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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112 available babysitters in San Mateo, CA

Families in San Mateo turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
103 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.31/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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Jessica
Booked by 2 repeat families
8 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 8 families in San Mateo, CA

Hello, I'm Jessica, a 34-year-old Brazilian currently studying Respiratory Care. My passion for caring for children began at the age of 16, looking after my cousins. I have extensive experience with infants and toddlers, although I adore children of all ages! On sunny days, I enjoy trips to the park or leisurely walks, and on rainy days, we can engage in creative activities like coloring, painting, or fort building. Outside of childcare, I relish hiking, exploring new destinations, and cherishing moments with friends. I also come with excellent references attesting to my dedication and competence in childcare.

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Cagla
Booked by 24 repeat families
39 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 71 families in San Mateo, CA

Hello, my name is Cagla. I hold a master’s degree and have been working with children and families since 2013. My experience includes working as an au pair in the U.S. as well as supporting families through after-school educational programs and family-focused care services. I understand the different needs of children at various developmental stages and adapt my approach accordingly, and I consistently receive positive feedback from families for my professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to build trust.

“Cagla has been a repeat babysitter many times for us over the past year for our kids aged 2 and 4. She is punctual, responsive, and has great availability. She even traveled north of SF to babysit during a recent family trip, which gave us great piece of mind since we knew and trusted her already. What stands out about Cagla compared to other other caregivers we've worked with (and why we continue to work with her) is the amount of energy, drive and attention she has in her work with children. She knows what ages various milestones happen (e.g. separation anxiety) and is prepared to handle them. She always asks the important practical questions about routines and schedules, and provides a clear update at the end of the stay. She is warm and plays with our kids on their level, but also very clear with them when they are crossing boundaries they shouldn't. Our children look forward to spending time with her!”

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Caitlyn
Booked by 14 repeat families
12 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 25 families in San Mateo, CA

Hello! I’m Caitlyn, a childcare professional with over 15 years of experience. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University. Currently, I work as a Site Supervisor for Hillsborough Recreation’s Aftercare program, and I’ve had the opportunity to work at various recreation centers over the years. I’ve also been a nanny for five families, caring for children aged 2 to 13, and have experience with newborns and infants, along with roles as a summer camp counselor. I’m reliable, patient, CPR certified, and fully vaccinated (including the COVID booster). I’m available for occasional date night and weekend childcare. Feel free to reach out with any questions—I’d love to assist your family!

“(Review for Pet Sitting Services). Caitlyn does an amazing job checking in on our senior cat while we are out of town! She is very communicative and thoughtful. Our cat requires a pill everyday and I feel she is in good hands with Caitlyn. She is also helpful with our home while we are out. Thank you, Caitlyn!”

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Krystal
Booked by 11 repeat families
13 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 18 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi my name is Krystal and I have been babysitting since I was about 12 or 13 and love it! I babysit children of all ages and enjoy playing outside games or even staying inside to play. In my spare time I enjoy watching and playing sports, baking, and volunteering! I have volunteered at soup kitchens, marathons, and the Ronald McDonald House!

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Francesca
Booked by 33 repeat families
58 reviews
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 65 families in San Mateo, CA

Please read thoroughly before requesting!! Thanks so much for viewing. If I am applying to YOUR post for a one time sit, I will accept the rate at which you’ve set. Please check my calendar. Please don’t request any days that are unavailable. NOTE: Will accept jobs that have a dedicated parking space or ample parking available in the neighborhood as I'll be driving to your location. In addition, if your child or anyone in the family is sick or suspects COVID, please do not book or if I have already approved the sit, please cancel. I want to protect my health and you and your families health so please be respectful. Current Availability - On Call, Date Nights, Occasional, Weekends Hello! My name is Francesca and I look forward to meeting your family. I've been babysitting since I was 13 years old, caring for multiple nieces and family friend's children ranging from ages 1-16. I also have experience working at a preschool for my senior project. Previously, I volunteered as a Kindergarten Aide at an elementary school in San Francisco on my spare time. I have a clean driving record and have my own transportation. A little background about me: I played piano and keyboard for over 8 years, enjoy reading on my spare time, love to bake and cook, & I'm a Yoga and Pilates enthusiast. I have a 3.9 GPA with multiple honors and dean lists notations. I am also magna cum laude of my graduating class. Being around children brings me joy and love any opportunity to be around them. Some activities that I like doing with children are reading (highly encouraged since I was an avid reader since age 4), helping with homework, snack time/feeding, arts & crafts, computer/electronic educational games (only if parent encourages it - otherwise no electronics per parents request), singing, dancing, games, puzzles, going to the park, basketball, make believe etc... I am a responsible, caring, nurturing, dedicated and organized individual and hope to be a positive contribution to your family. Cancellation Policy: If bookings are cancelled by the parent within 12 hours of the start time of the booking, I charge a fee of 50% of the total booking to help offset the loss of wages on short notice.

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $31.31
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $37.20
  • Typical job length: 4.8 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.

2,367 sitters background checked in San Mateo, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 28,064 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 $31.31 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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