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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Valentina
Booked by 1 repeat family
5 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi there! I'm Valentina a current speech pathology assistant at a special education school in Redwood City. I enjoy going on runs, spending time with my dog and trying new recipes. I have been working with kids since I was 16 and have since gained experience in caring for toddlers, twins, and tweens. I am a versatile person who would love to help out your family.

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Julia
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Palo Alto, CA

Hi! My name is Julia, and I’m a caring, responsible, and energetic caregiver with experience caring for infants, toddlers, children, and pets. I currently work as a nanny in San Francisco and truly enjoy creating a safe, loving, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and feel supported. I have a background in Veterinary Medicine, which has strengthened my attention to detail, patience, and ability to stay calm in any situation. Families describe me as dependable, kind, organized, and proactive. I love planning age-appropriate activities, spending time outdoors, reading, arts and crafts, and helping children reach developmental milestones. I’m also comfortable assisting with light household tasks related to the children, meal preparation, bedtime routines, transportation, and pet care. My goal is always to provide peace of mind for parents while making each day fun and enriching for the children in my care.

“Julia was wonderful with my two girls! She was on time, very sweet, and the girls warmed up to her quickly. I felt comfortable leaving them with her and everything went really well. I would definitely have her back!”

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Monica
Booked by 1 repeat family
$28 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Palo Alto, CA

Hello, my name is Monica. I have over four years of experience caring for children of various ages. I am a patient, dependable, and nurturing person who truly enjoys supporting children in their growth and daily development. I have worked with private families in settings that require trust, structure, and consistency. I focus on creating a warm, safe, and positive environment where children feel comfortable, engaged, and encouraged to learn. I am happy to assist with age-appropriate activities, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and maintaining daily routines. I am seeking a long-term position with a family where I can offer attentive, responsible, and loving care while building a strong and trusting relationship.

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Lara $35 per hour for 1 child

Hi – My name is Lara and I’m a professional nanny with over 6 years of experience caring for children from infants to pre-teens. I’m CPR certified, bilingual in English and Portuguese, and passionate about creating safe, nurturing, and fun environments where kids can thrive. I’ve worked with families in Woodside, Menlo Park, Redwood City, and Portola Valley, providing everything from daily care to overnight stays while parents travel. My responsibilities have included driving to and from school, organizing playdates, helping with homework, preparing healthy meals, and planning creative activities. I love supporting children’s emotional growth, encouraging independence, and making each day both safe and enjoyable. I can also assist with light household tasks and am happy to provide great references from the families I’ve worked with.

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Shawnee $18 per hour for 1 child

My names Shawnee and I’m 20 years old. I grew up with younger siblings and so many younger cousins that I took care of my whole life and also babysat all throughout highschool for family friends and mutuals. I’m a very outgoing person who is very high energy as well!

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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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