Many miniature recording devices are available over the internet. Some, the "Nanny Cam", are even hidden in seemingly innocuous objects, toys or stuffed animals, to go unnoticed in a child's room. It can be very tempting for parents anxious to install such a device in the nursery, to monitor the nanny and her actions, or simply to watch their child during the day. 

Parents are increasingly tempted to monitor their nanny's behavior with hidden cameras. This new trend is contrary to the law, with some exceptions.

 The miniaturization of cameras, coupled with lower prices, is encouraging some concerned parents to install devices to monitor nannies. In the United States, this trend is becoming stronger and specialty products are marketed as hidden cameras in teddy bears. Nanny cams, as they are called, are allowed by law. 

To protect his child, how far can surveillance go? 

CCTV is common. And some news shows that it can be useful. But it can constitute an invasion of privacy, an offense for which its author can be sentenced. To avoid entering this frame, you must: 

  • justify a legitimate interest in installing video surveillance 
  • Notify the nanny of the installation of the camera. 

This discussion will also allow you to explain your fears.

Of course, if you suspect your nanny of abuse, you do not see how to prevent it from installing a camera...

 

Video surveillance at home 

It is healthy and even desirable to have healthy nanny supervision. But putting a microphone or a camera is already going much further. Even though CCTV is easy and affordable today, it raises fundamental questions, including legal questions. The spying of your nanny is not without consequence on the relation which you will have with her. What should we consider when installing a home camera? Here are the Do's and Don'ts when installing a Nanny Cam 

 

Do not install the camera on a suitable surface

CCTV cameras are quite light. Regardless of the brand or design you use, the majority of video surveillance systems rely on small devices.  However, just because the equipment is light and small does not mean that you have to neglect where the camera is going to be placed. What if, for example, you find the perfect location for a camera, climb up the ladder, and then realize it's a stone wall? Or that it is not possible to punch a partition for any reason? However, nothing is ever lost. If you have some cement or a little ingenuity, you can still install the camera. You will just need extra time to install your surveillance camera.

Have the image is upside down 

Nothing is more frustrating than finishing your installation, launching the setup and seeing one of the cameras display the image upside down (up and down inverted).  With their rotating head, it is easy to fix this problem for some cameras. But there are other ways to overcome this problem. The camera setting software can allow you to switch the image. This is true for most cameras.  However, to avoid all this, look carefully, before fixing the camera, in which direction it should be positioned. This way, during the installation, you will be much more efficient.


Install the camera in the wrong position

The positioning of the cameras is essential during installation. As you walk around your property, you can spot the best viewing angles.

However, beyond the point of view and avoiding clogged areas (such as trees), how is the sunlight going to evolve throughout the day?

The last thing you want is to have a strong glare of sunlight directly on your camera. Otherwise, you may not have the images, or poor quality, for a certain period of the day.

A good location for installing cameras is right under the roof, at the overflow level. This protects the camera from rain and direct sunlight.

Install cameras beyond the wireless range 

Some security cameras are wireless. Wired cameras, on the other hand, are excellent and offer good material stability. But this installation is not very practical all the time. And she also asks for more time.  Wireless cameras are easier to configure. What you need to know, especially for wireless cameras, is that every brand or model of surveillance camera has a defined wireless range.  Thus, there is a maximum distance between the camera and the central box. Once the camera begins to reach the range limit with respect to the panel, the camera may show errors and may not work at all.  But what to do? And all is not lost: you can extend your wifi.  

Do not use sufficient cameras to cover your entire property 

Sometimes you do not know how many cameras are needed for your home. In general, you need at least two cameras.  Many kits include between two to four cameras. But sometimes it's not enough to give a complete picture of your property. If you use your system just to see who enters your property, a small amount of cameras is enough. However, if you want full protection, you probably need more than one camera. A wide-angle lens is ideal for covering a wide field of view. But a wide angle is not great for identifying and recognizing faces.  Thus, you will need cameras covering different areas. You can start with the starter kit of four cameras for example. But think of investing in a kit where it is possible to add cameras just in case. 

Do not activate notifications and alerts

You cannot monitor the CCTV system all day long, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So what happens if a burglar approaches your house and you do not look? Even though security cameras can reduce the risk of burglary, we are never immune to anything...  It is therefore important to set your video surveillance system by checking notifications and alerts. Thus, you will be informed in case. These alerts can inform you when a camera is recording motion. But again, be careful to set up your system. Indeed, it should not be too sensitive; otherwise, as soon as a branch or the shadow of a cloud will pass, you will receive a notification. And that can be very annoying in the long run. Take a look at the user manual to be able to better set your cameras. Do not install cameras with a power source Yes, a wireless camera does not require an Ethernet cable connection. The data pass the wifi. This does not mean that the camera will work by the operation of the Holy Spirit! A camera must have a power source. Just plug it into a power outlet. Most wireless cameras work with a power cable. But others work with batteries or batteries.