Find a babysitter in Santa Cruz, CA

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

Looking for jobs? Apply here.

123 available babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA

Families in Santa Cruz use UrbanSitter for date nights, after school help, and last-minute babysitting.
270 available tonight | Avg hourly rate: $29.62/hr

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

Profile photo
Christine
Booked by 16 repeat families
20 reviews
Castro Valley
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 40 families in Santa Cruz, CA

I’m a reliable and trustworthy mom from Castro Valley with a wonderful ninth-grader. I previously taught at a public school here in Castro Valley, and I hold an active California teaching credential for multiple subjects and special education. I love caring for children, tutoring, and would be happy to support a parent who is homeschooling. I have a clean California driver’s license, full insurance coverage, and I’m certified to drive for field trips at my son’s school.

I was soooo lucky to work with Christine today! She was incredible with my kids and helped me with everything in my house Ive been trying to do for months, for hours on end. I am so grateful

Profile photo
Yang
Booked by 33 repeat families
61 reviews
San Jose
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 88 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Dear Parents, My name is Selena (Yang). I have over 8 years of childcare experience, with more than 8,000 hours working with infants as well as children of different ages up to teenagers. I am fluent in English and Mandarin. I volunteered for half a year in an orphanage in china in 2016, taking care of six disabled infants daily, and also worked as a preschool summer teacher. I once cared for a newborn boy with surgery from 9 days old until he was 5 months, which deepened my love for children and appreciation for life. I am CPR certified for infants and children, responsible, patient, and always on time. I believe babysitting is not only about care, but also about giving love and helping kids grow. I am also comfortable with pets (I’ve raised dogs for more than 10 years) and can assist with light housework if needed. I look forward to meeting you and your family. Thank you for your time.

Yang is warm, caring, and attentive. My child enjoyed spending time with her and had a great time. Thank you!

Profile photo
Donay
Booked by 15 repeat families
13 reviews
San Jose
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 25 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi families! I've been working as a full time nanny for 6 years, and babysitting in my free time. I stayed with two families before as a live in nanny, it was a great experience!! I love working with children. I've worked with infants and older kids ages between 3 months to 13 years old. I strive to help children reach their milestones by doing age appropriate activities. For instance, with infants tummy time, helping them sit by themselves, introducing soiled food or new foods, training them to walk, potty training, reading books to them and playing with them in a stimulus way. With toddlers and older kids we’ll be doing crafts such as drawing, painting, playing active games and being creative in an educational ways. I am a registered behavioral technician, I worked as a RBT working with children on the autism spectrum and children with behavioral development. A little about me: I am considered to be friendly, trustworthy, responsible and respectful. I am a good communicator, talk openly, follow instructions and take lead where need be. In my free time I love exploring the outdoors going on hikes or bike rides, I also love reading books or binging movies and I have a passion for videography and photography. *Qualifications* CPR and First Aid College Degree Able to provide references

My son had amazing time with Donay

Profile photo
Brianna
Booked by 5 repeat families
8 reviews
Santa Clara
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 7 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi! I’m Brianna, a dependable and attentive caregiver who genuinely enjoys building meaningful connections with children and families. I strive to create a calm, supportive environment where children feel safe, comfortable, and cared for while parents feel confident in the care their child is receiving. ✨ About Me • Bilingual in English & Spanish • CPR & First Aid Certified for adults and pediatrics • Pursuing a career in the medical field with a goal of becoming a doctor • I value treating children with kindness, patience, and respect 👶 Childcare Experience I’ve cared for children in both family and professional settings, including helping raise my three nieces since infancy, caring for neighbors’ children over 5 summers, and supporting a coworker’s three children over a 5-year span. I also worked as a YMCA soccer coach for 3 years with children ages 5–9, where I learned the importance of creating an encouraging and supportive environment for kids. 🩺 Additional Experience My background also includes CNA training, companion caregiving, and a hospital internship, which strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure and communicate effectively with people of all ages. 🐱 Additional Note I have a significant cat allergy so I’m unfortunately unable to provide care in homes with cats. I recently relocated to the area and am excited to connect with local families!

Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college

Children playing together

How much does a babysitter cost in Santa Cruz, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $29.62
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $35.69
  • Typical job length: 4.3 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of July 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Santa Cruz, CA

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.

331 sitters background checked in Santa Cruz, CA

4.9 average star rating from total of 1,948 reviews in Santa Cruz, CA

photo of quoted parent Matt

"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

photo of quoted UrbanSitter parent

"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

Sign up to find a babysitter in Santa Cruz

Create a free account to view full profiles and more.

How we're different

Trust and safety standards that go further

In addition to background checks, sitters are evaluated by real people to meet our gold standard for Trust & Safety.

Help when you need it, even last minute babysitters

Need a sitter today? Last-minute babysitter requests receive a response in under two minutes in most cities.

Top picks from parents in your community

See babysitters recommended by local families, including parents in your school, neighborhood, and parent groups.

Profiles that tell the full story

Compare reviews, response times, repeat families, and profile details so you can hire with confidence.

Frequently asked questions about Santa Cruz babysitters

How much do babysitters cost in Santa Cruz, CA?

As of July 2026, the average babysitting rate in Santa Cruz, CA is $29.62 per hour for 1 child, and $35.69 per hour for two children. Costs may vary depending on job responsibilities, children's ages, and the babysitter's experience. Try using a babysitting rates calculator as a helpful tool.

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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz?

Yes. Families in Santa Cruz 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.

As seen on