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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121 available babysitters in Palo Alto, CA

Families in Palo Alto turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
87 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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Caitlyn
Booked by 14 repeat families
12 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 25 families in Palo Alto, 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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Maria
Booked by 4 repeat families
9 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 25 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hello, My name is Maria. I studied Human Development & Family Sciences (early childhood education) with a double major in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish.. I am a native Spanish speaker and am bilingual (Spanish/English). I have experience working with children of all ages from birth to adolescents. I love getting to know children and helping them achieve their potential. I am excited to get to know you and your child/children.

“My toddler warmed up to Maria very quickly! Maria was very responsive to my messages, was reliable, and I will definitely be hiring her again in the future.”

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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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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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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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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.

1,276 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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