Family with caregiver

Find an emergency babysitter in Berkeley, CA

Berkeley families count on UrbanSitter for same-day emergency child care. In most areas, average response time for urgent needs is under two minutes.

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270 available babysitters in Berkeley, CA

Families in Berkeley turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.

Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check, and every profile is individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team. Learn more.

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Malissa
Booked by 10 repeat families
14 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 18 families in Berkeley, CA

Hi! I’m Malissa — a reliable, flexible babysitter with 10+ years of experience. I’m 32, have my own car, and work with several wonderful families on both a weekly and occasional basis. I offer date night, overnight, and travel care, as well as pet and house-sitting. I work fully remote Monday–Friday (8–5), which allows me to help with school pickups, bring kids home, and keep them safe and engaged while I finish my workday. I’m happy to work from your home with Wi-Fi and a place to sit—this setup works great for the families I currently support. I’ve cared for children ages 0–17 and can help with homework, meals, light tidying, bedtime routines, and pet care—while making sure your kids are safe, happy, and well cared for. I accept Apple Pay, Zelle, check, and cash, and ask that payment be made by the time I leave. Overnight and travel care are available with custom rates, and I request toll reimbursement when applicable. I love building long-term relationships with families and look forward to meeting you! Warmly, Malissa

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Karina
Booked by 9 repeat families
16 reviews
$28 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 14 families in Berkeley, CA

Hello My name is Karina, I am 52 years old and for 26 years I have been working with babies, I have experience with babies since 7 weeks of age, and able to care for 2 babies at the same time. I love walking, going to the park library doing activities with the kids . I have excellent reference

Karina came last minute to help us today as I’m recovering from surgery. It was such a relief to have her! We have a 3 year old and a 19 months old so it’s never easy to have new caregivers, but Karina did great. She is experienced, was very patient and kind, and helped clean up around the house. It was also great to chat a bit in Spanish. We’ll definitely have her again!

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Berfu
Booked by 10 repeat families
26 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 47 families in Berkeley, CA

Hello 👋 I’m Berfu, a friendly and experienced educator with nearly six years of experience working with children of all ages, from infants to school-aged kids. Currently, I’m employed at a preschool and am actively seeking part-time or occasional work opportunities for the summer and beyond. I’ve completed six units of Early Childhood Education. I’m incredibly comfortable with babies and toddlers, and I always prioritize their safety and happiness. I’m also pet-friendly, fully vaccinated, and passionate about creating a fun, nurturing, and safe environment for children. Whether you need a helping hand, a trustworthy sitter, or a fun friend for your little ones, I’d love to help! 💛 Looking forward to meeting your family!

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Cynthia
Booked by 6 repeat families
16 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 16 families in Berkeley, CA

Hi, I’m Cynthia! I’m a reliable, energetic caregiver with years of experience caring for children from toddlers through elementary age kids. I’ve worked with families in both Washington, DC and San Francisco, providing consistent, trusted support for busy parents. I currently work part-time as a consultant, so I have a flexible schedule and genuinely enjoy spending my free time with kids. Caregiving is something I choose to do because I love it—not just as a job, but as a way to stay engaged, active, and connected. I especially enjoy working with curious preschoolers and early elementary kids (ages 3–6 are my favorite!). My style is hands-on and interactive—I prioritize play, creativity, and outdoor time over screens. Whether it’s building forts, doing puzzles and Legos, reading together, or heading to the park, I bring a high level of energy and engagement. I also have some experience supporting children with ADD/ADHD and understand the importance of patience, structure, and positive reinforcement. Outside of caregiving, I’m a long-distance runner and love staying active—something that translates well to keeping up with high-energy kids who enjoy being on the move. I also volunteer as a reading tutor at a local elementary school, which has been a rewarding way to support early learning. (Fully vaccinated and CPR/First Aid certified.)

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Heather
Booked by 3 repeat families
12 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 7 families in Berkeley, CA

Hello, I am currently available for part-time or one time caregiving support. I am looking to supplement my retirement by continuing to do what I am most passionate about—working with children. I am CPR and First Aid certified and have 17 years of experience as a paraeducator in special education. In addition, I have 18 years of experience as a respite provider working with ambulatory clients on the autism spectrum. For the past 3.5 years, I have also served as co-owner and teacher at an infant daycare. The last two years I’ve helped with my daughter’s different foster babies (ages 3 days- 2 years) after work and on the weekends (Currently there are no fosters.) My experience is further informed by being a parent to a child on the autism spectrum, which has deepened my understanding, empathy, and commitment to quality care. I would welcome the opportunity to offer supportive, compassionate, and reliable care to your family. I have my immunizations up to date: Covid 12/25- Booster Flu 12/25 TDAP 5/22 MMR 6/22

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Recent babysitter activity in Berkeley, CA

When it's urgent, trust comes first

All UrbanSitter babysitters are background checked every year. Profiles are individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team.

photo of quoted parent Hillary

"We were incredibly grateful that Maya was able to help us out with a last-minute childcare emergency. She matched our 9-year-old's energy with arts & crafts, some quiet reading, and a walk around the neighborhood. We'd have Maya back in a heartbeat!"

Hillary S., parent

photo of quoted parent Theresa

"We used Tania for a last minute emergency. She responded very quickly. My daughter seemed to enjoy herself. My son napped most of the time. I enjoyed how she kept me updated by text."

Theresa M., parent

photo of quoted parent Lauren

"Hannah was awesome. Went above & beyond to help me with a last minute emergency. She was really sweet & great with my 16mo old. Highly recommend!!"

Lauren D., parent

Family with caregiver

Find emergency care in Berkeley

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Why families trust UrbanSitter for emergency babysitting

Trusted by Berkeley families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents in your Berkeley neighborhood, school, or parenting group.

Fast responses for urgent needs

Average response times for last-minute requests are under two minutes in most areas.

Background checked, every year

Every babysitter completes an annual background check, offering peace of mind when you need it most.

Reviews from local parents

Read reviews from local families, see repeat family counts, and compare profiles before you choose.

Frequently asked questions about emergency babysitters in Berkeley

How do I find an emergency babysitter in Berkeley?

Sign up for an UrbanSitter account, then share the date, time, and number of children who need care. Available sitters in Berkeley can respond, and you can review full profiles before booking.

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Berkeley?

Babysitting rates in Berkeley vary by experience, number of children, and job length. For same-day care, offering a higher rate can help attract interest and a faster response. See average babysitting rates in your area.

Are babysitters in Berkeley on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check, including those in Berkeley, and each profile is individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team. See what's included in the background check.

Can I find a babysitter in Berkeley for today or tonight?

Yes. Same-day and tonight requests are common on UrbanSitter. Share your care needs and available sitters can respond. You can read reviews, watch profile videos, and choose the right fit.

What's the best way to find a babysitter in Berkeley on short notice?

On UrbanSitter, when an urgent need comes up, share your timing, location, and care needs so available sitters can respond. See tips for finding last-minute child care for additional ways to find support.

What do I do if my babysitter cancels in Berkeley?

Sign into UrbanSitter and submit a new urgent request with your timing, location, and care needs. Available sitters can respond, and you can compare reviews, profile videos, and response times before choosing.

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