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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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68 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.

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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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Lina
Booked by 2 repeat families
1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 4 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi Bay Area Families! My name is Lina, I’m 30 years old. I was an au pair in 2[removed]. I used to take care of kids while I was in college, including my newborn nephew, who is now 16. I recently finished grad school and got a job from 8 am to 5 pm, but I miss my job as a nanny. I love to take of children and I have experience with all ages. I like to go out with the kiddos for walks, to the library, parks, and more. I help them with homework,tutoring, and crafts. In my free time, I love hiking, painting, dancing, solving puzzles, and watching movies. I’m a native Spanish speaker, I speak English and a little bit of French. I’d love to meet up!

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Mary
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family 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 is very bubbly, playful, and naturally great with children. Within the first few minutes of meeting my toddler, she found a way to warm up to him and match his high energy. Mary does not simply watch your child play. She actively engages, teaches, leads activities, and plays with them. My son had a blast the past few times Mary babysat for us, and we are happy to continue having her on a weekly basis. I am very glad I responded to her job application and scheduled a trial session with her, even though she did not have any reviews yet at the time. I hope my review gives other families reassurance about her professionalism, reliability, and wonderful energy with children.

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Anna $30 per hour for 1 child

Hello! I have over ten years of childcare experience working with newborns through middle schoolers. The last 5 years have been spent working with special needs students who have significant behavior challenges. I am hard working, patient, compassionate and loving. I typically work until 3:30 M-F (more availability in summer).

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Nia
Booked by 1 repeat family
3 reviews
$24 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 4 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi! I love helping families with babysitting and light household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry. I’ve spent ten years working in education, have experience with kids from K–12, and hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I enjoy doing arts and crafts and simple cooking activities with kids and love creating a fun, calm environment. I’m looking to work with children ages 2 and up, and I’m comfortable around small dogs and cats.

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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.

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"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

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"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

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.

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