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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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66 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: $29.91/hr

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

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Elizabeth $28 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Elizabeth, and I’m a Business Economics student at UC Riverside. I have experience working with children through volleyball camps and at a daycare, where I helped supervise activities and create a fun, safe environment. I’m patient, responsible, and happy to help with homework, crafts, meals, and playtime. I’m also comfortable caring for pets, with experience taking care of my own cat and friends’ dogs. I look forward to providing dependable, caring babysitting for your family!

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Sydney $40 per hour for 1 child

✨ Hi Families! My name is Sydney, and I’m a career nanny and family assistant with over 5 years of experience caring for children from infancy through school age. I’m currently represented through a staffing agency as I search for my next long-term family fit, but I’m also here on UrbanSitter because I genuinely love connecting with families and helping wherever I can in the meantime. I would describe myself as calm, warm, organized, and very hands-on. I love creating a home environment where kids feel safe, understood, and comfortable being themselves. Whether that’s helping with routines, planning fun activities, getting outside, helping with homework, or simply being an extra steady support for busy parents, I truly enjoy being someone families can rely on. Along with childcare, I’m happy to help with family assistant style tasks like meal prep, laundry, organization, errands, and keeping things running smoothly day-to-day. I’ve worked in long-term, travel, and rotational roles, so I’m very adaptable and comfortable in busy households. Outside of work, I love mountain biking, swimming, long-distance running, and rock climbing, and I naturally bring a very active and positive energy into my work with kids. 🤍 Right now I’m mainly looking for my next long-term fit, but I’m also open to temporary help, date nights, weekends, and short-term support for families who need an extra hand.

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Sereana $30 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m a 30-year-old caring, responsible, and dependable babysitter with previous nanny experience from my high school and college years. I’ve always enjoyed working with children and creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where they feel comfortable and cared for. I’m patient, attentive, and happy to help with playtime, meals, homework, bedtime routines, and keeping little ones entertained!

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Kathy
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi, I'm Kat. I have over 20 years of experience in childcare. I graduated from UC Berkeley and currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. I have experience in nutritional science as well as childhood education. I have served as a nanny for children ranging from newborn to middle school. I enjoy engaging children in the natural world of plants and creatures, reading, science, arts and crafts, sports, and fun games. As an instructional assistant, I have experience in tutoring and homework help. I can make baking and cooking a fun and interactive activity for children. I am CPR certified by the American Red Cross. As a cat parent myself, I have some experience with pet care-taking as well.

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Sonaly $20 per hour for 1 child

Loving mom of 4 plus a dog. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I love singing and dancing with kids. Currently specialize in kids parties . Looking for work that will not interfere with my family schedule.

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $29.91
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.20
  • Typical job length: 5.9 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.

205 sitters background checked in Santa Cruz, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 1,125 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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Help when you need it, even last minute babysitters

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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 $29.91 per hour for 1 child, and $36.20 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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