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Official Nanny Cam Guide

posted by TheExpert on 22nd, 2008

As parents, one of our primary roles is to protect our children. We’ve all seen nanny cam videos on the news depicting horrible nannies and caregivers abusing children while out of the watchful eye of parents. It’s honestly enough to send chills up your spine! People have a tendency to present themselves differently when in your presence, and make the quick switch when you leave.

First we’ll take a look at some scenarios why you might need a nanny camera system, then we’ll address some common concerns regarding how your nanny will feel. We’ll then look at some thoughts on technology and finally I will present some recommended nanny cams and where to buy them.

First, ask yourself these questions:

1. Is your babysitter or nanny the only one around your child when you’re gone? Do friends or boyfriends enter your home when you’re gone?

2. Have any of your belongings gone missing without explanation? Jewelry and spare cash are the usual targets.

3. Is your nanny or caregiver watching TV and talking on the phone all day? Is your child being neglected, missing lunch perhaps?

4. Does your nanny or babysitter have a drug or alcohol abuse problem? It’s not likely they will admit this to you when being interviewed right?

5. Worst of all; are they abusing your child? This is absolute worst case scenario, although they could be verbally, physically or sexually abusing your child. Keep in mind this happens “everyday” in this country.

One question most people have when thinking about a nanny camera is, “Is this legal?”.

Are Nanny Cameras Legal?

It’s legal in all 50 states and throughout Canada. Although it’s illegal to record a person’s speech without their consent in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. I also believe South Carolina doesn’t allow speech recording. Make absolute sure you look into this before you attempt to record audio! To be safe, just don’t do it.

How is my Nanny going to feel about using a Spy Camera?

You have two options; you can be open with your caregiver and let them know you have decided to setup a camera, or you can choose to simply hide it. Of course there are pros and cons to each. If you’re open about the camera use, the nanny may feel as though you think she is neglecting or abusing the child. The same feeling may occur if she finds the hidden camera. If you do decide to hide the camera, at least buy a covert type which is hidden within an object; which leads us into our next area of interest.

Covert Spy Nanny Cameras

Covert Nanny Cams are great because the camera is already hidden within an object, such as a Clock Radio, Teddy Bear, Wall Clock, Air Purifier or even in a box of Baby’s Diaper Wipes! The camera is usually a pinhole type because of it’s small size. These things are great, and really neat to use.

I was once shown a covert wall clock camera system and asked to find the hidden camera. I looked all over the clock for that camera hole and finally gave up, looking at the back. As it turned out the hidden camera was located in the black part of the number six! I couldn’t even tell it was there. Now that’s covert!

Wired, or Wireless Nanny Cameras?

In some cases you can choose wired or wireless. While wired cameras are slightly cheaper, they can be a huge pain to run the wires! With the price drop over recent years, most home owners are naturally opting for wireless. Most wireless cameras have a range of around 100′ or so, which penetrates walls and floors to provide a clear picture. Wireless camera systems can also be setup within minutes of receiving your shipment.

Another benefit to using a wireless camera setup is the ease of relocating cameras down the road; simply unplug the power cord and move the camera! Oh, remember you still need to power the camera with a power cord. In some cases portable battery packs are available for temporary operations, although the batteries can usually only run for a limited number of hours.

How do I record video from my Nanny Cameras?

VCR Option (Decent)
There are a couple ways to go about doing this. One economical option is to use a VCR, which you probably already own. You would need to press “record” before you leave in the morning, and the tape would record until it reaches the end. Then to view the recorded video, you would need to sit and fast forward until you saw something interesting. This can be a pain, and it’s far too time consuming!

Motion Activated VCR Recording (Better)
Using a motion activated VCR recording module is a bit better option. When motion is detected on any of your cameras, it triggers the VCR to start recording. Then when the motion stops, it will automatically stop recording. Reviewing the recorded video is now much easier.

SecureShot Option (Best)
The SecureShot systems are simply amazing. They feature the camera and the digital video recorder in one self-contained unit. They also have an “adjustable” motion activated recording system built-in. So basically all you need to do is plug it in, turn it on using the included IR remote control, and you’re good to go.

The SecureShot system records to an SD Memory Card, which is “very” common and found anywhere. Many of today’s digital cameras also use SD cards. The SecureShot systems support up to 8GB, which is inserted into a hidden spot on the back of the unit.

The SecureShot systems can either record full motion video (30fps) or take snapshot pictures every 3 seconds while motion is detected. Video is best, although it eats up roughly 1GB for every 2.5 hours of video. So to make sure you record a days worth of video grab in a high traffic area, grab a 4GB card.

