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.
11 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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Riskariyani
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Santa Cruz, CA

I have experiences working for several families from different backgrounds. Which allows me to communicate and adjust easily with their culture and values in terms of giving cares to the kids. From newborns to pre-teens, I have given the best care and excellent performance. I have a degree and experience as a tutor, so I am able to help with the homework, art and craft, science experiment, story telling and reading, and doing activities outside the house such as swimming, going to the park, biking, tennis, soccer, basketball, and any other activities that will help your kids growth! I can help with meal preparation for babies, toddlers, and teens. As well as helping with light chores. Please contact me if you have any questions about my qualifications. Will be happy to meet you in person! Thank you 😊

“She did an amazing job and was extremely helpful!”

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Brooklyn
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Heyyy families! My name is Brooklyn, I’m 27 years old. I have my A.A is Psychology and am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional science with a Dietetics concentration. I’m am looking for part-time nanny opportunities. I have been working with kids for over 5 years, with children as little as 5 months old to 16 year olds. I’m young, I’m active, and I know all the new trends these kids are into these days😂 I can help with homework and I always cater a fun and safe environment for your kid to be a kid while also aiding in their milestones! I am also looking for occasional/ regular house sitting opportunities so store my profile away for the holidays, vacations, or just being out of town, when you need your home to be watched and cared for! I’m looking forward to hearing from you all!

“She was great and showed up on time. Very communicative and really helpful with my toddler. ”

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Elizabeth $28 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Elizabeth, and I’m a Business Economics student at UC Riverside. I have experience working with children through volleyball camps and at a daycare, where I helped supervise activities and create a fun, safe environment. I’m patient, responsible, and happy to help with homework, crafts, meals, and playtime. I’m also comfortable caring for pets, with experience taking care of my own cat and friends’ dogs. I look forward to providing dependable, caring babysitting for your family!

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Sydney $40 per hour for 1 child

✨ Hi Families! My name is Sydney, and I’m a career nanny and family assistant with over 5 years of experience caring for children from infancy through school age. I’m currently represented through a staffing agency as I search for my next long-term family fit, but I’m also here on UrbanSitter because I genuinely love connecting with families and helping wherever I can in the meantime. I would describe myself as calm, warm, organized, and very hands-on. I love creating a home environment where kids feel safe, understood, and comfortable being themselves. Whether that’s helping with routines, planning fun activities, getting outside, helping with homework, or simply being an extra steady support for busy parents, I truly enjoy being someone families can rely on. Along with childcare, I’m happy to help with family assistant style tasks like meal prep, laundry, organization, errands, and keeping things running smoothly day-to-day. I’ve worked in long-term, travel, and rotational roles, so I’m very adaptable and comfortable in busy households. Outside of work, I love mountain biking, swimming, long-distance running, and rock climbing, and I naturally bring a very active and positive energy into my work with kids. 🤍 Right now I’m mainly looking for my next long-term fit, but I’m also open to temporary help, date nights, weekends, and short-term support for families who need an extra hand.

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Sereana $30 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m a 30-year-old caring, responsible, and dependable babysitter with previous nanny experience from my high school and college years. I’ve always enjoyed working with children and creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where they feel comfortable and cared for. I’m patient, attentive, and happy to help with playtime, meals, homework, bedtime routines, and keeping little ones entertained!

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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

Share your needs and hear from available sitters.

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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