Happy family with babysitter

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.

71 available babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA

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

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

Profile photo
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!

Profile photo
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.

Profile photo
Trisha
Booked by 49 repeat families
41 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 81 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi! My name is Trisha, and I've been working with children for over 20 years. During that time, I've cared for more than 20 families and have many wonderful references available upon request. I also served as the Children's Ministry Director at my former church for several years. I'm currently working as a Household Manager/Nanny. i am currently only looking for occasional date night jobs on Friday or Saturday evening. I moved to San Jose a little over a year ago and would love to find a position closer to home, though I'm happy to travel for the right family. A little about me—I’m 47 years old and helped raise my stepdaughter from the age of 4. She is now 29. I'm creative and love painting, shopping, and spending time outdoors. I'm a non-smoker, a Christian, and I genuinely love working with children. I enjoy helping families however I can and pride myself on being dependable, easygoing, and fun! I’m always on time and love bringing games, crafts, and creative activities for the kids. I also enjoy taking children to the park, library, and other fun outings when appropriate. I would love to learn more about your family, your child, and your daily routine to see if we'd be a great fit. My rate is $35–$40 per hour for one or two children. I have my own reliable vehicle and am happy to provide transportation to and from school or extracurricular activities. If you think we might be a good match, I'd love to hear from you! Finding the right nanny can be challenging, and I truly hope you find the perfect fit for your family. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a wonderful rest of your week! Trisha

Profile photo
Shobha
Booked by 7 repeat families
11 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 19 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.

We had the absolute pleasure of having Shobha Aunty care for our daughter, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From the moment she walked in, it was clear that she brings not only experience and skill, but also a genuine warmth and compassion that is incredibly rare to find. She kept our daughter happily engaged the entire time by reading books, singing rhymes, preparing meals, feeding her, and thoughtfully involving her in every activity. Her ability to connect so quickly was remarkable; in just a single visit, our daughter completely fell in love with spending time with her. What truly sets Shobha apart is the sincerity of her care. Everything she does comes straight from the heart. She is patient, attentive, and deeply invested in a child’s comfort and happiness. It’s evident that she takes great pride in her work, and her nurturing nature shines through in every interaction. She is an absolute gem, and any family would be incredibly lucky to have her.

Profile photo
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.

Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college

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.

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

Family with caregiver

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

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 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