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.
82 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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Victoria $25 per hour for 1 child

Bay Area Cat Mom & Animal Lover 🐾 Proud cat mom based in the Bay Area with a lifelong love for animals of all shapes and sizes! From playful puppies to senior kitties (and everything in between), I treat every pet like family. Whether your fur baby needs cuddles, walks, playtime, or just a calm, comforting presence, I’m here to give them safe, loving care while you’re away.

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Bruna $32 per hour for 1 child

I have 5 years of experience caring for children from 3 months to 12 years old, always with love, patience, and reliability. I am fluent in English, a native Portuguese speaker, a pharmacist in Brazil, certified in First Aid and CPR, and trained in child care for lab tests with experience in hospital routines. I also have volunteer experience in daycare centers for low-income families, knowledge of sleep training and baby-led weaning, excellent references, and I’m fully vaccinated. I own a car, have insurance, and a clean driving record.

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Sarah $30 per hour for 1 child

Hi my name is Sarah, I absolutely love being around kids and helping them learn and navigate through everyday life. I love creating a safe, loving, and trustworthy environment for both kids and parents! I have experience caring for children of different ages and I’m comfortable helping with pick-up, play time, homework, and light housekeeping. My goal is to provide attentive care while making sure your children feel safe, loved, and engaged. I am certified in both CPR and first aid. I also have a well maintained car (2014 Subaru Outback) that is up to date with maintenance. I also have experience with special needs! My little sister has down syndrome so I’ve been around special needs my entire life and not just Down syndrome but Autism as well!

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Daisy $25 per hour for 1 child

I am Caring, patient, and responsible 19-year-old with hands-on childcare experience caring for younger siblings and cousins of different ages. I genuinely enjoy working with children and creating a safe, comfortable, and positive environment for them. I am attentive to each child’s individual needs, dependable, and willing to accommodate families’ routines, preferences, and schedules. I look forward to building trusting relationships with children and their families while providing thoughtful and compassionate care. Childcare Experience Family Childcare Experience Family & Relatives | Hands-On Experience * Cared for younger siblings and cousins of various ages. * Assisted with children’s everyday needs and routines. * Provided attentive supervision while keeping children safe and comfortable. * Prepared snacks and meals appropriate for children. * Helped keep children entertained through games, activities, and age-appropriate play. * Demonstrated patience and understanding when working with young children. * Adapted to different personalities, ages, schedules, and individual needs. * Helped maintain a clean and organized environment for children. * Communicated with family members regarding children’s needs and routines. * Developed strong hands-on experience through regular childcare responsibilities. Key Skills * Infant & Toddler Care * Child Supervision * Patient & Compassionate * Dependable & Responsible * Age-Appropriate Activities * Meal & Snack Preparation * Maintaining Safe Environments * Following Family Routines * Strong Communication * Adaptable & Accommodating * Positive Attitude * Family-Focused Care About Me I am someone who truly enjoys being around children and takes pride in making them feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. I understand that every family has different routines and expectations, and I am always willing to listen, learn, and accommodate their needs. My goal is to become someone families can trust and feel comfortable leaving their children with. Education College Student de Anza community college Major (psychology) Languages English: Fluent Spanish: Fluent References previous families I’ve cared for Ana Heidi Dayerly

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Jordan
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Palo Alto, CA

Hello! I am a Bay Area animal caregiver. I started walking and then boarding & sitting. I love bonding and delivering the best experience curated around your dog’s needs and interests. Looking forward to meeting you!

ā€œJordan has been walking our dog for quite a while. Roger loves her and she's consistent, friendly, and professional. Highly recommended!ā€

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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.

1,279 sitters backgroundĀ checked in Palo Alto, CA

4.9 average star rating from total of 10,433 reviewsĀ 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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