I recently hired a nanny and am thinking about putting a nanny cam for peace of mind. Is it appropriate to deploy a nanny cam in this scenario? What are the ethical and legal considerations? I would enjoy hearing your ideas and experiences with this.
Hey, Yes, using a nanny cam is generally acceptable for monitoring child care, but inform your nanny to ensure transparency and trust. Ensure cameras are used in accordance with privacy laws and only capture areas relevant to child safety.
Yes, it’s legal to use a nanny cam in all 50 states, even hidden ones. However, you can’t record in private areas like bathrooms or a live-in nanny’s bedroom. Always respect privacy when installing nanny cams.
I have worked as a nanny for over 6 years and am now also a Newborn Care Specialist. My primary focus is working with infants and toddlers. I am comfortable with parents having a nursery monitor and one additional camera in a common living area, as long as they do not keep long-term recordings of me (for instance, deleting after 7 days). The biggest mistake I’ve made is probably checking my phone too frequently or adjusting my clothing. I’ve found that in most cases, if a nanny has good references and relevant experience, they truly enjoy their work and genuinely care for the children, striving to be reliable caregivers. It warms my heart when parents place their trust in me. The world can be a frightening place, so being entrusted with a child (or children) makes me feel valued and like an integral part of the family team. This trust motivates me to do an even better job.