Family with caregiver

Find an emergency babysitter in San Mateo, CA

San Mateo 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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108 available babysitters in San Mateo, CA

Families in San Mateo turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
101 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.37/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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Virginia
Booked by 52 repeat families
92 reviews
$34 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 139 families in San Mateo, CA

Kind, nurturing, dependable mom 😊 here. New born to teenagers, I've been there and cared for them all. Experienced with ASD, ADHD, and deaf children. Multiple children, twins and care at events. Skilled at organization, household management, travel planning and project management. CPR, First Aid, Fire, Safety, Earthquake Response Trained / Cert. Non-smoker. TDAP, MMR, Flu up to date; as well as all other current vaccines. I enjoy teaching my autistic grandson, hanging out with my deaf daughter, or working on an engineering project. 🤗 I can sew on buttons and make minor repairs in clothes. I am fantastic at fabric paint, arts and crafts, etc. I like organizing, cleaning and cooking. Used to live on a farm growing up, there is no pet in your home that would intimidate me. * Special note: I am a living kidney donor to my friends son in 2013. I prefer not look after children who are very ill. If your child is running a fever, vomiting, or has just begun a raspy cough I would expect you pass me by; I will not show up to your home in this manner as well. Thank you for honoring my request. "If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life."

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Ashley
Booked by 67 repeat families
83 reviews
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 135 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi Families!! l 🩷✨⭐️looking for occasional weekend gigs as i work full time ⭐️✨🩷 My name is Ashley Garcia, and i have 5 years of professional experience primarily with kids ranging from 4 months - 14 years old. I am a UCSD senior online, majoring in political science! I adore working with new children as they bring so much joy into the world! I babysit, dog/cat sit, housesit and have overall worked with over 150 families in the bay area and SD. I have created wonderful bonds with many children and can’t wait to make new ones! As a teen, I volunteered at boys a girls club, then as a teen outdoor ED, and babysitting my 3 nieces. I have part timed with 7 families, from 8 months old to 10 years old! I have learned lots about behavioral health and wellness in children! 💖💖: I am creative and enjoy doing arts and crafts, reading, having mini fashion shows, going to the park, puzzles, magnetiles, hot wheels, legos, board games and fort building! 💖💖 I also love to draw something special for every family so please ask your kids what they would like me to make with them! 🥰🎨✍🏼 Includes: ✨CPR + First Aid Certified ✨clean driving record ! ✨non-smoker ✨errands (additional $5 an hour + gas stipend) ✨ light housework (dishes, kids laundry, and tidying up kids playroom) Thanks for reading! I look forward to hearing from you🥰 **3hr minimum on weekdays, 4hr minimum on weekends**❣️ ** less than 24hr notice, $30 cancellation rate**❣️ Side Note: (HANDYMAN) For my families in the Bay Area, my dad, Eduardo Garcia, is available for side handyman jobs! please contact me with any questions, thank you!

“Ashley was timely, professional, warm, and my daughter enjoyed her time under her care. Would hire again!”

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Jamie
Booked by 83 repeat families
74 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 149 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi- my name is Jamie, originally from Los Angeles, CA. I grew up in a big and very family oriented environment. I began babysitting at the age of 15. I have babysat children ranging from the ages of 2months-15 years old. I am comfortable babysitting children of all ages. I have done a lot of volunteer work in schools,daycares, churches, and more which have all required me to interact with children. I am a very responsible, patient, hardworking, approachable, nice, funny, energetic, understanding, and loving person. When I babysit I enjoy playing sports outside, doing crafts, playing board games, reading, and much more. I always love helping kids with homework. On my free time I love to read, watch movies, and have a good time. Overall, I like to believe that I am an outgoing individual that loves to be around kids and has a lot of patience.

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Marilyn
Booked by 3 repeat families
10 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 17 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi families! I’m Marilyn! I'm CPR and First Aid certified and have experience caring for kids from toddlers to teens (ages 2–13). I love keeping things fun with outings to the park, library story times, or helping with ballet, swimming, and after-school activities. I’m currently working with a few local families and am happy to help with light errands, dog walks (I’m a big animal lover!), and keeping things tidy around the house. I’m reliable, warm, and always happy to plan ahead especially for date nights or evening babysitting. Looking forward to meeting your family!

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Melany
Booked by 10 repeat families
32 reviews
$34 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 50 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi families! My name is Melany, and I’m a CPR & First Aid certified nanny with over 10 years of experience caring for children of all ages from infants to school-aged kids. Working with children has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I truly enjoy helping little ones learn, feel safe, and have fun. Parents describe me as warm, patient, and very responsible. I always arrive on time, communicate clearly, and care for every child as if they were my own family. I’m also an international psychology student, which helps me understand child behavior, emotional development, and how to support kids with gentle, positive guidance. What I offer: • CPR & First Aid certified • 10+ years of childcare experience • Calm, nurturing personality • Strong communication and reliability • Experience with bedtime routines and creative play • Comfortable with pets (I love animals!) I would love to support your family and create a safe, fun environment where your child feels happy and cared for. Looking forward to meeting you!

“Melany was a huge hit with my 3 kids. She played with them them and then got them to bed at night. They have already asked to have her back.”

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How much does an emergency babysitter cost in San Mateo, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $31.37
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $37.23
  • Typical job length: 4.9 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in San Mateo, 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.

2,364 sitters background checked in San Mateo, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 27,980 reviews in San Mateo, 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 San Mateo

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Why families trust UrbanSitter for emergency babysitting

Trusted by San Mateo families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents in your San Mateo 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 San Mateo

How do I find an emergency babysitter in San Mateo?

Sign up for an UrbanSitter account, then share the date, time, and number of children who need care. Available sitters in San Mateo can respond, and you can review full profiles before booking.

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in San Mateo?

As of October 2026, babysitting rates in San Mateo average $31.37 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 San Mateo on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check, including those in San Mateo, 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 San Mateo 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 San Mateo 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 San Mateo?

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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