Family with caregiver

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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108 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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Rick 8 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Palo Alto, CA

Hi, I’m Rick; a caring, energetic, and responsible individual with a lifelong passion for helping families thrive. I’m 37 and currently based in Redwood City. With a strong background in both child and pet care, I bring over three years experience working with all age groups from newborns and infants (1.5 years experience) to toddlers, preschoolers, school age kids, and teens (3 years’ experience each). I love playing, teaching, and learning with kids of all ages, adapting creative activities and games to keep everyone engaged. I focus on fostering a supportive, positive, and fun environment while maintaining structure and clear communication. Parents can count on me for organization, reliability, and compassion at every step. While my main focus is on child care, I also have extensive experience in animal care, behavior, and training (over 3 years). Alongside my wife, I’ve prepared healthy, natural organic treats and meals for pets, and I’ve led group outings for dogs in our local area. As a telepathic animal communicator, I genuinely understand pets as family; I currently care for three cats and have cared for several dogs and cats in the past. My core values include healthy living, mindfulness, and keeping a toxin free, caring home. I believe in living with integrity and consistency aligning words, actions, and beliefs. I love to teach and guide through games and self reflection and I'm always eager to help young minds flourish. If you’re looking for someone compassionate, honest, detail oriented, and fun, who understands the needs of both kids and family pets, let’s connect!

Rick helped my son improve his communication at home, he's very thoughful and helpful guy.. He's just another member of our family..!!🍃🍃🙏🏻

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Gloria
Booked by 4 repeat families
5 reviews
$28 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 9 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi my name is Gloria, I worked in a daycare over ten years ago. The woman I worked with closed her daycare and I changed careers. I miss working with kids I love exploring the world with toddler's for the first time. I enjoy playing make-believe, creating new worlds, arts & crafts. I enjoy playing board games and reading books.

She was great.

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Yarelli
Booked by 6 repeat families
8 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 13 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi! My name is Yarelli. I’m 31 years old and starting my fifth year working at a middle school on the Peninsula as an Executive Assistant to the Principal. I’m a Redwood City local and currently live in Belmont with my husband and our dog. I’m also a proud SF State alum—Go Gators! I have 10+ years of experience working with children ages 2 months to 15 years old. I’ve worked in preschools, after-school programs, summer camps, as a nanny, and as a mother’s helper. I’m also the oldest of seven girls, including two sets of twins! My youngest sisters are 9-year-old twins. I also have 10+ years of pet care experience, including house sitting, dog sitting, and cat sitting. I grew up around dogs, mostly Pit Bulls, and currently have an 8-year-old rescued Chocolate Lab/Weimaraner, Beau, who I trained myself. I’m CPR and First Aid certified and available evenings, weekends, and occasional days off. Feel free to reach out, I’d love to help! Yarelli

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Dana
Booked by 26 repeat families
25 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 37 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi! Im currently searching for a morning position to fill my schedule. in the afternoons I provide care for a six year long term family. I have many years of newborn care experience, and would prefer to grow with a family. I love to be creative, have fun, cook and play! Would be happy to chat or answer any further questions!

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Bella
Booked by 7 repeat families
7 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 9 families in Palo Alto, CA

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!!

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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

Family with caregiver

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?

Babysitting rates in Palo Alto 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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