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.

Looking for jobs? Apply here.

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.

Profile photo
Melisa $25 per hour for 1 child

Hello! I’m a patient, dependable, and compassionate caregiver with years of hands-on experience caring for children, seniors, individuals with special needs, and animals. I helped care for my grandmother by assisting with her daily routine and medications. I also regularly looked after my younger sibling and many young relatives while my parents were busy. I have personal experience helping care for my brother with cerebral palsy, and in school I volunteered with classmates with down syndrome and dyslexia, supporting them with classroom activities. I’ve also cared for animals throughout my life. I’ve raised cats and dogs, cared for rabbits, birds, fish, and chickens, and fostered many stray cats until they were adopted. I nursed injured and sick stray cats and dogs back to health, cared for pregnant cats, and assisted during births when needed. I’m attentive, calm under pressure, and committed to providing safe, loving, and reliable care to every person and pet I look after.

Profile photo
Olivia $25 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m a college junior (Texas Christian University, Neeley School of Business) currently home for the summer working part-time at a law office. I’m available several afternoons, and most evenings and weekends—and I’d love to help with babysitting, tutoring, pet sitting, dog walking, or running errands. I’m a reliable, nurturing, and outgoing person who truly enjoys spending time with kids and animals. I have strong communication skills and take pride in being someone families can count on. I’m very active and love being outdoors, whether that means playing games with kids, going on walks, or keeping pets engaged and happy. I have a car so I’m flexible and dependable when it comes to getting where I need to be. I have 6 years of experience and am happy to provide references upon request. Looking forward to connecting soon!

Profile photo
Viridiana $36 per hour for 1 child

Dedicated and nurturing Nanny with over 6 years of hands-on childcare experience, including live-in and independent roles. Highly adaptable to each family’s unique needs, with a strong reputation for reliability, emotional intelligence, patience, and proactive support. Committed to maintaining a safe, structured, and loving environment while actively supporting parents in daily routines. Known for long-term positions, minimal absenteeism, and consistently high standards of care. Excellent cook, organized household helper, and energetic caregiver. Strong references.

Profile photo
Emma
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi! My name is Emma. I’m a graduate student at Santa Clara university pursing a masters in counseling psychology. My experience with children ages 2-18+ began in 2020 as a freshman in college where I worked in the academic counseling office at my community college. From there I worked with 2nd graders in a school setting, supported teachers, was an intern at a head start school, I transitioned to work in the hospital supporting kids ages 5-9 years old with bereavement. Throughout the years my experience has extended from various settings and I look forward to providing a safe and fun environment for your children! I love to do arts & crafts and enjoy crafting some activities for children all ages! At my current internship at a school site (k-6th grade) I’ve had the greatest opportunity use my creativeness and make multiple items for my students! I truly enjoy doing these items and love to be outside! I have my own form of transportation, I know how to make simple meals, I can clean, and I’m a Spanish speaker! Aside from this, I enjoy being outside and going on walks! Note: while I do live in Newark I am very used to commuting and don’t mind driving to different locations!

Profile photo
Maria $35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Palo Alto, CA

I'm an IMG and a dedicated mother of a toddler, bringing an unparalleled level of medical knowledge, patience, and responsibility to your home. My IMG background means I have training in urgent care, health monitoring, and general well-being that few caregivers can offer. As a mother, I have deep, hands-on experience with child development, creating safe and stimulating environments, and managing busy household dynamics My personality is empathetic, highly reliable, and proactive. I don't just follow instructions; I anticipate needs. I'm ready to be a stabilizing, knowledgeable, and caring presence for your whole family. Qualifications & Talents Medical Literacy: Expertise in first aid, medication management, and recognizing health concerns (seniors & kids). Language Skills: Fluent in Spanish and English, plus some Japanese—great for language development and diverse families. Household: Highly organized, excellent at meal prep and maintaining cleanliness.

Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college

Children playing together

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 background checked in Palo Alto, CA

4.9 average star rating from total of 10,433 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.

As seen on