What to Know Before You Buy a Nanny Cam

Nanny cams have become high-tech tools for parents who must leave their children with caregivers while they’re at work. With so many options, it’s hard to realize just what you need to know before you buy a nanny cam. This article will cover some of the basics so you can feel more secure in your buying decision.

What is a Nanny Cam?

Nanny cams are video cameras that are used to record activity that happens when you’re not at home. The original idea was to review the recordings later in order to ensure that your children are being well taken care of in your absence. These cameras are generally quite small and may be hidden in other objects so that the caregiver is unaware he or she is being filmed.

Oftentimes, the nanny cam utilizes a motion sensor that switches it on when someone is in the room. This keeps the homeowner from needing to review hours of pointless footage. It also saves on electricity and the lifespan of the camera. There are other cameras, however, that are always on. One of the benefits of this type is that you can monitor it from the Internet to check in when you are away. This gives you a real-time view of what is going on in your absence.

The term “nanny cam” is now used to refer to other uses for surveillance cameras, as well; even those that are just filming an empty vacation home or a storage unit.

What to Know before You Buy a Nanny Cam

There are a few things to keep in mind as you choose which nanny cam to buy. Of course, cost is going to be a factor, and it will be influenced by several factors. For example, a smaller surveillance camera is likely to cost more. Also, the quality of the image will impact the price. Finally, you will need to determine if you want to have a feed to a secure website so you can monitor it from a remote location.

If you are planning to utilize your camera in order to protect your home from intruders, you want to consider making it more noticeable. A would-be burglar is more likely to skip a house where a surveillance camera is obviously in use. In the long run, it’s a much better idea to deter a criminal than to try and pick up the pieces after you’ve been victimized.

A final consideration to make when you buy a nanny cam is the legality of using it. In the U.S., it is generally considered legal to record a person’s image, even if they are unaware that you are doing so. It isn’t always legal, however, to record speech. Also, there is no guarantee that footage from a nanny cam will hold up in court. Problems can arise, however, from caregivers and other visitors to your home who discover they were recorded without permission. When asked, most childcare professionals are fine with being recorded, as long as they are aware in advance. Finding out after the fact has led to more than one childcare provider walking off the job with feelings of deception and betrayal.

Each consideration is something that should guide you in choosing and purchasing the right equipment. Understanding the realities of the situation will help you make a more informed decision, and ensure that you are aware of what you need to know before you buy a nanny cam.

Contact Pinnacle Security for more safety tips and information on how you can have your own home security system installed today.