How to Set Up a Nanny Cam Web Feed

If you are like most parents, you worry about the safety and comfort of your children. If you can't be with them all the time, you might hire a nanny or a caretaker to look after the children. Even if you have done a thorough background check, it is still difficult to place your child in the hands of a stranger. But with a nanny cam, you can check up on your children--and the nanny--from anywhere in the world.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Router
• Nanny cam
• Recording device

Instructions

Choose Your Surveillance Equipment

1. Choose a nanny cam that blends in with its surroundings. Nanny cams come in a variety of different objects, such as books, alarm clocks, statues and radios. So, for example, you could buy a statue nanny cam to place it in the living room. Choose a nanny cam that has software to set up a web feed.

2. Decide whether you would like wired or wireless video transmission. Wired transmission is less expensive, but you need to be able to hide the wires.

3. Choose your recording equipment. You can record your nanny cam video and pictures on several different recording platforms, including VHS, DVR, external hard drives, your computer hard drive and removable SD cards. Base your choice on your budget, how much recording time you want and how comfortable you are operating the chosen recording equipment.

Set Up The Nanny Cam

1. Install the camera software that came with the nanny cam on your computer. Then connect the nanny cam to your computer wirelessly through your home wi-fi network or using the cable that came with the camera. The nanny cam software should provide detailed instructions on connecting your nanny cam to your computer.

2. Test the nanny cam. Point the nanny cam in the direction you want to view, and adjust the resolution on your computer. Make sure that nothing is obstructing the camera lens. If you are not getting a picture, check all of the wires and wireless connectivity options to ensure everything is configured properly.

3. Test the recording device. Attach the recording device to your computer or the nanny cam according to the instructions. Record a couple of hours, and play it back to ensure that the video is recording properly.

Set Up The Web Feed

1. Configure the camera software to access your nanny cam through the Internet. The software will have detailed instructions; follow them exactly for best results.

2. Configure your router. You will need to set up port forwarding, which is basically opening a port in your router to allow a request to access your nanny cam's video from the Internet. Follow the instructions from both your router and nanny cam to set this up. At the end you will be given an IP address (e.g. 89.246.222.173) to use when you want to view your nanny cam over the Internet.

3. Log in to your camera and test it over the Internet. Open your web browser, and type in the given IP address of your router to view your nanny cam over the Internet from anywhere.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to turn on the camera and recording device before you leave the house.

References

• Microsoft Webcam Basics
• Forbes: Candid Cable

Resources

• Security Cameras and Surveillance Systems
• Cornerstone security Services: How do Nanny Cameras Work?