Los Altos 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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Families in Los Altos turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
95 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.35/hr
Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check, and every profile is individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team. Learn more.
**Please note: I do not generally take care of sick children. Please let me know in advance if anyone in your family is sick, especially if they’re contagious, so I can decide whether or not to come. If I’m not told about your sick child until I arrive, I reserve the right to leave to protect myself and the other children in my care. Thank you for understanding** I’m currently working full time as a manager in tech and am only babysitting very occasionally to supplement my income. I was a nanny throughout college to a family with two children, including one with autism. I’ve been babysitting for years for children of a variety of ages. I am not currently available for any regularly scheduled, part time, or full time positions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to discuss further.
“Maria was wonderful! She was so easy to communicate with, friendly, and great with the kids. She made the whole experience easy and comfortable. We’d happily have her back!”
Years ago, my first profile picture on this site was criticized by a potential family for being too strange. I picked one way stranger in response (me in a unicorn onesie) until the 2024 powers that be on this site recently called it inappropriate. So, now I’ve found one off the charts strange with my head half shaved in the middle of a home COVID haircut ;-). Children are SO important to me—yes that means physical safety, but for me it also involves emotional safety. I want deeply for children and young people to love themselves and find their voices as they grow, but to do that they need to see adults who appreciate and take joy in their own uniqueness. That, more than any resume point, is what I offer to kids and families with fierce commitment. I have worked with children and young people in a variety of settings for thirty years. In my early days there was the usual teenage babysitting. I have also worked for summer camps and non-profits--designing, leading, and overseeing children's activities and programs. Next, I taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade English for the last thirteen years in both Southern California and the Bay Area, followed by ten years of nannying for children of all ages. Finally, I have started to move very organically into parental coaching, upon request of families I care/have cared for. I have special insight into neurodivergent kids and school engagement struggles. I am certified in CPR, First Aid, AED, have taken expressive arts therapy training, and have had multiple experiences working with autistic young people, in addition to being autistic myself. I am happy to help older children with their English homework and do Elmo's voice for the younger children in the fort we just built :) I am tidy, punctual, and you will not find me on my phone or devices while my attention should be on your child. I love and appreciate the curiosity, creativity, kindness, and honesty of all children, and I look forward to being part of the village that helps care for yours. Thanks, Water pronouns: he/him IG: newstoriescallingart Ps. Yes, I know my profile says Chelsea, but I've been through a legal name change which this system "can't" correct until my membership expires. My name is Water, happy to show you my driver's license to silence the dead naming if it would help put your mind at ease. Not mad at caregivers who don't read this far, just mad at computer's needs being given precedence over people's needs.
Hi families! My name is Karol. I’m an experienced babysitter who speaks English and Spanish. I’ve been caring for kids for over 3 years—ranging from 8-month-old babies to 12-year-olds. I’m active, patient, and love doing both outdoor and indoor activities with children. I also offer light housekeeping, pet care, and senior assistance. I’m CPR certified and always make safety a top priority. Looking forward to supporting your family!
“My girls loved Karol”
After working as a nanny for four years during and after my undergrad at UCSD, I moved back home to the Bay Area and began employment at a specialized school for children on the with profound autism. My Human Development degree gave me a strong foundation in child development theories, while my work experience has given me a wealth of behavioral management strategies. Both allow me to create the most supportive and caring environment I can for the children I have the pleasure to care for. I am registered with Trustline and CPR/First Aid certified.
“Kimiro is dependable and hardworking, and was an asset to our household. She prepared lunches, did the dishes, went grocery shopping, and played with our two children (ages three and five). She also helped with additional household chores like laundry, folding, and putting away toys. We highly recommend Kimiro!”
Hey! My name is Bella, and I am a second-year university student with 5 years of paid childcare experience. A little about me: - I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree in finance - I work part-time at the Palo Alto Hills country club, previously coaching swim lessons but currently assisting in kids events and managing the front desk - I love baking treats and trying new recipes An overview of my experience - I coached swim lessons for 3 years for children ranging from 8 months to 14 years old - I led an afterschool cooking class with 25 elementary aged children solo at low-income schools - I hosted cooking classes and camps for children at Tastebuds Kitchen in Palo Alto for up to 30 young kids at a time - I have been babysitting for the past 5 years for multiple families - I have worked at numerous summer/break camps, most recently with Steve & Kate’s Other things to mention: - I have a reliable car, and am comfortable helping out with driving - I have a clean driving record - I am willing to help with household tasks and prefer to spend my downtime being helpful
“Punctual, professional, so sweet and attentive with our children. Thank you!!”
As of October 2026
All UrbanSitter babysitters are background checked every year. Profiles are individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team.
966 sitters background checked in Los Altos, CA
4.9 average star rating from total of 6,906 reviews in Los Altos, CA
"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
"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
"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
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To sign up with Facebook, we need permission to use your email address.
Sharing your friends list is optional, and allows us to connect you with sitters they book and recommend. Nothing will be shared or posted.
See which babysitters have been hired by parents in your Los Altos neighborhood, school, or parenting group.
Average response times for last-minute requests are under two minutes in most areas.
Every babysitter completes an annual background check, offering peace of mind when you need it most.
Read reviews from local families, see repeat family counts, and compare profiles before you choose.
Ideas for when there is an emergency and you need a sitter today.
A printable card to leave with your sitter in case of an emergency.
