As parents become busier, especially single parents, they are increasingly likely to use nannies to watch their children while they are away. But unfortunately not all nannies can be trusted. Thats why many parents have installed hidden cameras in their homes so they can know exactly how their children are treated. Because of this, small, concealable cameras have come to be known as nanny cams.

Nanny cams can be anything from regular web cams to mini cameras bought specifically for the purpose. In order to help them remain undetected, some manufacturers have begun to disguise the cameras as household items. Some are hidden inside alarm clocks, others in picture frames. Others can even be hid in DVD players, air purifiers, and childrens stuffed toys. Even a childs teddy bear may have a camera installed its eye. Nanny cams can either be wireless or hard-wired. Hard-wired nanny cams are slightly harder to conceal because parents must also conceal the wires. Most nanny cams either come with a miniature display, or they can be hooked up to a computer or a DVR storage device. Some larger versions can even be remote controlled to pan across a room. Consumers should be careful with wireless nanny cams because they usually arent as secure as other surveillance equipment. It is possible for someone else with the proper equipment to intercept video from nanny cams.