DIY Security Systems
The prospect of having to leave your child with a stranger is very troubling. Usually, the best solution is to set up a nanny cam. Not to mention, it is a very affordable way to gain that peace of mind while you are away from home. In this article, we will teach you how to set up a nanny cam. You will also learn the basics of nanny cams, their pros and cons, and what important matters you have to consider before installing them. Curious? Read on!
What Is a Nanny Cam?
Before we go answer the question: “How to set up a nanny cam in your home?” Let us learn what a nanny cam is. As the name suggests, this camera is used or placed at home to monitor or keep an eye on your nannies or babysitters you hired to watch. They are usually set up or installed in locations around the house to capture your nanny and child’s activity when you are not at home. Some nanny cams are hidden in objects, like dolls, or potted plants—out of anyone’s sight.
The Pros and Cons of Nanny Cams
As mentioned, nanny cams are the go-to solution when you have to monitor your kids when you are away. They are the best way to check what the nanny or babysitter is doing constantly. Are they doing their job? Are they treating your children well? You also get to feel secure using this device. Let us see the advantages and the disadvantages before we learn how to set up a nanny cam.
Pros
Here are few of the advantages of using a nanny cam:
Peace of Mind
Nanny cams can give you the peace of mind you need when you are out or away from your home for work or other errands. You are sure that they are safe with someone else.
Monitor Your Children’s Safety
Having a nanny cam allows you to check your kids in real-time.
Eyes and Ears
Usually, kids do not know what is happening when you are gone, and relying on what the babysitter tells you is not usually reliable information. Nanny cams are there to give you the truth.
Better Connection
Nanny cams prevent you from missing out on your kids’ milestones, like their first crawl, first walk, or first word!
Cons
Here are a few disadvantages of using a nanny cam:
Violating the nanny’s trust
Nannies discovering hidden cameras may feel hurt, offended, or even violated by using a nanny cam. It might make them feel like you do not trust them with your kids.
Breaking the Law
You have to make sure that you are not violating any law regarding hidden cameras.
Footage Misinterpretation
As you know, the nanny cam cannot cover all areas. You might misinterpret what the camera shows you, like a crying baby, but not seeing the nanny preparing a bottle of milk to calm the baby down.
The Things to Consider
As parents, we also have to be careful and have to know if we are doing the right thing and not breaking any rules or laws. Here are few of the things you need to consider before setting up a nanny cam:
Know the Laws of Your State Regarding Home Security Cameras
Before installing your nanny cam, you must at least be knowledgeable if your state allows home security cameras. You may end up in jail for violating a law.
Always Prioritize Privacy
Never set up your nanny cams in places that have to always be private, like the bathroom or in walk-in closets or where anyone changes their clothes.
Talk to the Nanny or Babysitter
It is a legal requirement to notify the nanny or the babysitter regarding the nanny cams. This way, you can set clear expectations to the nanny where there is privacy or not. It is also one way to make sure that they do their job or act positively.
Avoid Getting Your Cameras Hacked
Be very vigilant and mindful of your network and accounts. Set up passwords that are difficult to hack, or, better yet, change your passwords as often as possible.
Setting the Cam
Now that we have that basic information out of the way, let us now learn the steps on how to set up a nanny cam!
- Choose the best nanny camera. It must have high-quality footage and can connect easily to your Wi-Fi or network.
- Set an area or an object to install it. You can place the cam where your children will spend most of their time, the living room, the kitchen, the nursery, and the bedroom.
- Connect the cameras to your network. You can link it with your Wi-Fi, then install the app on your smartphone.
- Set up your account through the app. Once done, you can check the live-stream footage from it. You can customize a recording schedule too.
- Notify the nanny, the babysitter, or the caregiver that you have set up nanny cams in various areas. As mentioned, it is a legal requirement to tell them of the cameras.
Conclusion
Now you know how to set up a nanny cam! Pretty simple, right? The only thing left for you to do is apply the things you have learned about nanny cams to ensure the safety and security of your children. You can finally have that needed peace of mind.
Keep in mind that there are many things to consider before setting up your nanny cam and that it has both advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the rules, especially if setting up a nanny cam is legal or not. Know more about Nanny Cams.