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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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105 available babysitters in Palo Alto, CA

Families in Palo Alto turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.

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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Sterling $25 per hour for 1 child

Hi - My name is Sterling, and I'm currently a student at Canada College. I am offering child care. I am good with kids, but usually babysit my aunts three kids, ages 3, 7, and 10, as well as help with their puppy. However, I've babysat kids in my family and around my neighborhood on and off since I was 16. I can also work as a household assistant and can cook, clean, and run errands. I am comfortable with animals in general, as I have two cats of my own; however, I am afraid of bigger dogs ( especially if they slobber a lot), spiders, and reptiles.

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Colette $25 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Colette, and I'm currently a graduate student at Stanford. I am offering child care, pet care, and household services. I love being a babysitter and have been watching toddlers and kids since I was 16. My responsibilities have included transportation to and from school, supervised activities, cooking, and homework help. I'm an experienced tutor from elementary to high school with a specialization in writing and English. I'm passionate about helping children love learning and feel confident in their skills! I also work as a household assistant and can cook, clean, and run errands. I enjoy cooking and baking, and I am happy to aid in preparing meals or teaching cooking and baking skills.

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Emma $35 per hour for 1 child

Hi Everyone - my name is Emma and I'm a third year undergraduate studying bioengineering. I am passionate about emergency medicine and plan to go to medical school. I love working with kids and have broad child care experience working with all ages. In past summers I worked as an aquatics director at a summer camp. Additionally I have taught swimming lessons. I have babysat for parents on my club water polo team here at Stanford (ages two and four years old). I’d be happy to provide references or chat over the phone to see if I’m a good fit for your family!

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Esperanza $24 per hour for 1 child

I have worked the past twenty two years at a dry cleaners during the week while I babysat close friends or family members children. I am a responsible, ambitious ,patient, person who loves working with kids and watching them grow. I have a really positive attitude and can manage well under stress or unforeseen circumstances. I come from a large family of ten and being the oldest I have learned to be flexible and adaptable and very understanding with children since they are just learning day by day.

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Elvira Antonia $50 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Palo Alto, CA

Warm, playful, and dependable caregiver with 18+ years of experience caring for children of all ages, including infants. After recently working on a developmental milestone project, I felt called back to what I truly love most — helping children grow, learn, feel deeply cared for, and making everyday life feel lighter and more supported for parents too. I love bringing warmth, laughter, creativity, music, outdoor adventures, and calm positive energy into a home. I’m naturally very hands-on and happy to help wherever needed — whether that’s nurturing little ones through developmental milestones, engaging in playful learning, preparing simple healthy meals, tidying up child-related spaces, helping with routines, or creating a smoother flow for the whole family. Families often describe me as loving, reliable, helpful, positive and fun with their children. I am CPR/AED/First Aid certified, have my own reliable car, and speak English, Spanish, and French (plus some Portuguese and Hindi). Currently looking for one more kind, respectful, communicative part-time family who values warmth, teamwork, and thoughtful childcare. P.S: While I was advised to charge $50hr. I am ok with negotiating lower for the right family who really needs it

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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.

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?

Babysitting rates in Palo Alto 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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