Find an emergency babysitter in Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto 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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103 available babysitters in Palo Alto, CA

Families in Palo Alto 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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Maria
Booked by 40 repeat families
66 reviews
Mountain View
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 111 families in Palo Alto, CA

**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.

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Chelsea
Booked by 116 repeat families
162 reviews
Mountain View
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 228 families in Palo Alto, 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 [removed] Ps. 8/18/26 I'll be gone from this platform when my membership expires because of their unnecessarily complicated policies about legal name changes that frankly border on transphobic. My profile will be hidden before then because I will no longer be doing updates. Find me soon on a sight that rhymes with Bear lot Tom under the name Water Woody for my regulars who do not already have my personal contact info.

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Jamie
Booked by 83 repeat families
73 reviews
Atherton
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 148 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi- my name is Jamie, originally from Los Angeles, CA. I grew up in a big and very family oriented environment. I began babysitting at the age of 15. I have babysat children ranging from the ages of 2months-15 years old. I am comfortable babysitting children of all ages. I have done a lot of volunteer work in schools,daycares, churches, and more which have all required me to interact with children. I am a very responsible, patient, hardworking, approachable, nice, funny, energetic, understanding, and loving person. When I babysit I enjoy playing sports outside, doing crafts, playing board games, reading, and much more. I always love helping kids with homework. On my free time I love to read, watch movies, and have a good time. Overall, I like to believe that I am an outgoing individual that loves to be around kids and has a lot of patience.

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Maria Luisa
Booked by 15 repeat families
20 reviews
Los Altos Hills
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 40 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi I'm Maria! I am a passionate childcare provider with over five years of experience. My passion for child development fuels my work and the positive impact I have on children's lives. I am IQ qualified . I prioritize providing a safe and fun environment where children can learn and grow. As a patient, friendly, and respectful caregiver, I value open communication with parents and follow their preferred communication method. I am very comfortable enforcing household rules and have experience caring for children of various ages, from infants to preteens. In terms of activities, I enjoy playing both educational games that promote learning and fun games like sports, board games, and puzzles. Im CPR certified, I am always looking for opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge. Lastly, I have a car, am comfortable with pets, and I look forward to meeting you and your family!

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Figen
Booked by 13 repeat families
23 reviews
Menlo Park
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 27 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi! I’m a 32-year-old professional nanny from Turkey with over six years of childcare experience. I spent two years as an au pair and have been working with wonderful families in San Francisco for more than four years. During this time, I’ve cared for children of all ages and needs—everything from premature babies to children with special needs. I’m also trained in the Montessori approach and have developed strong skills in sleep training and potty training, which I love using to make life easier for families. I’m experienced in all aspects of childcare, including laundry, meal prep, cleaning, bath time, diaper changes, and planning fun, engaging activities. Families often describe me as calm, proactive, and adaptable, with a positive attitude that helps me handle any situation. I also enjoy cooking and love creating meals that suit a family’s unique preferences. What’s most important to me is building a close, family-like bond with the families I work with. I strive to be a trusted role model and a “big sister” to the children I care for, sharing my skills and life experiences in a way that helps them grow. If you’re looking for someone who’s caring, responsible, and truly passionate about working with kids, I’d love to meet you!

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Recent babysitter activity in Palo Alto, 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

Find emergency care in Palo Alto

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Why families trust UrbanSitter for emergency babysitting

Trusted by Palo Alto families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents in your Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto

How do I find an emergency babysitter in Palo Alto?

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

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Palo Alto?

As of [Month/Year], babysitting rates in Palo Alto average $_ 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 Palo Alto on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

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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