading this article I hope that you will have a much better understanding of some of the places that child safety devices, or nanny cameras as they are often called, can and should be placed.

I will start off with the obvious locations

The Child’s Bedroom

There are several places in a kids bedroom that you can place hidden cameras and there are several types that are made specifically to fit into a kids bedroom.

There are some spy cameras that are functioning smoke detectors with a very small camera inside them that would work great in a kids room. And you get the added functionality of the smoke detector to go along with it.

There are stuffed animals that can be placed on shelves, in the corner of the room, or on a dresser. Just make sure to place them in a way that is natural. As an example, you could pile several stuffed animals together with one having a hidden nanny camera in it.

One last option before I move on to the next room is an air purifier that has a hidden spy camera in it. Again, you get the added benefit of the air purification unit along with the security of the nanny cam.

OK, the next rooms are also probably obvious as well and that would be where the child is going to spend most of his/her time while they are awake.

The Playroom, Living Room, or a Family Room

This is where you have to take a little bit of time and think about what the habits of your child are (or the nanny or babysitter if your child is an infant) and decide where you think they are going to spend the most time.

One of the things you could use in these rooms are hidden camera clocks. There are a ton of options here to match just about any decor. Again, you are going to want to place it where it is natural, but where you can see as much of the room as possible.

Several other options would be a tissue holder (yes, even tissue holders can come with hidden nanny cameras), a cordless phone, lamps, the good ole smoke alarm that I mentioned earlier, and even an electrical outlet.

Now lets get to some of the less obvious places.

The Kitchen

Your children do have to eat don’t they?

This means they will be spending at least a little bit of time in the kitchen. Again, most of the hidden cameras that were listed above, will work here as well.

The Yard

One last place you might want to consider if you actually have one, is the yard. It really depends on how old your kids are and if they spend much time outside or not.

I really hope that this article got you thinking about some of the places that you can put a hidden nanny camera in your house.

The main thing that I want you to take away from this article is that you need to take a little bit of time and think about your children’s habits, or if they are an infant, the habits of your nanny or babysitter. Place the hidden cameras in the locations that you think they will be spending most of their time.

Here’s to keeping your children safe!

By: Sam Logsdon

About the Author:

The subject of nanny cameras is one that is the source of some debate amongst many people. There are those that believe that the use of such cameras should not be necessary – after all, if you can’t fully trust your nanny then why are you hiring them for in the first place?

But the opposite school of thought says that it’s not just about keeping an eye on the nanny, and that it is as much about protecting the nanny as it is about protecting your children. If a situation arose where your child hurt his or herself accidentally, then having that back-up is something that they may appreciate themselves to prove that they have done nothing wrong.

Whichever school of thought you may belong to, there’s no doubting that owning a nanny camera (or indeed more than one) is a sensible suggestion to anyone that has a family and has to rely on outside care. These devices are now so well built these days and can be built into a staggering array of household items that they need never be discovered and can always remain anonymous.

Amongst the items that you can have them built into are common household objects such as a tissue box or even a cigarette packet! This all may sound a little bit ‘James Bond’ but what you will find is that some nanny camera manufacturers will even create devices to order depending on in what you would like them to be built. Ultimately, many people like to have them built into items such as clocks or phones as those items can then be used for their original purpose as well.

The legality of the use of such cameras is something that, understandably, many people worry about. You should not have to worry too much about this though as you will tend to find that most distributors and manufacturers of these cameras will make them completely within the confines of the law and indeed inform you of any potential legal issues that may or may not arise. You won’t need to go burying your head in any legal textbooks, don’t worry!

As for pricing, in this age of financial uncertainty it’s very much understandable that you would not want to be forking out a huge amount of money on anything, really. This is certainly one market though where prices are generally falling. In general, nanny cameras can range in price really dependent in what object you wish to hide them in. Inevitably, if you want to hide them in an electrical device, you’d expect the prices to generally be more expensive, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Like with all products, you have to shop around. We would largely advise you don’t buy nanny cameras from eBay if at all necessary as our research has shown us that there are really very few reputable and specialist suppliers in this market there. A quick trip onto Google will throw up many stockists and suppliers and therefore it should not be difficult for you to quickly compare prices. There is a real movement within the market though to try and make the prices generally cheaper and more affordable for families.

There is certainly a lot to consider as regards the subject of nanny cameras and, obviously, it would be ideal to live in a society where such devices would not be necessary. Unfortunately though, we don’t, but there’s no doubting that they can certainly make you and your family feel safer and more comfortable in your own home.

By: Scott McQuarrie

About the Author:

It goes without saying – but we’ll say it anyway – that if you want to improve the safety and security of your home and family, there’s no better way than purchasing a micro spy nanny cam. Now, before you jump off the deep end and assume that nanny cameras are expensive, complicated and cumbersome – you need to take a second look at the wireless spy cam market. First of all, today’s modern spy cameras have many different features which make it a must-have accessory for any protective project – whether it’s at home or at the office. However, just as diverse as nanny cameras are, that does not mean that spy cams have a “one-size-fits-all” mentality. While each type of internet IP spy camera can do similar things – that shouldn’t be equaled with all spy cameras can do all things.

So, if you feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to making your spy camera purchase decision, you shouldn’t really. Why? Because we’ve got this handy and helpful list that you can follow to take your first steps towards buying a reliable and functional nanny cam that meets all of your needs. You should read this list, print it out, and give it serious consideration prior to heading out and learning more about spy cameras.

Tip # 1 – Ask Yourself Why You Want A Spy Camera

Really think about why you want or need to bring a spy camera into your home or office? Are there people who you’re concerned about? Do you think someone close to you is lying or keeping a secret? Do you want to keep your kids safe from harm? Are you looking to protect your business investment? Think of all the reasons that you have for wanting a hidden spy nanny cam. Remember, these reasons are yours and yours alone – you do not have to justify or explain them to anyone.

Tip # 2 – Where And When Are You Going To Use Your Nanny Cam

Outside or inside? Home or office? Business inventory or children’s babysitter? Daytime or nighttime? You have to be able to identify the environment and the situations in which your spy nanny cam will operate. Why? Because failing to do so properly could result in you purchasing a nanny camera that isn’t up to the job you had in mind. Remember, different spy cameras are capable of different things. You need to know exactly what you want your spy cam to do, and where and when you want it to do it.

Tip # 3 – Spend Smartly

Spend what you have. Don’t overspend, but don’t underspend either. Today’s modern home or office-based spy cameras are designed with the family in mind. In other words, they’re reasonably priced. Having said that, you also want to make certain that you get the best bang for your buck too. Spy cameras have a great range – not just in features and capabilities – but in price as well. If you have a budget that you need to stick to, there’s no doubt at all whatsoever that you’ll find a great spy cam to meet all your needs – with an affordable price.

By: Manny J Manuel

About the Author: