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Find a babysitter in Washington, DC

Browse background checked babysitters near you in Washington. Compare local reviews, rates, and experience to find the right fit.

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319 available babysitters in Washington, DC

Families in Washington use UrbanSitter for date nights, after school help, and last-minute babysitting.
203 available tonight | Avg hourly rate: $23.33/hr

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

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Lucy 5 reviews
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

My name is Lucy and I work part-time for the education department of a local theater! I'm passionate about children's education, and studied psychology and English at the College of William and Mary. I love kids and have been babysitting since I was 12! I'm also a teacher-- I'm teaching a weekly theater class for toddlers this winter, and various summer camps for three different age groups during the summer. I have over 10 years of experience working with children to develop confidence, imagination, and verbal skills. I'm happy to help with household chores. I also love animals, though I hope you won't hold it against me that I'm a cat person!

“Lucy was an amazing sitter, both kind and willing to jump into whatever three-year-old nonsense came to mind. My daughter truly enjoyed having her visit -- high praise!”

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Jessica
Booked by 1 repeat family
2 reviews
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

Hello! My name is Jessica and I am a Midwest native who has happily made a home in Washington, DC for the last 14 years. I am a cat mom to a 4 year old cat Winnie and have grown up with family dogs since the age of 6. I am the youngest of three daughters and am a very lucky aunt to four nieces from the ages of 3-8 years old. I am very fortunate to be close with my family and to get to spend time caring and shaping my nieces. Outside of family, I have experience as a babysitter during all four years of my college experience at American University, ranging from afterschool care for 2+ kids to babysitting during evenings or weekends, assisting with meals, playtime, and homework. In addition, I often pet sit for friends and neighbors, helping with play time, getting in walks, feeding, and litter box cleaning. I would love to connect and see if I am the right fit to care for your kids or animals!

“Jessica was delightful! She arrived early, was pleasant and professional, and jumped right in with the kids. Definitely would recommend her!”

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Genevieve
Booked by 2 repeat families
2 reviews
$18 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Washington, DC

⸻ Hi! I just graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. I’ve been babysitting on and off for the past seven years and love working with kids of all ages (and pets too!). I’m easygoing, funny, and always up for a good game, craft, or kitchen adventure. Cooking’s one of my favorite hobbies, and I can’t wait to explore DC! I’m all about creating a fun, safe, and positive environment wherever I go!

“I used Genevieve for household services. We were away from our house for 3 weeks and needed her to come twice a week to house sit - taking care of plants, bringing in the mail, etc. She followed the directions to a tee and even went above and beyond to think ahead such as accounting for extreme weather conditions. Genevieve had great communication throughout the entire duration. She was very dependable and someone you can definitely trust. I had a great experience overall and highly recommend her.”

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Alice
Booked by 41 repeat families
46 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 89 families in Washington, DC

I would love to use my free time to babysit for your children. I have babysat on and off for years, and love all ages of kids - from playing games with toddlers, to helping older children with their homework. I am not afraid to get down and dirty with the kids, or discipline them when needed. I hope to hear from you and your family soon!

“Amazing, thank you!”

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Drew
Booked by 2 repeat families
2 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in Washington, DC

I have been caring for children for over 8 years now! I moved to DC from Texas where I babysat, led a middle school girls youth group and volunteered in the children’s ministry of a local nonprofit. I enjoy working with kids because their curiosity and energy keeps me on my toes and reminds me to look for the wonder in life! I value building relationships with every child I babysit and learning about their interests. I will read books, bake, facilitate outdoor games or step back and supervise if your kiddos prefer independent play! I am also happy to take on dishes, laundry, and other house work. I have worked with children ranging from newborns through middle school, and am comfortable with any age. I can also handle multiple at a time; a favorite group of friends I babysat for had 4 kids under 6 with an 8-month old — we had so much fun together! Fun facts: My favorite books from my childhood were Little House on the Prairie and Series of Unfortunate Events, and my favorite board game was Monopoly. Some nitty-gritty: I am vaccinated for COVID & other routine illnesses and I have been background checked through Urban Sitter. I love pets but do not to work in homes with pit bulls.

“Drew was so wonderful with our 5 year old son. She was immediately warm and great with him and came up with creative play ideas and ensured a smooth bedtime. We hope to work with Drew again! ”

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How much does a babysitter cost in Washington, DC?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $23.33
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $28.03
  • Typical job length: 4.9 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Washington, DC

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.

1,365 sitters background checked in Washington, DC

4.9 average star rating from total of 5,624 reviews in Washington, DC

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 Washington babysitters

How much do babysitters cost in Washington, DC?

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Washington, DC is $23.33 per hour for 1 child, and $28.03 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 Washington 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 Washington?

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 Washington?

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 Washington?

Yes. Families in Washington 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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