When it comes to protecting our children, there is nothing some parents won’t do to ensure the safety of their young. It is impossible to spend every waking moment with children, but with a few surveillance measures, you can still keep up on the events that occur while you are away. With the purchase of a nanny cam, you will have the ability to have hidden in-home surveillance that keeps an eye on the individual(s) watching your child(ren).

Over the past couple of years, nanny cams have become a popular feature in the homes of families who have hired others to look after their children while they are at work or play. A nanny cam brings about a wide range of advantages and disadvantages, including the all-important issue of invasion of privacy. How far will you go to make sure your children are receiving proper, healthy and safe caregiving?

How Does a Nanny Cam Work?

Connected to a VCR, television, computer or other digital video recorder, a nanny cam records the events that take place within a household. The aim of a nanny cam is to make sure that the interaction between your children and caregiver is acceptable to your standards. Nanny cams have uncovered physically abusive babysitters, child molestation and neglect, allowing parents to quickly come to the rescue of their children.

Often, a nanny cam is activated by motion, recording only when there are people or other moving items in view. The systems associated with a nanny cam can record from various points within a household. Sometimes, up to three cameras may be allowed within a nanny cam system.

These nanny cams are also quite advanced, where parents may opt for a system that emails photos to computers or sends updates to a cell phone. As for the price of a nanny cam, average costs for this helpful system ranges between $100 and $500, depending on the features you choose. Some options are wireless, while others are connected to a VCR or computer, hidden in a plant, stuffed animal or even a clock radio.

Nanny Cam Advantages

The main reason that a nanny cam provides a wealth of advantages for a consumer is the fact that parents can leave their home with an extra sense of safety for their children. The child care of today never quite measures up to the expectations of worrying parents. Using a nanny cam allows parents to build confidence in the caregiver they have chosen for their children. Nanny cams have been known to stop a cycle of child abuse before it begins.

Nanny cams also extend beyond the duty of keeping an eye on nannies and babysitters. The recording capabilities of the nanny cam can also be used to watch over housekeepers and house sitters. This added security lets you know if you have chosen the right employees to entrust the care of your home to. Outside of the home, nanny cams are now being used in the day care environment. This feature allows parents to keep tabs on their children as they develop in the educational scene.

Nanny Cam Disadvantages

If your caregiver discovers that they have been recorded while caring for your child, they may feel mistrusted and uncomfortable continuing to work for you. The cloud of deception may never leave. Some parents avoid this confrontation and are open with their intentions and may tell their nanny or babysitter that they intend to install in-home surveillance. If they have a problem with it, then a different caregiver should be selected. As a precaution to setting up any in-home surveillance, you should know that every state in the US allows nanny cams, but there are 15 states that deem it illegal to record voices without the consent of an individual.