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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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Michelle
Booked by 31 repeat families
23 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 48 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi! My name is Michelle. I have over 15 years of experience working with children, from newborns to 12 years old. My background includes 10 years in daycare and preschool settings, along with 5 years as a professional nanny. Most of my nanny experience has been with infants under 12 months old, but I truly enjoy working with toddlers and older children as well — engaging them in fun, developmentally appropriate, and enriching activities tailored to their age and personality. I am currently working full-time with a family and am looking to pick up additional hours on weekends or for date nights. I’m happy to provide reliable, consistent care for families who need occasional support. I also offer pet-sitting services if needed. My childcare style is gentle yet firm — calm, patient, and attentive, while still being playful and engaging. I value creating a nurturing, structured environment where children feel safe, respected, and encouraged to explore and grow at their own pace. Certifications & Background: • Bilingual in Korean and English • Background in Early Childhood Education • Completed coursework in Child Development • CPR certified • TrustLine registered I would love the opportunity to support your family and care for your little one. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile! Warm regards, Michelle

“Michelle has been great when we've worked with her! Our 4 year old daughter has special needs which requires a very patient, kind, and understanding individual and Michelle has been all of the above. She picked up all of the instruction we gave her about our daughter's specific needs, asked appropriate questions, and has always shown interest in her growth and development even beyond their time together making suggestions of games/activities she might enjoy. We would definitely recommend Michelle.”

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Yang
Booked by 33 repeat families
62 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 89 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.

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Anastasia
Booked by 36 repeat families
57 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 79 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi! I’m taking time off from studying behavioral and cognitive neuroscience at UCSD and looking for occasional work. I started volunteering at a daycare that my high school had and fell in love with it. I found kids energy, excitement for life, curiosity, and imagination to be contagious. I am a caring, compassionate, patient person which makes it easy for me to interact with kids. After babysitting for over 5 years and working with different families I have gained experience with kids of all ages. I have CPR training, am fully vaccinated and also had my booster shot.

“Great service, she took good care of both of our kids. Very professional and would highly recommend.”

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Courtney
Booked by 10 repeat families
18 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 26 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hello, My name is Courtney and I am currently looking for occasional jobs only! I am a nursing assistant who is home for the summer. I work with ages 0-10. I love taking care of the kids and providing a nurturing and safe environment. I offer child care and pet services! I have grown up with my twin sister and oldest sister and have three dogs. In high school, I was captain of my soccer team and was awarded Most Inspiring and Senior of the Year. I love taking care of kids. I have been babysitting since I was 16 and have been using Urban Sitter for 5 years! I work with all ages. Some activities I love to do with kids include playing sports, doing arts and crafts, going on walks, and playing imaginary games. I will always encourage kids to use their imagination and creativity. I try to implement stimulating activities for kids such as memory games, asking them mental math problems, asking them to point to certain colors/numbers etc. I am a very active and adaptable person. Your kids safety and comfortability is my #1 priority. I am CPR and AED certified! As for pets, I have three dogs myself and would love to pet sit! I I am very experienced with taking care of pets. I can sit dogs and cats as well as other animals. At this time, I am only looking for occasional jobs due to my busy schedule with school. Please reach out if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Angela
Booked by 6 repeat families
7 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 12 families in Santa Cruz, CA

I have been working with children for 15 years and I still love it. I worked at a daycare center as an infant toddler teacher for five years. I taught swim lessons to all ages. I am currently a nanny for over 5 years. I love to be outside taking walks, or at a park. I like to do art activities, make up scavenger hunts, read books, play board/card games, legos, and just follow what the child is into. Usually just make up games. A babysitter should be a fun time for the child. I am happy to do easy meals for the kids and some cleaning.

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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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Top picks from parents in your community

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Profiles that tell the full story

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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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