Family with caregiver

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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71 available babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA

Families in Santa Cruz 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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Nicole
Booked by 3 repeat families
3 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi my name is Nicole! I am currently looking for occasional and part time babysitting or nannying roles until 10/28/25 before I leave to travel. I have 10 years of experience babysitting and nannying for families and 8 years of experience teaching private swim lessons and coaching swim team. I have supported families by helping with drop off/pick up, after school and nighttime routines, meal prep, and cleaning. My main priority is always to create a fun and safe environment for the kids I work with. I know that by being their caregiver it’s important that I be a positive presence in their lives and support them wherever I can! Additionally, I have taken care of various animals in closing dogs and cats for families over the years. I attended Santa Clara University and graduated in 2021 with a BS in Public Health and Political Science with minors in Biology and Spanish. I speak and write fluently in English and Spanish. I am EMT, Lifeguard, CPR AED, and First Aid certified.

Nicole is awesome, she was right on time, reliable, and really nice with my daughter for the entire day, she was flexible and understanding of situations that may change, I would hire her back in a second!

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Kylie $25 per hour for 1 child

Hello! My name is Kylie, and I’m 22 years old. I’m currently a student at West Valley College with a passion for working with children of all ages and abilities. I have over 12 years of babysitting experience, along with professional childcare experience at The Club at Los Gatos, where I worked with children ranging from 6 months to 12 years old. Growing up with four younger sisters (now ages 9, 15, 16, and 21) has also given me a lifetime of hands-on experience caring for kids. I am certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED through the American Red Cross. I’m happy to help with homework, enjoy planning creative art activities, and always strive to create a safe, fun, and supportive environment where children feel comfortable being themselves. One of my greatest passions is supporting children with special needs and neurodivergent children. I have several years of experience working with children with diverse needs, and one of the most meaningful experiences of my life was caring for an incredible young girl with autism. She inspired my love for working with children and helped shape the career path I hope to pursue. Looking ahead, my dream is to advocate for children's mental health and help improve mental health education and support within schools. Until then, I’m grateful for every opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families I work with. I would love the opportunity to care for your little one(s), provide them with a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment, and help make your day just a little easier. I look forward to meeting your family!

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Nicole
Booked by 1 repeat family
3 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in Santa Cruz, CA

I am 21 years old and I’ve been taking care of children ever since I was 15, helping them with homework, cleaning up after them, meal prep, school pick up/drop off, to/from activities, bedtime routine and so on. I also used to be an english teacher for kids between 4-11. I have experiences with babies older than 1, that includes feeding them, nap time, story time, changing diapers etc. I am currently taking care of 3 kids under 5 M-F and I’m looking for job opportunities on weekends.

Nicole was great. Friendly, kind and punctual, our 7 year old said he liked her a lot!

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Jaylysa
Booked by 2 repeat families
4 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 7 families in Santa Cruz, CA

I am a responsible and passionate childcare provider with over 8 years of experience, committed to creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and engaged. Currently pursuing a psychology degree focusing on early childhood education, I prioritize both emotional and academic support for children's growth. Compassionate, empathetic, and a great listener, I build meaningful connections with children and families, ensuring trust and dependability. My multitasking skills and adaptability allow me to handle various tasks, from homework assistance to meal preparation. As a preschool teacher for the past two years, I've gained hands-on experience guiding children through educational activities and daily routines. I've also worked with California State for Choices for Children, adhering to state regulations, and my Trustline background check guarantees safety. If you're looking for a caring, responsible, and experienced childcare provider, I'd love the opportunity!

Jaylysa was available on short notice and was engaging with the kids. She took my 2 kids to the park, fed them and put them to sleep. She communicated well, too. I would hire her again!

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Cynthia $25 per hour for 1 child

Hello: I’m Cynthia - I bring a compassionate heart, a positive attitude, and a genuine love for helping others to every caregiving role. With experience caring for children and cats, as well as providing a range of household services, I create a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment for those in my care. My background also includes teaching Spanish, which allows me to add a fun and educational dimension—helping children (and adults!) learn a new language and explore a rich cultural heritage. I am trilingual in English, Spanish and Tagalog. I am dependable, patient, and adaptable, with strong communication skills and a deep respect for different backgrounds and traditions. Whether I’m supporting daily routines, engaging in creative play, preparing healthy meals, or offering companionship, I approach every task with dedication and warmth. From guiding kids through homework, to ensuring pets feel loved and cared for, I pride myself on building trust and fostering comfort. My blend of cultural knowledge, language skills, and hands-on caregiving experience makes me not just a caregiver, but a true companion and resource for your home!

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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.

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?

Babysitting rates in Santa Cruz 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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