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No installation required

Add parent camera access to your daycare — without calling an installer

Most childcare camera platforms require a professional installation costing $500–$3,000 and a weeks-long scheduling wait. CareCam doesn't. If you have IP cameras already, you can be live today.

Check if your cameras workSee pricing

Why does installation cost so much with other platforms?

Enterprise childcare camera platforms bundle software with proprietary hardware. When you sign up, you're buying their cameras — which require their technicians to mount, wire, and configure. That installation fee is part of the business model.

CareCam takes the opposite approach: software only. Your cameras stay on the wall where they are. You enter their network credentials in the CareCam dashboard. The platform handles the rest.

The real cost of "free" installation: Some vendors offer "free" installation but lock you into a 3-year contract at a high monthly fee. Always calculate the total 3-year cost, not just the upfront number.

Cost comparison: installation vs no installation

ApproachHardwareInstallMonthlyYear 1 total
Enterprise platform (e.g. WatchMeGrow)$3,500–$4,500$500–$2,000+Quote only$6,000–$10,000+
CareCam with existing cameras$0$0$29–$99/mo$348–$1,188
CareCam with new budget cameras$80–$150/camera$0 (self)$29–$99/mo$700–$2,000 (4 cameras)

Which cameras work with CareCam

Any IP camera that supports RTSP is compatible. These are the most common brands found in daycare facilities:

BrandCommon modelsCareCam compatible
HikvisionDS-2CD seriesYes
DahuaIPC-HDW seriesYes
ReolinkRLC series, ArgusYes
AmcrestIP5M, IP8M seriesYes
UniFi (Ubiquiti)G3, G4, G5 seriesYes
Hanwha (Samsung)XNV, QNV seriesYes
AxisP32, P33 seriesYes
Analog / coax DVRAny DVR-only setupNo — needs upgrade

Cameras that don't work with CareCam

Consumer "smart home" cameras keep their video locked inside the manufacturer's own app and cloud — they don't expose an RTSP or ONVIF stream for other software to connect to. These are not compatible:

BrandWhy it doesn't work
Google NestLocked to the Nest / Google Home app — no RTSP or ONVIF output for other software.
Blink (Amazon)Battery cloud cameras; video is only available inside the Blink app — no RTSP.
Ring (Amazon)Cloud-only doorbells and cameras with no local RTSP or ONVIF stream.
ArloCloud-managed; current models don't expose a reliable local RTSP stream.
WyzeApp / cloud-first; its RTSP firmware is unofficial, deprecated, and unreliable.

Using one of these? You'll need to add a standard IP/ONVIF security camera (any compatible brand above) for the classrooms you want parents to see — budget models start around $50–$80.

How to set up CareCam yourself

No tools. No contractors. No scheduling window. Here's the full process.

  1. 1

    Find your camera's RTSP URL

    Every IP camera has a network address for its video stream. It's usually in the camera's settings menu or the manufacturer's documentation. Format: rtsp://[username]:[password]@[camera-ip]/stream

  2. 2

    Log into your CareCam dashboard

    Sign in at app.carecam.io. Go to Cameras and click Add Camera.

  3. 3

    Enter the RTSP URL

    Paste your camera's RTSP URL. CareCam tests the connection and shows a preview. Name the camera after the classroom.

  4. 4

    Create classrooms and assign cameras

    Create a classroom in CareCam (e.g., 'Infant Room', 'Toddler Room') and assign your camera to it.

  5. 5

    Set viewing hours

    Define the hours parents can access the stream. Most centers use operating hours — for example, 7am–6pm weekdays.

  6. 6

    Invite parents

    Enter each parent's email. They receive an invitation to create a free account. They can watch from any phone or browser during your approved hours.

Talk to us before you startSee plans

Setup questions

Can I set up daycare camera software myself without an installer?
Yes. CareCam connects to existing IP cameras over your local network. You enter the camera's RTSP URL in the CareCam dashboard — no cabling, no low-voltage contractor, no installation appointment. If your cameras are already mounted and connected, most centers are live within a few hours.
Why do other platforms require professional installation?
Enterprise platforms like WatchMeGrow sell proprietary hardware that requires their technicians to mount, wire, and configure. This creates a revenue stream for the vendor and a large upfront cost for the center. CareCam only provides software — it works with cameras you already own.
What cameras are compatible with CareCam?
Any IP camera that supports RTSP streaming. The most common compatible brands: Hikvision, Dahua, Reolink, Amcrest, UniFi, Hanwha, and Axis. If your cameras are connected to a network (not just a coax DVR), they almost certainly support RTSP.
Do Google Nest, Blink, Ring, or other consumer cameras work?
No. Consumer cloud cameras — Google Nest, Blink, Ring, Arlo, and Wyze — keep their video locked inside the manufacturer's own app and cloud, and don't expose an RTSP or ONVIF stream for other software to read. CareCam connects over RTSP, so these aren't compatible. For parent viewing, use a standard IP/ONVIF security camera (Hikvision, Dahua, Reolink, Amcrest, UniFi, Hanwha, Axis); budget models start around $50–$80.
What if I don't know my camera's RTSP URL?
Look it up in your camera's settings menu (usually under Network or Video) or search '[your camera model] RTSP URL' — manufacturers publish these. If you're stuck, contact CareCam support and we'll help you find it.
Do I need a dedicated server or computer running?
No. CareCam is a cloud-managed service. Your cameras connect directly to CareCam's streaming infrastructure — there's no on-site server to manage or maintain.
What about analog cameras on a DVR?
Analog cameras on a coax DVR don't support RTSP streaming directly. You'd need to either add a hybrid NVR/DVR that supports network access, or replace the analog cameras with IP cameras. Budget IP cameras start around $50–$80 each.
How long does setup actually take?
Most centers with existing IP cameras are live within 2–4 hours. The main time investment is finding the RTSP credentials for each camera. Once those are entered, CareCam handles everything else.