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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65 available babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA

Families in Santa Cruz turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
12 available today | Avg hourly rate: $29.93/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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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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Franciely 1 review
$26 per hour for 1 child

Professional Profile: Specialist Nanny | Household & Childcare Management About Me I am a dedicated childcare professional with a background in Biology and extensive practical experience managing complex family routines and large groups. My professional path includes managing groups of up to 30 children in educational settings, which has equipped me with exceptional organizational skills, a focus on safety, and the ability to remain calm in dynamic environments. Currently, I oversee the comprehensive care of 5 children, handling daily logistics, transportation, and their overall well-being. Core Competencies: • Routine & Logistics Management: Expert at coordinating multiple schedules, ensuring that meal times, hygiene routines, and external appointments are met punctually and smoothly. • Safety & Supervision: A proactive and preventative approach to safety, with the proven ability to supervise large groups while maintaining a secure and harmonious environment. • Responsible Transportation: Experienced driver, comfortable with school runs and navigating transportation for extracurricular activities. • Individualized Care in Group Settings: Skilled at addressing the specific needs of each child within a high-demand environment, prioritizing emotional support and attentive care. Objective To provide high-trust family support, leveraging my experience in group management and direct care to ensure an organized, safe, and stress-free routine for both parents and children.

“Franciely is an excellent professional; she handles all her tasks without hesitation and always exceeds expectations. The care she provides for the children has given me peace of mind; she's very attentive, and the kids are always asking her to come back!”

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Helen
Booked by 12 repeat families
11 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 31 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hello! I am Computer Scientist from Sweden, who have raised two boys (now in college) together with my husband. We live in San Joe. I am available to help out families as I know very well how hard it can be to arrange for child care with our busy schedules! I love working with children of all ages. One of my goals is to get my teaching credentials in California so that I can contribute to our public schools in the area.

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Michelle
Booked by 31 repeat families
23 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 48 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi! My name is Michelle. I have over 15 years of experience working with children, from newborns to 12 years old. My background includes 10 years in daycare and preschool settings, along with 5 years as a professional nanny. Most of my nanny experience has been with infants under 12 months old, but I truly enjoy working with toddlers and older children as well — engaging them in fun, developmentally appropriate, and enriching activities tailored to their age and personality. I am currently working full-time with a family and am looking to pick up additional hours on weekends or for date nights. I’m happy to provide reliable, consistent care for families who need occasional support. I also offer pet-sitting services if needed. My childcare style is gentle yet firm — calm, patient, and attentive, while still being playful and engaging. I value creating a nurturing, structured environment where children feel safe, respected, and encouraged to explore and grow at their own pace. Certifications & Background: • Bilingual in Korean and English • Background in Early Childhood Education • Completed coursework in Child Development • CPR certified • TrustLine registered I would love the opportunity to support your family and care for your little one. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile! Warm regards, Michelle

“Michelle has been great when we've worked with her! Our 4 year old daughter has special needs which requires a very patient, kind, and understanding individual and Michelle has been all of the above. She picked up all of the instruction we gave her about our daughter's specific needs, asked appropriate questions, and has always shown interest in her growth and development even beyond their time together making suggestions of games/activities she might enjoy. We would definitely recommend Michelle.”

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $29.93
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.30
  • 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.

201 sitters background checked in Santa Cruz, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 1,054 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 $29.93 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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