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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120 available babysitters in Palo Alto, CA

Families in Palo Alto turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
81 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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Michelle $45 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m Michelle :) I am currently a graduate student enrolled in a school psychology program. I have 7+ years of working with children (2-18y) with special needs in private settings and schools. I’ve also babysat for family members and friends. I am offering childcare and household services, such as laundry, school pick-ups and daily errands. I love music ( I’ve taught my sister how to play the piano!) and all things sports. If you’re looking for someone who’s very involved with play and conversation, comfortable with behavioral needs, or someone who can be kind yet firm, I’m the one for you!

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Lena $25 per hour for 1 child

Hi I'm a mother of three and grandmother of two--and my daughter in law is also expecting baby #3! I'm offering child care. I owned and operated my own shipping and packaging service center- and then became a full time stay at home mom! Currently, I am a teacher's aide and noon/lunch duty supervisor and babysit part time, via app. I'm very allergic to cats, and I never use harsh chemicals or scents (sensitive to these) in my home cleaning. I'm available on a part time basis while my children are in school or afterwards, as well as Saturday/Sunday. Currently, while my 13 yo daughter is on summer break I'm available mornings and afternoons and she would love to join me in babysitting.

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Maryam $35 per hour for 1 child

Hi, my name is Maryam. I have experience running my own home daycare and am currently a full-time nanny caring for two toddlers and an infant. I truly enjoy spending time with children — helping them learn, play, and grow brings me so much joy. I’m patient, responsible, and passionate about creating a fun and nurturing environment where kids feel happy and safe.

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Sophia $25 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m Sophia, a behavioral aide at a therapeutic day school who is passionate about supporting children’s growth, learning, and well-being. I’ve been babysitting and tutoring since I was 14 years old and have experience working with children of all ages, from newborns through teenagers. In addition to childcare, I have worked as a family assistant, helping with household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, running errands, and caring for pets. I enjoy being a dependable extra set of hands and helping families keep their busy lives running smoothly. In my current full-time role, I work with elementary and middle school students who have a variety of learning disabilities and mental health challenges. This experience has made me especially comfortable working with neurodivergent children and supporting kids in educational settings. My strengths include creating consistent routines, planning fun and engaging activities, helping with homework and academics, and building positive, supportive relationships with children. I’d love the opportunity to get to know your family and help create a safe, fun, and engaging environment for your children!

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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!

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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: $37.14
  • 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.

1,273 sitters background checked in Palo Alto, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 10,496 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

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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?

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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