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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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121 available babysitters in Palo Alto, CA

Families in Palo Alto turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
88 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.34/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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Martha $30 per hour for 1 child

My name is Martha, I have 9 years working with toddlers age and preschool age children in preschool. Before working as a toddler/preschool teacher I worked as a nanny for two families for two years. I am patient, caring, responsible, I am bi-lingual (Spanish) Early Childhood Education is my joy, children and help them learn and grow in different areas of development (social-emotional, gross motor..) by engaging them in different activities (painting, drawing, playdough, going to the park, dancing, going to the library and active play (bike, outdoor play). I enjoy reading and spending time with my family in my free time.

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Sterling $25 per hour for 1 child

Hi - My name is Sterling, and I'm currently a student at Canada College. I am offering child care. I am good with kids, but usually babysit my aunts three kids, ages 3, 7, and 10, as well as help with their puppy. However, I've babysat kids in my family and around my neighborhood on and off since I was 16. I can also work as a household assistant and can cook, clean, and run errands. I am comfortable with animals in general, as I have two cats of my own; however, I am afraid of bigger dogs ( especially if they slobber a lot), spiders, and reptiles.

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Kayla $26 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m a caring, patient, and dependable babysitter who genuinely enjoys working with children. I have the most experience caring for children ages 9 months to 2 years old, and I especially enjoy this age because I love being part of their learning, development, and everyday routines. In my previous childcare experience, I enjoyed creating fun and engaging activities such as reading books, going to the park, visiting libraries and museums, and finding age-appropriate ways for children to explore and learn. I’m also comfortable helping with meals, naps, playtime, and keeping a consistent routine. I would love the opportunity to expand my experience with newborns and younger babies. While I have less experience with newborns, I’m very attentive to detail, eager to learn, and would take the time to understand your baby’s individual routine, needs, and preferences. I want parents to feel comfortable and confident knowing their child is in caring hands. I’m currently attending college and would love to find a family I can build a trusting and long-term relationship with!

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Louise $20 per hour for 1 child

I have been a nanny for 40 years first in the UK , then out here for the last 30+ years . I raised my daughter out here , she now lives in Redwood City . I love working as a nanny, really specializing in toddlers and babies I just updated my New born Care Specialist Certificate, uptodate CPR and vaccines

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Colette $25 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Colette, and I'm currently a graduate student at Stanford. I am offering child care, pet care, and household services. I love being a babysitter and have been watching toddlers and kids since I was 16. My responsibilities have included transportation to and from school, supervised activities, cooking, and homework help. I'm an experienced tutor from elementary to high school with a specialization in writing and English. I'm passionate about helping children love learning and feel confident in their skills! I also work as a household assistant and can cook, clean, and run errands. I enjoy cooking and baking, and I am happy to aid in preparing meals or teaching cooking and baking skills.

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How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Palo Alto, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $31.34
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $37.13
  • Typical job length: 5.0 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

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.

1,280 sitters background checked in Palo Alto, CA

4.9 average star rating from total of 10,435 reviews in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto

Share your needs and hear from available sitters.

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 October 2026, babysitting rates in Palo Alto average $31.34 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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