SecureShot systems are hidden in lots of everyday things, such as Air Purifiers, Alarm Clock Radios, Books, Mantle Clocks, SpongeBob Radios, Wall Clocks and more.

My Recommended Nanny Cam Setups!

To make things easy, I am going to list a couple setup options, the equipment you’ll need, and how to set it up. I will start with the easiest, and best option to use. I will also list pricing to make any buying decisions easier.

System One – The SecureShot Hidden Nanny Cam System! Virtually Undetectable!
Price Estimation – $500.00

This is by far the best nanny camera system because its extremely easy to use, and it’s seriously almost impossible to detect anything. You don’t need to worry about wireless, VCR’s, or motion detectors. Just plug in and record!

What you’ll need:

(1) SecureShot Hidden Camera/Digital Recording System – Click Here to view the systems.
(1) SD Memory Card – I recommend at least a 2GB card if you think they’ll be lots of movement.

How to hook it up:

This one is easy. All you need to do is plug it in, make sure the SD card is inserted, and press the power button on the included IR remote control. The system will only record when the camera detects motion. It will record video, or you can also choose to record still snapshots (one every 3 seconds). To view the recorded video, just plug into your TV using the RCA cable which comes with it and press play on the remote control. You can also put the SD Card directly into your computer using the included card reader. Easy!!

Where can you buy this SecureShot Nanny Cam?

I recommend buying from SpyGear4U. They have a great selection and the pricing is the best. You’ll receive free shipping in the US, and the shipping and packaging is also discreet. So others will never know what you bought. Click Here to visit them.

System Two – The Wireless Hidden Nanny Cam/VCR Recording System!
Price Estimation – $250-$300.00

Nice inexpensive nanny cam setup. The camera is 100% hidden inside a household object. To record we’ll send the signal from the camera through wireless to a VCR. The downside to this system is you will need to sit and fast forward through a ton of recorded video. What a pain.

What you’ll need:

(1) Wireless Hidden Camera – Click Here to view the hidden cameras.
(1) VCR – Remember VCR’s? Most people still have some hanging around the house. If not, grab one cheap from a pawn shop.
(1) Extended VCR Tape. Grab a 12 hour tape at your local Walmart. If they don’t have them, you should be able to find one somewhere.

How to hook it up:

First plug in the wireless camera unit and point the camera toward the area you want to record and turn on. Next take the VCR to an area such as your bedroom television. Turn on the video receiver unit you received with your camera and hook up to the input RCA jack on the back of the VCR. From the output jack on the VCR plug into your TV so you can dial in the signal. Once you have the signal clear you’re ready to record.

Before your nanny or babysitter arrives to your home, turn on the camera, then the receiver unit and press record on the VCR. Thats it! Have fun fast forwarding through 8 hours of recorded video!

Where can you buy this wireless nanny cam?

I recommend buying from SpyGear4U. They have a great selection and the pricing is the best. You’ll receive free shipping in the US, and the shipping and packaging is also discreet. So others will never know what you bought.

System Three – The Total Home 4 Camera Wireless X10 System!
Price Estimation – $269.00

Great price for 4 wireless cameras. This system is not a hidden covert system. It’s more of a home surveillance system, as opposed to a “Spy on the Nanny” type setup. You could purchase the 4 camera wireless package and put a camera in your child’s room, as well as other popular rooms around your home. An outdoor camera is also provided in this package for some added security. Place the outdoor camera on your backyard to monitor outside activities, such as play equipment or your pool.

The only negative is you may not catch your nanny/babysitter doing any wrong. They know a camera might be recording any activities they do; So it’s either a great deterrent, or they’ll act out off camera.

Another cool benefit is you can actually log into the system and watch your home live over the Internet. So you can keep tabs on things in real-time. Also great for piece of mind while on vacation.

What you’ll need:

(1) X10′s 4 Wireless Camera System
(1) VCR – Either you have one kickin’ around, or find one at a local pawn shop.
(1) Extended VCR Tape. Grab a 12 hour tape.

How to hook it up:

Think of some locations around your home you want cameras. Then install them and plug the power into them. Next take the VCR to an area such as your bedroom television and plug in. Turn on the video receiver unit you received with your cameras and hook it up to the input RCA jack on the back of the VCR. Then from the output jack on the VCR plug into your TV. Make sure the signal is clear and you’re ready to go. Obviously more detailed instructions are provided upon purchase.

Where can you buy the 4 Cam wireless system?

This one comes directly from X10. Click Here for more information.

Conclusion

There you have it. You now have some great ideas and recommendations for your Nanny Cameras. Please do not hesitate to send any comments or questions along. I will be sure to answer every one!