Nowadays, many parents are considering using hidden in-home surveillance devices to watch how their child's caregiver works in their absence. The Counter Spy Shops, an international retail chain, reports a 25% increase just over a span of past five years in the sales of these spy camcorders-often called as "nanny cams." Hidden cameras or nanny cams are increasingly gaining popularity because of their proven effectiveness in identifying abusive nannies. With a nanny cam in place, parents know for sure how their children are actually being taken care of. These hidden cameras have helped many people catch abusive nannies who otherwise left unmonitored, would have continued to abuse or neglect the children.

You should not take the safety of your child lightly. Many camera systems used in these applications can be hidden in small objects such as teddy bears, computer speakers, plants and smoke detectors. These cameras are especially useful because they allow you to monitor your nanny's behaviour without them being aware they are being monitored thus allowing there true colors to show. There are many different types of nanny cams available on the market and most are small and wireless so they can be tucked away without being noticed.

The spy cam is usually overlooked by the child and the care giver. The built-in camera sends superior quality images to the receiver. Parents can view the images using their TV or computer. Wireless nanny cams hidden in plants are ideal for homes and offices. An artificial plant cleverly conceals a wireless camera. The advantage of this type of camera is that it can be placed any where in your home to be used to monitor the children. Another interesting addition to collection of nanny cameras is the air purifier concealed nanny cam. The camera fixed in the air purifier is absolutely unnoticeable.

It is most suitable for office use. It generally has a 4-channel operational camera and 8 channels for reception. It produces a resolution of 380 lines for a color camera and 420 lines for a black and white one. You can fit these nanny cameras practically anywhere. The Boom box spy camera is very useful as the boom box is portable and can be shifted to any place in your room. Wireless cameras hidden in books are another popular option as nanny cams. The list of nanny cameras seems endless. Some other objects that can act as hidden cams are computer speakers, lamps, emergency lamps, smoke alarms, VCRs and purses.

While media stories have primarily focused on potential abuse and neglect being reasons why parents should consider using a nanny cam, some sitters have indicated a camera can provide a positive connection with the families while at work. Also, more and more daycare centers are installing cameras and even provide parents with the ability to spot check and watch their child while at work. Also spy videotaping with voice is not legal everywhere and the legal implications before installing any nanny cam must be considered.