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Find an emergency babysitter in Menlo Park, CA

Menlo Park 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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105 available babysitters in Menlo Park, CA

Families in Menlo Park turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
87 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.37/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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Valerie
Booked by 21 repeat families
27 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 37 families in Menlo Park, CA

Hello! I graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Child and Adolescent Development. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, which adds to my knowledge of children. I currently work for a public school district where I work with children that have special needs. Prior to that, I was a teacher at a private school. I have worked with a variety of ages, but primarily with 3-4 year olds for 5 years. I have worked as a nanny for two children for 5 years, while also babysitting for many years before this. When babysitting, I primarily have worked with school aged children, K-6th grade. I have had some experience with infant children under the age of 1 for about four years. I hope that I can be of assistance to you and your family. Thank you!

“Valerie was terrific with my girls. Will definitely use her again”

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Marilyn
Booked by 3 repeat families
10 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 17 families in Menlo Park, CA

Hi families! I’m Marilyn! I'm CPR and First Aid certified and have experience caring for kids from toddlers to teens (ages 2–13). I love keeping things fun with outings to the park, library story times, or helping with ballet, swimming, and after-school activities. I’m currently working with a few local families and am happy to help with light errands, dog walks (I’m a big animal lover!), and keeping things tidy around the house. I’m reliable, warm, and always happy to plan ahead especially for date nights or evening babysitting. Looking forward to meeting your family!

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Chelsea
Booked by 116 repeat families
162 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 228 families in Menlo Park, CA

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.

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Veronica
Booked by 8 repeat families
14 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 20 families in Menlo Park, CA

I am a mother of 8 children and three beautiful grandchildren. I have been taking care of kids since i was a teenager, with over 30+ years of experience. I have a deep love for children especially babies. As many of my own babies are now grown and moving out the nest, im looking for extra hours to work and do what i love most, watch and help children grow. I am very experienced, punctual, respectful, dependable and organized. I treat my families and children as if they were my very own. I enjoy spending time outside at the park or going on bike rides. I also love playing with kids favorite toys, reading to them, building, coloring and simply just laughing! I like keeping screen time to a minimum or not screen at all. and making sure the children are entertained with fun activities. I usually have a flexible schedule, more often available in the daytime, early mornings and afternoons until early evening. I am available occasionally for date nights. I am fluent in Spanish and proficient in English. I can cook and do light housecleaning. I have a clean driving record and background. Thank you so much for reading and i look forward to meeting you! Have a wonderful day.

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Caitlyn
Booked by 14 repeat families
12 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 25 families in Menlo Park, CA

Hello! I’m Caitlyn, a childcare professional with over 15 years of experience. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University. Currently, I work as a Site Supervisor for Hillsborough Recreation’s Aftercare program, and I’ve had the opportunity to work at various recreation centers over the years. I’ve also been a nanny for five families, caring for children aged 2 to 13, and have experience with newborns and infants, along with roles as a summer camp counselor. I’m reliable, patient, CPR certified, and fully vaccinated (including the COVID booster). I’m available for occasional date night and weekend childcare. Feel free to reach out with any questions—I’d love to assist your family!

“(Review for Pet Sitting Services). Caitlyn does an amazing job checking in on our senior cat while we are out of town! She is very communicative and thoughtful. Our cat requires a pill everyday and I feel she is in good hands with Caitlyn. She is also helpful with our home while we are out. Thank you, Caitlyn!”

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How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Menlo Park, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $31.37
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $37.06
  • Typical job length: 4.9 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Menlo Park, 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.

1,655 sitters background checked in Menlo Park, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 15,256 reviews in Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park

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Why families trust UrbanSitter for emergency babysitting

Trusted by Menlo Park families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents in your Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park

How do I find an emergency babysitter in Menlo Park?

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

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Menlo Park?

As of October 2026, babysitting rates in Menlo Park average $31.37 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 Menlo Park on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

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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