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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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111 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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Lauren
Booked by 3 repeat families
2 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in Palo Alto, CA

I am currently a PhD graduate student at Stanford University, obtaining my degree in stem cell biology. I am offering services with child care, senior care, pet care, and household services. I have 6 years of experience nannying and raising children 4 years of age and older (both boys and girls), with experience babysitting toddlers aged 2 and up. I love spending time with kids on activities and crafts that they love to do - everything from playing dolls to arts and crafts to playing catch. I can also provide help with homework. I have experience working with children with dyslexia, and working on reading and flashcards to help improve their reading skills. Additionally, I have several years experience providing caregiving to an elderly adult with dementia. I can help with daily tasks, appointments, meal preparation, or just being a companion. I also love animals! I have owned dogs, cats, horses, and every small animal you can think of. I can provide housework and help with organizational tasks - I love organizing! I am CPR and pediatric first aid certified. I’m learning Spanish but still a beginner conversationally.

Lauren is an absolute angel, my kids love her and she has been so gracious and helpful, even in such short notice. She is kind, plays with them both in engaging ways and is and makes them feel good and happy by the end of the day. She even makes great art! My son says he has a great day, and my daughter is absolutely smitten. Thank you so much Lauren for supporting us in our times of need!

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Marissa $30 per hour for 1 child

I have been caring for children for most of my life. As the second oldest of five siblings, responsibility came early to me. When I was just 10 years old, I began watching my three-year-old brother while my mother worked. From there, childcare became a natural and meaningful part of my life. As a teenager, I babysat two children every summer, beginning when they were 4 and 6 years old. Those years taught me consistency, patience, and how important it is to build trust with both children and parents. While in college, I worked as a live-in nanny for a family in Portland, Maine. The parents were opening a restaurant, so I provided full-time care for their 18-month-old daughter. My responsibilities included meal preparation, housekeeping, outings, and maintaining daily routines. When their second child was born, I cared for their six-month-old son alongside their almost four-year-old daughter. I remained with the family until the children were 4 and 7 years old. My role included cooking healthy meals, school pickups, park outings, bedtime routines, and occasionally morning routines. I believe children thrive when they are active and engaged, so I prioritized outdoor play whenever possible—trips to playgrounds, local parks for picnics, splash pads, petting zoos, and nature walks. On colder days, we visited the library, did arts and crafts projects, or attended local cafés with live music and child-friendly play areas. I aim to keep children curious, creative, and physically active while ensuring they feel safe and supported. Throughout college, I also volunteered at local shelters, watching children while parents needed to do what they needed to do while living in the shelter. Additionally, during the summers worked at a diabetes camp caring for kids aged 8-15 years old living with diabetes and enjoying two weeks away from home. Following college, I lived in Kerala, India where I taught English and political science to kids aged 3 to 14 years old. More recently, I babysat a 1½-year-old boy in Washington, DC, providing dependable evening care so his busy parents could enjoy occasional date nights. I am responsible, attentive, and deeply experienced with children of different ages. Most importantly, I genuinely enjoy helping children grow, explore, and feel cared for. I am also CPR certified. I looked forward to meeting your little one(s) and supporting their growth and development.

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Jonas $26 per hour for 1 child

Hi families! My name is Jonas, and I’m a responsible 25-year-old based in Palo Alto. I specialize in evening and nighttime babysitting, perfect for date nights, late shifts, or overnight care. I am CPR and First Aid certified, safety-focused, and calm under pressure. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are in capable and attentive hands. 👶 My Experience • Cared for my younger siblings growing up • Assisted older family members with daily care • Experience assisting in senior living facilities • 5 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry • Bachelor’s degree graduate Working in hospitality has strengthened my patience, professionalism, and ability to stay composed in busy or unexpected situations — skills that translate very well into childcare. 💛 Why I Love Working With Kids Children bring joy and energy that make every day meaningful. I enjoy nurturing, guiding, and supporting their growth — whether that’s helping with homework, reading bedtime stories, or simply creating a safe and positive environment where they feel heard and valued. I’m especially great at: • Bedtime routines • Homework help & tutoring • Light meal prep • Keeping a structured and calm nighttime environment • Encouraging respectful behavior and confidence ✅ What You Can Expect From Me ✔ Punctual and dependable ✔ Clear communication with parents ✔ Clean, organized, and safety-minded ✔ Patient, nurturing, and engaging ✔ Comfortable with evening and overnight care My goal is to give parents peace of mind while creating a warm, supportive space for your children.

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Anusha
Booked by 2 repeat families
1 review
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi! I’m new to this platform, but not to childcare: Compassionate and reliable caregiver with 4+ years of professional cat and dog sitting experience and 3+ years caring for school-age children, plus 2+ years working with toddlers in educational settings. As a passionate undergraduate pre-law student, I bring certified babysitting credentials from Illinois, 6+ years of tutoring experience, and varying levels of fluency in three languages, plus English, to support multilingual families. My patient, attentive nature combined with my educational background allows me to provide exceptional childcare, pet care, homework assistance, meal preparation, and light household services. I believe in creating warm, structured environments where children feel safe to learn and grow, whether through organized activities, creative play, or simply providing caring supervision. Available for flexible scheduling including after-school care, evening babysitting, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations, I'm committed to supporting each family's unique needs with reliability, safety, and genuine care. References available upon request.

Arusha was great. Reliable, perfectly on time, communicates well, interacts with the children and they adored her.

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Molly $26 per hour for 1 child

Hello! My name is Molly, and I’m a current medical student at Stanford. I’m currently offering childcare & household services. I love to work with children and I babysat a lot as a high school & college student! As a medical student I am certified in Basic Life Support, and outside of school I’ve tried to cultivate many hobbies, including reading, exploring, crafting, cooking, and baking. I enjoy the chance to share those joys with children who are just beginning to know and love the world as I care for them. I can cook, clean, run errands, and I’m well-versed in education, as I tutored school-age children for many years alongside my own schooling, and would be happy to help wherever you need help! I am allergic to many pets, but as long as I’m informed prior to the day, I can manage well with antihistamines. Overall, I’m an enthusiastic individual who would be very happy to care for your children when you need!

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Recent babysitter activity in Palo Alto, CA

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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

photo of quoted parent Laura

"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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