When people think about video surveillance, it can be an illegal subject. People guard their privacy very seriously and do not like being monitored. That is understandable but what happens if it's for home security reasons and to protect your family? We have all heard of stories where nannies were caught abusing the babies they were in charge of. The thought is truly horrifying that someone who had all the right qualifications on paper can abuse your child. Can your judgment be so wrong? Do not take the chance and get a nanny cam installed in your home.

You should not take the safety of your child lightly. Many camera systems used in these applications can be hidden in small objects such as teddy bears, computer speakers, plants and smoke detectors. These cameras are especially useful because they allow you to monitor your nanny's behaviour without them being aware they are being monitored thus allowing there true colors to show. There are many different types of nanny cams available on the market and most are small and wireless so they can be tucked away without being noticed.

You could also get a hidden camera in a teddy bear or alarm clock that shows color and is wireless for a few hundred dollars. Just place the camera in a discreet location within the recommended transmission signal range. Plug the receiver into your computer and it will lock onto the camera's transmission signal. Video is then recorded onto the hard drive of your computer. You can also set it up with software programs that enable you to watch the video live on the internet while you're at work. This will give you the peace of mind knowing what your caregiver is doing. As an added bonus, it keeps you in contact with the daily happenings of your child.

If the prospect of video taping the nanny conflicts with your sense of ethics, ask up front in the interview process if the prospective candidate would mind being monitored. It is important to note that federal law prohibits the recording of audio so your nanny cam will not be equipped to record sound. Caregiver surveillance is more common nowadays so the question is not all that out of the blue. In fact, a lot of daycare centers offer internet video streaming so parents can check in on their child from time to time.

While media stories have primarily focused on potential abuse and neglect being reasons why parents should consider using a nanny cam, some sitters have indicated a camera can provide a positive connection with the families while at work. Also, more and more daycare centers are installing cameras and even provide parents with the ability to spot check and watch their child while at work. Also spy videotaping with voice is not legal everywhere and the legal implications before installing any nanny cam must be considered.