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Find a babysitter in Palo Alto, CA

Browse background checked babysitters near you in Palo Alto. Compare local reviews, rates, and experience to find the right fit.

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114 available babysitters in Palo Alto, CA

Families in Palo Alto use UrbanSitter for date nights, after school help, and last-minute babysitting.

All babysitters shown here are background checked every year. Learn more.

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Mariana
Booked by 12 repeat families
15 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 25 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi - My name is Mariana and I’m looking for a 2 part time, weekdays, one in the morning one afternoon, open for a full time was well, and babysitting. I love working with kids and have experience caring for children from 6 months to 11 years old. I’m comfortable with everything from diaper changes to preparing meals, and I bring a mix of fun and learning to our time together — reading stories, coloring, puzzles, going to the park, and even the occasional dance party. I’m responsible, organized, and genuinely enjoy spending my days with kids. I’m CPR certified, a strong swimmer, fully vaccinated, and a safe driver.

Mariana is an excellent babysitter. She is extremely professional and courteous. She’s experienced, confident, and communicated very well with our five year old daughter who is looking forward to playing with her again. She arrived a few minutes earlier and immediately dove in and engaged with our daughter. We are looking forward to having her babysit our daughter soon.

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Tianyi
Booked by 12 repeat families
11 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 25 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hello Families, My name is Dora. I graduated from the University of Washington and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Teaching and California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Before that, I worked as a preschool teacher and gained experience in early childhood education. My experience includes working with children of all ages, from infants and toddlers to preschoolers and elementary school students through 5th grade. I’m CPR certified and a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, with additional training in autism and neurodiversity. Working with children is something I truly enjoy, especially getting to know each child’s personality and interests. Reading, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, board games, and trips to the park are some of my favorite things to do with kids. Activities can always be adjusted based on the child’s interests and the family’s routine. Currently, I’m looking for part-time and occasional childcare opportunities and would love to get to know your family! BOOKING POLICY: For schedule changes within 48 hours that reduce the booked hours, the original hours are expected to be honored. Thank you for understanding! :) Warmly, Dora

Dora is incredibly professional and jumped right in to care for my 19-month-old daughter on her very first visit. My daughter is currently going through a phase of separation anxiety, but to my absolute surprise, she didn't shed a single tear and had such a wonderful time playing with her! ⁠Dora is also extremely attentive to details—she prioritizes cleanliness, hygiene, and safety at all times. You can truly see how much love and patience she has for little ones. She is absolutely fantastic!

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Marilyn
Booked by 3 repeat families
8 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 14 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi families! I’m Marilyn! I'm CPR and First Aid certified and have experience caring for kids from toddlers to teens (ages 2–13). I love keeping things fun with outings to the park, library story times, or helping with ballet, swimming, and after-school activities. I’m currently working with a few local families and am happy to help with light errands, dog walks (I’m a big animal lover!), and keeping things tidy around the house. I’m reliable, warm, and always happy to plan ahead especially for date nights or evening babysitting. Looking forward to meeting your family!

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Rick 9 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Palo Alto, CA

Hi, I’m Rick; a caring, energetic, and responsible individual with a lifelong passion for helping families thrive. I’m 37 and currently based in Redwood City. With a strong background in both child and pet care, I bring over three years experience working with all age groups from newborns and infants (1.5 years experience) to toddlers, preschoolers, school age kids, and teens (3 years’ experience each). I love playing, teaching, and learning with kids of all ages, adapting creative activities and games to keep everyone engaged. I focus on fostering a supportive, positive, and fun environment while maintaining structure and clear communication. Parents can count on me for organization, reliability, and compassion at every step. While my main focus is on child care, I also have extensive experience in animal care, behavior, and training (over 3 years). Alongside my wife, I’ve prepared healthy, natural organic treats and meals for pets, and I’ve led group outings for dogs in our local area. As a telepathic animal communicator, I genuinely understand pets as family; I currently care for three cats and have cared for several dogs and cats in the past. My core values include healthy living, mindfulness, and keeping a toxin free, caring home. I believe in living with integrity and consistency aligning words, actions, and beliefs. I love to teach and guide through games and self reflection and I'm always eager to help young minds flourish. If you’re looking for someone compassionate, honest, detail oriented, and fun, who understands the needs of both kids and family pets, let’s connect!

