Hidden Nanny Cameras – Everything You Need to Know

If you work late or like to spend the evening out once in a while, you will likely hire a babysitter. 

Leaving your children in the care of a babysitter, whether they are a stranger or someone you know, can be nerve-wracking. 

 Anxiety is normal when leaving your child in someone else’s care, and being cautious is a natural response.

This cautiousness is why many parents look to invest in a hidden nanny camera so they can observe their babysitter or nanny while caring for their children. 

The ability to watch what happens at home with their children can bring parents peace of mind. 

If you’re thinking of getting a hidden nanny camera but are not yet convinced, this article is for you. We will cover everything you need to know about buying a nanny camera and all the details you should know before purchasing so you can get the best nanny cam for your needs. 

What is a Hidden Nanny Camera?

Nanny cameras are surveillance equipment that is used to record and watch activities in your home, particularly regarding the behavior of babysitters or child carers. 

The principal goal of these cameras is to ensure the safety of children or the elderly and ensure they are not being mistreated or neglected by caregivers. 

There have been instances when these cameras have been used to catch people abusing their power and positions of careers, stealing, or committing other criminal acts. 

These surveillance cameras are not to spy on nannies but to watch over and care for your family while at home. These cameras will make it easy to watch what is happening in real-time remotely. 

Are Nanny Cameras Legal?

It is legal to record the interior of your home in all 50 US states. You don’t need to make people aware they are being recorded on video so long as you are using the footage to prevent theft and monitor the safety of your child or other family members. However, there are some caveats.

The footage recorded in your home can’t be for purposes of blackmail, voyeurism, or disclosing people’s private information. Cameras can not be placed in bathrooms or other areas where there is an expectation of privacy. 

Additionally, each state has different laws, with audio and video recordings being treated differently. 

It’s illegal to record audio of someone without their permission in the following states:

• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Washington

If you live in one of these states, then you will need to let people in your home, including any babysitters or nannies, know that you have surveillance equipment that records audio. 

You can’t place any camera or surveillance equipment in a room where someone would expect privacy, such as a bathroom. If your nanny lives in your home, you cant place cameras in their living area or bedroom. 

Should I Let My Nanny Know?

It is your own decision to let caregivers know if there are surveillance devices in your home, but you should abide by the law and seek legal advice if you’re unsure of the regulations for your state. 

Most nannies and babysitters will know that a nanny spy camera could be installed where they work. Professional caregivers will often put in their resume that they are aware of this practice and are okay with it as it is more likely they will be hired if they are open and consent to this.  

You can decide if you want to use hidden cameras when hiring your babysitter, then remove the cameras once they have earnt your trust. 

You should consider that if you are recording your babysitter without them knowing and they find out, then this could potentially lose their trust. 

It all comes down to your comfort level. If you sense something isn’t right about a caregiver in your home, then you may decide to install hidden cameras to monitor the situation. Once you are happy with the situation and your mind is at ease, then you can then remove the cameras.

The Best Hidden Nanny Cameras

The best hidden nanny cameras are small and discreet, allowing them to be set up almost anywhere in your home without being conspicuous. 

Many will have wireless connectivity and can connect to your home internet network. This enables you to access and monitor the cameras remotely from a smartphone, tablet, or computer so you can watch live footage from anywhere in the world. The video should be secured with a settable password to ensure security and only allow a trusted person to access the camera feed. 

1080P Resolutions and Wide Field of View

The best home surveillance cameras should have full HD resolutions of 25FPS or greater. As nanny cameras are small and compact, they can’t be moved or adjust angles as PTZ cameras can. To capture a larger area, the cameras should have a wide viewing angle allowing them to cover an entire room. When placing the camera, be sure to connect to the live feed and ensure the camera is positioned in such a way to maximize its coverage. 

Wireless or Non-Wireless Camera

If you don’t have a strong wifi signal in your home, other types of cameras are available. Many nanny cameras will record and save videos to a removable micro SD card. 

After you insert a storage card into the camera, it can continuously record video directly to the card.

Suppose the camera isn’t connected to wifi. In that case, you will need to regularly remove the SD card or connect the camera to your computer to play, download, or delete videos on the SD card directly through your device.

Is a Hidden Nanny Cam Is Right for You

A hidden nanny camera in your home can bring you the peace of mind that your home and loved ones are safe while you are away. 

Even if you completely trust your babysitter, the extra security can help you relieve anxiety while away from home. It can also monitor others who may enter your home, such as gardeners, delivery men, and tradespeople. 

To check out our full range of nanny cams, visit the Gotobuuy hidden cameras category.