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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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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

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Liliana
Booked by 2 repeat families
3 reviews
$27 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hello, my name is Liliana (or Lily)! I was born and raised in San Jose and am excited to be working as a nanny with local families while completing my master’s degree in counseling psychology at SCU! I have been working as a nanny since fall of 2025, and have had the pleasure of caring for children ranging from 1 to 13 years old. I really admire children's curiosity, creativity, and intelligence, and I find so much fulfillment in watching them grow! I am currently available for occasional and one-time evening jobs. Relevant education and certifications: - Undergraduate courses in child development. - Pediatric CPR/AED certified by the Red Cross. - Valid CA driver's license. About me: - I am an avid reader and have a deep appreciation for children's literature! Some of my childhood favorites include "Arnie the Doughnut" and "Sarah, Plain and Tall." - I love cooking and baking, and am a big proponent of involving kids in the kitchen – it teaches life skills, supports mathematical and scientific development, and is a great vehicle for creativity! - I grew up participating in dance and theatre, and still still take ballet classes in my spare time! I also love fostering creative expression in kids, whether it be music, dance, drawing, or imaginative play! ________ My policies: - Booking: I ask that all new families book me through Urban Sitter. Families looking for long-term care can schedule recurring services off-site, so long as the first booking is made through Urban Sitter. I also encourage families to message me before booking to confirm my availability. - Daily minimum hours: I work a consecutive two-hour minimum, and generally only accept jobs that meet this requirement. In the event that a family books me for a shorter period of time, they can expect to pay for a minimum of two hours, even if they only need me for one. - Cancellation policy: I ask that any scheduling changes be communicated as early as possible, and I will share any scheduling conflicts ASAP (usually 4+ weeks in advance). I do not charge for canceled bookings unless I am given less than 24 hours notice, at which point I will charge 50% of the total original booking cost. - Mileage: I have my own car, and am happy to offer driving services to families. Because not all jobs require driving, I do not factor it into my hourly rate. Instead, if a family requires driving, I will charge a reimbursement of 76 cents per mile.

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Mary
Booked by 2 repeat families
3 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi my name is Mary, in my mid 30s, behavior specialist in dogs and children. I have a very bubbly, go lucky personality. I have been an auntie since I was 15 years old, raising my nieces and nephews since they were infants. I am comfortable with feeding, playing, changing and putting a baby to sleep. I am comfortable with household errands, picking up/ dropping off for school, and pet care needs. You'll wonder why I want to be a nanny and why my profile is bland compared to most. My recent job I was working as a personal aide for a young adult with Autism and realized how much my presence gave my client reassurance and peace of mind. On top of that her daughter felt comfortable with me by her side so she can be independent. If the government had more funding she wouldn't have lost her grant and I wouldn't have lost my job and find another family to help. I did more than just drove her to her doctor appointments and helped make her meals, I was her protector, her voice, when she was crying I would comfort and talk her through it. When she could not talk or voice her feelings, I was her projector, I defended her and protected her peace of mind. I am an open book so please ask me anything, I just hope someone will give me a chance to make their life easier. I have client references to verify my hard work and continuous drive. I am more than just a nanny, I am someone they can trust more than family.

“Mary was incredible for our first parents' night out and took great care for our 2.5 year old son. Mary cooked a dinner and gave us status updates with photos (which was totally unexpected, but definitely appreciated). We really appreciate her approach with a toddler that has opinions :) and her patience was so valuable. Will definitely book again and again.”

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

Hi, I’m Soni! Nice to meet you! I want to help your family! I like to spend time with kids because they teach me a lot and, of course, I teach them new fun adventures and games. I used to babysit for a family in SF (~2 years). I have taken just occasional jobs, but I have been working during all my time in the USA as a babysitter (~4 years) plus some occasional in Colombia (~7 years). I’m studying to become a chiropractor, so I can’t take full-time jobs, but I do take part time or occasional jobs! I would love to help your family also during my breaks ( usually 1 to 3 weeks), so don’t hesitate to reach out!

“Sonia was great with our twin boys, keeping up with their energy and playing non stop! We will invite Sonia back again!”

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Donay
Booked by 15 repeat families
13 reviews
$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 ”

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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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