Montessori guy ☺️🥳, you have tought so many games to our kids they don't spend any time on tablet or tv, thanks to that.. You've been a key part of their developement and we are very thankful with you for that.. Thanks for being available most of the time we need you.. 🍃

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Tracey
Booked by 2 repeat families
3 reviews
$45 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hello!! Thank you for reading my information!! About me...I have two children son 33, daughter 27 I have loved caring for children and have been babysitting since I was 10. When I was 22 I opened a large family day care. That daycare consisted of 14 children from newborn through school age. I did this for 14 years. I loved every minute. We took those children on many adventures, most children stayed with us longterm and could read before kindergarten. During the last few years that I had my daycare I was also going to school to be an ASL interpreter. Taught the children in my care some ASL. Unfortunately had to close the daycare in 2002, sadly the house we were renting was sold. I then went on to work as a nanny with four of the children from two families, one was a newborn, they had attended my daycare, I was their nanny for four years. I decided it was time to go back to school. While attending college I worked in the child nutrition department for an elementary School District. When I realized that college was not my path, I went on to work in upper management with Starbucks, and Whole Foods. For the past 7 years I have been the food service lead for a high school food service department. During that time I babysat in the evenings with multiple families. I was fortunate that when I created my Urbansitter account I was chosen to work with a family of four In Belmont. Caregiving and mother's/father's helper. A Wonderful family with two children. I have been with them now into our 5th year. They're are moving so it is time to share my love with another family. I am comfortable working with children of all ages. I am a very loving, playful and easy going, I am confident in my caregiving and can adapt easily to any situation that may arise. There has not been a child that I cannot work with. My personality...laid back, funny, hard worker, I do not frustrate easy. I love the challenges that come with children. I communicate well and I am very easy to communicate with. My thought has always been "what would I expect for my children" I am an artist and very creative. I have owned and operated MANY businesses, last one being a License Plate art business. I am very excited to finally have re-opened an Urbansiiter account.I hope that between my video and this very long "about" I will have an opportunity to work with your precious family! Cheers!! Tracey

We feel incredibly fortunate to have found Tracey. She is consistently warm, dependable, and exceptionally engaged with our children. Rather than simply supervising them, she actively participates in whatever they're interested in, making them feel heard, valued, and excited to spend time with her. She has a remarkable ability to connect with children with very different personalities and interests. Whether she's taking them on walks, visiting museums, doing crafts, or simply having long conversations about the topics they love, she brings genuine enthusiasm and patience to everything she does. She is also always on time, and is happy to help with other household chores when time permits. The biggest endorsement I can give is that our kids are so genuinely excited when she arrives. As a parent, there's nothing more reassuring than knowing your children are happy, engaged, and cared for by someone who truly enjoys being with them.

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Trust and safety come first

Every babysitter's profile is individually reviewed by UrbanSitter's Trust & Safety team after clearing an annual background check. Rely on reviews from local families to help you find your best fit.

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"Recommendations from friends are a must when it comes to a sitter for my kids. UrbanSitter has expanded our network of babysitters, and it has given us peace of mind."

Matt K., dad of two

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"UrbanSitter has supported my needs for reliable and joyful sitters. Whether it be for work, recreation or last-minute emergencies, we've made wonderful relationships with local sitters who have become a part of our family!"

Natalie O., mom of five

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"UrbanSitter is my go-to for quality sitters! I can book weeks ahead of time or easily find a same-day sitter when in a bind. I even hired a part-time nanny during a daycare transition. Customer service is helpful and babysitters respond in a timely manner."

Laura F., mom of two

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Frequently asked questions about Palo Alto babysitters

What does a babysitter do?

Babysitters supervise children and keep them safe while you're away. Depending on your needs, they may also help with meals, bedtime, homework, light cleanup, school pickup, or activities.

How do I find a babysitter near me?

Sign up for a free UrbanSitter account, post a job with your dates and needs, and review babysitter profiles, including distance, before choosing the right fit. Learn more about how UrbanSitter works.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every Palo Alto babysitter on UrbanSitter is background checked annually, and each profile is individually reviewed by a trained specialist on our Trust & Safety team. Learn more about what's included in a background check.

What's the best way to find a last-minute babysitter in Palo Alto?

Sign up for a free UrbanSitter account, then request a babysitter by posting a job with your needs. In most cities, sitters will reply within minutes, so you can review choices quickly, then book them immediately.

Can I find babysitters for after school care in Palo Alto?

Yes. Families often use UrbanSitter for after school care, including pickup, homework help, tutoring, and early evening coverage. You can filter for babysitters who are willing to drive or have their own car.

Can I find babysitters for evenings, weekends, or extended hours in Palo Alto?

Yes. Families in Palo Alto use UrbanSitter for date nights, weekend plans, extended hours, and other scheduling needs. You can review each sitter's availability and experience to find someone who fits your hours.

Resources

The Ultimate Babysitter Guide for Parents

A step-by-step guide to hiring the right babysitter.

Tips for Finding Last-Minute Child Care

How to find a babysitter fast when plans change.

Top 20 Questions to Ask a Babysitter in an Interview

Essential questions to help you find a great fit.

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