More and more parents are entertaining the idea of using covert in-home surveillance equipment to monitor their children's caregivers. Over the past five years there has been an overall increase in sales of home surveillance equipment by about 25 percent. Is this an excellent idea or is it an invasion of personal privacy? Does it matter? According to the law, it is legal in all 50 states to use a hidden camera as long as sound is not included.

These in-home secret cameras are often referred to as "nanny cams" because of their frequent use to monitor nannies and babysitters. There are a million different cameras available on the market, most of which are small, wireless and capable of being hidden just about anywhere. Parents hide these cameras in plants, stuffed animals. Bookcases, and couches.

A Variety of Nanny Cams

What kind of nanny cam are you looking for? Do you really need one? Nanny cams vary in price from about $110 for your generic camera to $600 for digital set-ups that can transmit live video images to your computer or cell phone. Parents have the right to protect their children and they have a right to review the performance of their selected caretakers. Sometimes references aren't enough. Many parents consider nanny cams to be an extension of the interview process.

Studies and research indicate that most care providers aren't necessarily opposed to being videotaped. However, they feel they have a right to know about it in advance. Many daycare facilities have installed surveillance equipment so parents can monitor their children online. The caretakers know the cameras are there and they know parents can watch online.