Family with caregiver

Find an emergency babysitter in Los Altos, CA

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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130 available babysitters in Los Altos, CA

Families in Los Altos turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
97 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.42/hr

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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Lauren
Booked by 3 repeat families
2 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in Los Altos, CA

I am currently a PhD graduate student at Stanford University, obtaining my degree in stem cell biology. I am offering services with child care, senior care, pet care, and household services. I have 6 years of experience nannying and raising children 4 years of age and older (both boys and girls), with experience babysitting toddlers aged 2 and up. I love spending time with kids on activities and crafts that they love to do - everything from playing dolls to arts and crafts to playing catch. I can also provide help with homework. I have experience working with children with dyslexia, and working on reading and flashcards to help improve their reading skills. Additionally, I have several years experience providing caregiving to an elderly adult with dementia. I can help with daily tasks, appointments, meal preparation, or just being a companion. I also love animals! I have owned dogs, cats, horses, and every small animal you can think of. I can provide housework and help with organizational tasks - I love organizing! I am CPR and pediatric first aid certified. I’m learning Spanish but still a beginner conversationally.

“Lauren is an absolute angel, my kids love her and she has been so gracious and helpful, even in such short notice. She is kind, plays with them both in engaging ways and is and makes them feel good and happy by the end of the day. She even makes great art! My son says he has a great day, and my daughter is absolutely smitten. Thank you so much Lauren for supporting us in our times of need!”

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Brandi
Booked by 3 repeat families
1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in Los Altos, CA

HI! I'm a mom of three (ages 15, 20, and 23) with 9 years of professional nanny experience, plus 14 years at home raising my own kids. I've cared for every age from newborns to teenagers, and I genuinely love them all. Most of my career has been spent in long-term positions with two families, staying with each of them for several years as their kids grew. My days with kids are active and full. I'm big on outings: the park, the library, music classes, and the zoo. I like creating a home that feels fun and silly, with plenty of music and cooking. I'm also a serious animal lover, so pets in the house are a bonus. Beyond childcare, I'm hardworking and detail oriented, and cleaning and organizing are my specialties. I'm also well versed in food allergies and special diets. I have Celiac Disease myself and follow a strict gluten-free routine, so label-reading and avoiding cross-contamination are second nature to me. I speak conversational Spanish. Not fluent, but enough to hold a real conversation. One practical note: I'm highly allergic to Lavender, so I ask that Lavender scented products not be used in the home. Lavender growing outside is no problem at all. I'm available for occasional sitting. I'd love to hear about your family and whatever you might need. Currently available for occasional date nights and weekends.

“Brandi is an exceptional nanny - highly experienced with all ages and incredibly energetic and warm. We were fortunate to have her as our full-time nanny and an integral part of our family for nearly 4 years. She cared for our older son from 4 months on and helped us set a regular napping/feeding schedule with him right off the bat. Over the years, she helped us transition to new nap schedules, new foods, new activities, and a new little brother. Brandi maintained a fun weekly schedule with both boys, taking them to library story times, MyGym, music classes, and coming up with myriad arts and crafts activities. We highly recommend Brandi - it’s such a relief to have an experienced caregiver you can trust!”

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Liliana
Booked by 2 repeat families
3 reviews
$27 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in Los Altos, CA

Hello, my name is Liliana (or Lily)! I was born and raised in San Jose and am excited to be working as a nanny with local families while completing my master’s degree in counseling psychology at SCU! I have been working as a nanny since fall of 2025, and have had the pleasure of caring for children ranging from 1 to 13 years old. I really admire children's curiosity, creativity, and intelligence, and I find so much fulfillment in watching them grow! I am currently available for occasional and one-time evening jobs. Relevant education and certifications: - Undergraduate courses in child development. - Pediatric CPR/AED certified by the Red Cross. - Valid CA driver's license. About me: - I am an avid reader and have a deep appreciation for children's literature! Some of my childhood favorites include "Arnie the Doughnut" and "Sarah, Plain and Tall." - I love cooking and baking, and am a big proponent of involving kids in the kitchen – it teaches life skills, supports mathematical and scientific development, and is a great vehicle for creativity! - I grew up participating in dance and theatre, and still still take ballet classes in my spare time! I also love fostering creative expression in kids, whether it be music, dance, drawing, or imaginative play! ________ My policies: - Booking: I ask that all new families book me through Urban Sitter. Families looking for long-term care can schedule recurring services off-site, so long as the first booking is made through Urban Sitter. I also encourage families to message me before booking to confirm my availability. - Daily minimum hours: I work a consecutive two-hour minimum, and generally only accept jobs that meet this requirement. In the event that a family books me for a shorter period of time, they can expect to pay for a minimum of two hours, even if they only need me for one. - Cancellation policy: I ask that any scheduling changes be communicated as early as possible, and I will share any scheduling conflicts ASAP (usually 4+ weeks in advance). I do not charge for canceled bookings unless I am given less than 24 hours notice, at which point I will charge 50% of the total original booking cost. - Mileage: I have my own car, and am happy to offer driving services to families. Because not all jobs require driving, I do not factor it into my hourly rate. Instead, if a family requires driving, I will charge a reimbursement of 76 cents per mile.

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Monica
Booked by 1 repeat family
$28 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Los Altos, CA

Hello, my name is Monica. I have over four years of experience caring for children of various ages. I am a patient, dependable, and nurturing person who truly enjoys supporting children in their growth and daily development. I have worked with private families in settings that require trust, structure, and consistency. I focus on creating a warm, safe, and positive environment where children feel comfortable, engaged, and encouraged to learn. I am happy to assist with age-appropriate activities, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and maintaining daily routines. I am seeking a long-term position with a family where I can offer attentive, responsible, and loving care while building a strong and trusting relationship.

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Valentina
Booked by 1 repeat family
5 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in Los Altos, CA

Hi there! I'm Valentina a current speech pathology assistant at a special education school in Redwood City. I enjoy going on runs, spending time with my dog and trying new recipes. I have been working with kids since I was 16 and have since gained experience in caring for toddlers, twins, and tweens. I am a versatile person who would love to help out your family.

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How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Los Altos, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $31.42
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $37.06
  • Typical job length: 5.1 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Los Altos, 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.

964 sitters background checked in Los Altos, CA

4.9 average star rating from total of 7,087 reviews in Los Altos, CA

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 Los Altos

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Why families trust UrbanSitter for emergency babysitting

Trusted by Los Altos families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents in your Los Altos 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 Los Altos

How do I find an emergency babysitter in Los Altos?

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

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Los Altos?

As of October 2026, babysitting rates in Los Altos average $31.42 per hour for one child, and 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 Los Altos on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check, including those in Los Altos, 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos?

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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