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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.

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65 available babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA

Families in Santa Cruz use UrbanSitter for date nights, after school help, and last-minute babysitting.
8 available tonight | Avg hourly rate: $29.93/hr

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

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Nicole
Booked by 1 repeat family
3 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in Santa Cruz, CA

I am 21 years old and I’ve been taking care of children ever since I was 15, helping them with homework, cleaning up after them, meal prep, school pick up/drop off, to/from activities, bedtime routine and so on. I also used to be an english teacher for kids between 4-11. I have experiences with babies older than 1, that includes feeding them, nap time, story time, changing diapers etc. I am currently taking care of 3 kids under 5 M-F and I’m looking for job opportunities on weekends.

“Nicole was great. Friendly, kind and punctual, our 7 year old said he liked her a lot! ”

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Franciely 1 review
$26 per hour for 1 child

Professional Profile: Specialist Nanny | Household & Childcare Management About Me I am a dedicated childcare professional with a background in Biology and extensive practical experience managing complex family routines and large groups. My professional path includes managing groups of up to 30 children in educational settings, which has equipped me with exceptional organizational skills, a focus on safety, and the ability to remain calm in dynamic environments. Currently, I oversee the comprehensive care of 5 children, handling daily logistics, transportation, and their overall well-being. Core Competencies: • Routine & Logistics Management: Expert at coordinating multiple schedules, ensuring that meal times, hygiene routines, and external appointments are met punctually and smoothly. • Safety & Supervision: A proactive and preventative approach to safety, with the proven ability to supervise large groups while maintaining a secure and harmonious environment. • Responsible Transportation: Experienced driver, comfortable with school runs and navigating transportation for extracurricular activities. • Individualized Care in Group Settings: Skilled at addressing the specific needs of each child within a high-demand environment, prioritizing emotional support and attentive care. Objective To provide high-trust family support, leveraging my experience in group management and direct care to ensure an organized, safe, and stress-free routine for both parents and children.

“Franciely is an excellent professional; she handles all her tasks without hesitation and always exceeds expectations. The care she provides for the children has given me peace of mind; she's very attentive, and the kids are always asking her to come back!”

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Karen
Booked by 16 repeat families
29 reviews
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 44 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hello, I’m Karen, I’m a children’s psychologist, and I have over 9 years of experience taking care of kids. I understand about children’s development and I have a lot of experience with special needs children especially autism disorder and Downs Syndrome. I also worked in a day care with children between 4 months and 6 years old. I love to read and do art and crafts, take them to parks to explore nature and to spend energy doing things they like. I enjoy see they learning new things and know I’m part of it.

“Karen was prompt, professional, and kind with my 3 year old son. Highly recommend her as a babysitter!”

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Helen
Booked by 12 repeat families
11 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 31 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hello! I am Computer Scientist from Sweden, who have raised two boys (now in college) together with my husband. We live in San Joe. I am available to help out families as I know very well how hard it can be to arrange for child care with our busy schedules! I love working with children of all ages. One of my goals is to get my teaching credentials in California so that I can contribute to our public schools in the area.

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Shobha
Booked by 7 repeat families
12 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 20 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi my name is Shobha, living in san jose for the past 26 years I have one beautiful daughter who is 24 years graduated with bio major from UCLA last year. I worked for a large family day care center for a year worked with all age groups like infants to toddlers and I also worked as a Nanny for nine months took care of a baby when he was 7 months old now he is 16 months strong and handsome toddler. Besides this I also offer my services for pick up and drop offs as I have 23 years of excellent driving experience with clean record. I also offer my services for date nights as well as elder care. I am very loving and caring and very committed to my profession.

“Shobha was absolutely wonderful! She was kind, caring, patient, and very attentive with my little one. I really appreciated how comfortable and safe she made us feel. She was also very thoughtful and went above and beyond to help. It was such a pleasure having her care for my sons, and I would definitely recommend Shoba to other families looking for a trustworthy and caring sitter. We’re very grateful for her help! ❤️”

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $29.93
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.03
  • Typical job length: 5.8 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 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.

206 sitters background checked in Santa Cruz, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 1,127 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

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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 Santa Cruz babysitters

How much do babysitters cost in Santa Cruz, CA?

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Santa Cruz, CA is $29.93 per hour for 1 child, and $36.03 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.

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