It is generally legal to install a video camera in your home to monitor a babysitter or nanny, and does not require the consent of the babysitter or nanny. But it is generally illegal to place such a camera in private places such as bathrooms or a live-in nanny’s bedroom. And in some states that require both parties to consent to the recording of a conversation, it is illegal to place a camera or other device in your home that records audio without the consent (preferably in writing) of your babysitter or nanny. These states that require two-way consent to record conversations (your consent and the babysitter or nanny’s consent) include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

In Pennsylvania, it is legal to install video cameras in your home for the purpose of monitoring a babysitter or nanny. However, these cameras cannot be placed in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms or a live-in nanny's bedroom. Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state when it comes to audio recordings, which means that it is illegal to record audio without the consent of all parties involved in the conversation. Therefore, if a camera also records audio, the babysitter or nanny must give their consent to be recorded. It is advisable to obtain this consent in writing to avoid any legal disputes. Violation of these laws can lead to criminal charges and civil liabilities.