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Find an emergency babysitter in Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz 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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65 available babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA

Families in Santa Cruz turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
10 available today | Avg hourly rate: $29.98/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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Cynthia
Booked by 1 repeat family
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi! My name is Cynthia & I’m 22 years old. I am offering child care, senior care and pet care, yay! I love being around kids, I grew up around kids my entire life. My mom owned a daycare for 10 years so I got the opportunity to help her and gain experience. My responsibilities have included picking kids up from school/ taking them to the park & occasionally cooking for them if requested by parent. As well as helping with homework. I currently work at an elementary school and have knowledge on special education as well! I am open to all :) I am also happy to work with dogs and or cats. I have always enjoyed animal sitting for friends & family.

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Natalia $31 per hour for 1 child

I've spent over a decade caring for children across a wide age range, from infants through early teens. My childcare experience began when I cared for my younger sister from ages 11 to 18, additionally I was a summer camp counselor for three consecutive years, first when I was 15. Since then, I've worked as a live-in nanny for multiple families. I spent one year with a 4-year-old boy, and another year I also cared for three girls (ages 8, 10, and 12) in another live-in position, helping with everything from homework to activities, driving them places, and building a supportive home environment. For the past five years, I've worked as a babysitter for children ranging from ages 2 to 13. I'm comfortable with bedtimes, meal prep, homework help, activities, and handling the day-to-day needs of different age groups. I’m reliable, patient, love doing fun things and generally create a fun and creative environment. I’m an artist and won’t say no to an arts and crafts project. I like talking to children about science and encourage them to learn.

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Gisselle $29 per hour for 1 child

Hello:)) My full time job is a medical assistant/ scribe for behavioral and developmental pediatrics. I love my job and I wouldn’t have it any other way ! I have experience with kids from newborns up to teens through my 3 years as a medical assistant in pediatrics. I do also have experience taking care of the kiddos through family friends. On my free time I enjoy cooking and Traveling. I do believe I have a bubbly and energetic personality :) Bonus: I do also speak fluent Spanish!

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Ida $22 per hour for 1 child

Hi there! I’m a 54year-old mom with a 23-year-old son in college and a super sweet 10-year-old mini poodle. I love hiking, family time, and being around kids and pets. I work from home full-time for Stanford Health Care, so I’m available after 3:30pm on weekdays, plus evenings, late stays, and weekends. I can help with babysitting, school pick-ups, dog sitting, dog walking, driving, cooking, and light cleaning—whatever makes your life easier. I’ve been caring for kids my whole life (nieces, nephews, friends’ little ones), and I truly enjoy it. I’m also looking to make some extra money to help support my son’s college costs. For peace of mind: • Global Entry (clear background) • Clean driving record • Total dog lover! If you’d like to chat and see if we’re a good match, feel free to reach out. Thanks for considering me!

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Alice $30 per hour for 1 child

Hello, Families! My name is Alice and I am an experienced Nanny and House Helper located in San Jose, who currently works for a loving family with 3 little ones! My current employers will be out on vacation, so I'm available to work with families that may be in need of a temporary extra help this summer! My skills include: 🩺 First aid and CPR trained; 🍼 Experience with newborns and infants; 🧸 Experience with toddlers and big kids; 🧹 Can do light housework and choirs; 🍳 Can cook complete and healthy meals for babies, toddlers and adults; 🗣 Fluent in English, Portuguese and able to communicate in Spanish.

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How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Santa Cruz, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $29.98
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.27
  • Typical job length: 5.9 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Santa Cruz, 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.

203 sitters background checked in Santa Cruz, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 1,157 reviews in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz

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Why families trust UrbanSitter for emergency babysitting

Trusted by Santa Cruz families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents in your Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz

How do I find an emergency babysitter in Santa Cruz?

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

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Santa Cruz?

As of October 2026, babysitting rates in Santa Cruz average $29.98 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 Santa Cruz on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

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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