Whether you want to keep an eye on the nanny when you are away or catch burglars in action, a nanny cam is handy. You just have to properly disguise it.
Here are some nice hiding places – how to hide nanny cam.
Note that not all of them will work with all types of nanny cams. What works best will depend on the size of the camera and lens placement. You may need to try several ideas before you find the best one.
I also recommend using at least 2 hidden cameras in a room. This ensures you get a good view of the entire room.
1. Vase
No one thinks much about a vase sitting on the mantle or table, which makes it a perfect place to hide a nanny cam. You’ll just need to drill holes for the lens and cable.
If you don’t want to drill a hole, use a vase with real or fake flowers in it. Then position the camera behind the leaves such that it cannot be seen but make sure the lens is not obstructed.
Whatever style you choose, make sure the camera has a good view of the room. And remember to hide the electrical cable leading from the power source unless you are using a battery-powered cam.
2. Bookcase
Another common trick is to use a hollowed out hard cover book set among other books in a bookcase. Just leave a small hole on the spine for the lens and find a way to run the wire covertly to the power source.
3. In The Kitchen
There are a lot of places in the kitchen where you can hide a nanny cam. A simple trick is just to place the camera behind rarely used utensils. Just hide it behind some cups or china and leave a small gap for the lens.
Make sure you direct the camera to where there is a lot of traffic in and out of the kitchen.
4. Stuffed Toy
This is an age-old trick that works great. Just get a stuffed toy and hide the camera inside.
You can actually buy a stuffed toy already with a camera fitted inside. That’s great if you don’t have time to properly hide a nanny cam in a stuffed bear.
Place the toy on a high area where the camera will have a good view of the room.
Note that most people already know this trick. A teddy bear sitting conveniently on the coffee table or bookshelf is going to attract some attention.
So it may not work as well as you hope.
5. Tissue Box
This is a really simple one. Take a box of tissues, make a small hole inside for the lens and then put the camera inside the box. Add some tissues to the box to create a very realistic look.
Then place the box where you normally would and check that you can get a good view of the room.
Disguised Hidden Cameras
If you have no time for these DIY methods, an easier alternative is to buy a nanny camera that is already disguised. They come in many shapes and forms.
There are some popular ones that look like a charger. You simply plug it into a socket and a hidden camera records images or videos. The only problem with these types of cams is that power outlets are often set low.
So you may not get a good view of the room.
If you want a proper 360-degree view, there are hidden cameras that are disguised as smoke detectors. You simply fix one on your ceiling or high on the wall and no one will be the wiser.
Other cameras are hidden in wall or table clocks and others can even be fitted inside picture frames.
Be Creative
Nannies (or burglars) probably know a lot of places where you are likely to hide a camera. All those nanny cam TV ads and articles like this one don’t help either.
So try to be as creative with where you hide the cam. Use my tips as starting points. I’d especially avoid common places like a stuffed toy.
Look around the house. You’ll see plenty of nooks and crannies that make for a perfect hiding spot.
