Nanny cams are more than what their name suggests. In fact, this kind of device has become instrumental for catching criminals. This has resulted in booming market sales of nanny cams in the country. What are these gadgets? And how do nanny cameras work?

In this article, you are going to learn more about nanny cameras that will help you to decide whether or not to buy one.

What is a nanny cam and how do they work?

A nanny camera is like a surveillance video camera that allows parents to keep tabs on their infants or children while they are away from home. It is intended to keep track of children or adults who spend their time alone with a nanny, babysitter, or caregiver. One of the main reasons why parents install this in their homes is to watch and assess whether the caregivers are doing their job the way they should.

In addition, parents also use nanny cameras even if they are at home all the time. For example, a mother might want to monitor her child who is in the playroom while she is cooking lunch. By installing a nanny cam in a specific area, parents in another room can be alerted right away should there be any incident happening in the child’s room.

What are the different types of a nanny camera?

To understand how nanny cameras work, you need to know that they come in different types. Below are some of the common forms available on the market.

Wired nanny cameras

These cameras are the simplest version where the video camera is directly wired to a remote monitor. They are set up in a specific area and are rather exposed. This version is limited because of the wire that connects the camera and the monitor.

Wireless nanny cams

On the other hand, wireless nanny cameras are more popular today. They are connected to the home network so that they will display a live view on a smartphone or computer. Usually, the nanny cam includes an app for computer, smartphone, tablet, TV or any device that is compatible. If your nanny cam has access to the internet, you may also view your home while you are in your office or any place that has an internet connection.

Hidden nanny cams

Just as the name suggests, this type of nanny camera is hidden or attached to any household item such as a lamp or air freshener. Sometimes, they are also in a form of a clock or stuffed animal. This nanny cam will monitor caregivers or babysitters with or without their knowledge. It is actually legal in all 50 states in the US, although you have to take note of video surveillance and speech laws that protect the rights of the caregivers. Installing them in private places like bathrooms and bedrooms is illegal and punishable by law.

Exposed indoor cameras

Exposed nanny cameras are placed in areas or attached to things that can easily be seen by people. The laws for exposed indoor cameras are the same with those for hidden nanny cameras.

What are the features of a nanny cam?

Nanny cameras are more than just cameras that record videos. To improve its use and better provide monitoring services, manufacturers often incorporate these three common features: motion detection, auto recording, and auto notification; these features work together.

When the camera detects motion in its field of view, it automatically records a video for a specific length of time or until the motion stops. Then a message will be sent to your phone or email address to notify you of the motion. At the same time, the recording will be saved to a network hard drive or the SD memory card of the camera. Once you get home, you can review the recorded videos.

Aside from this, you may also view the live recording directly from your phone. There are computer software and phone applications that allow you to choose which camera to view, one or two at a time. This way, you can monitor your nanny and child in real time. Another good feature of a nanny camera that only a few brands have, is the infrared mode which allows you to see motion, even in the dark.