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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.
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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Kathy
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi, I'm Kat. I have over 20 years of experience in childcare. I graduated from UC Berkeley and currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. I have experience in nutritional science as well as childhood education. I have served as a nanny for children ranging from newborn to middle school. I enjoy engaging children in the natural world of plants and creatures, reading, science, arts and crafts, sports, and fun games. As an instructional assistant, I have experience in tutoring and homework help. I can make baking and cooking a fun and interactive activity for children. I am CPR certified by the American Red Cross. As a cat parent myself, I have some experience with pet care-taking as well.

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Sonaly $20 per hour for 1 child

Loving mom of 4 plus a dog. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I love singing and dancing with kids. Currently specialize in kids parties . Looking for work that will not interfere with my family schedule.

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Kara Jeanne
Booked by 2 repeat families
3 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Currently, I’m a Behavioral Aide in multiple school districts, mainly focusing on priority jobs from preschool to high school. I specialize with children that have an IEP and/or BIP. I do follow a positive discipline model as that’s important to me. If you have an infant, I know how hard it is to trust someone you don’t know. I’m 100% open to being on camera. I’m background checked, finger printed, clean driving record, all vaccines are current. Myself, I have two amazing daughters 9 and 14. I’ve been fortunate to be a stay at home Mom until they’ve no longer needed me (sigh, lol). I’m open to all jobs, even the last minute sick calls when you have to work. I did graduate from CNA school in October. I pride myself in adhering to the parents requests on what they want for their children.

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Adriana
Booked by 1 repeat family
$27 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi, my name is Adriana, and I've lived in San Jose my whole life. I am currently a Student at West Valley College studying Child Growth & Development and French. I am also a competitive swimmer, and I did musical theatre when I was younger. I can help with both childcare and pet care. I am a certified lifeguard through the American Red Cross. I have experience working with children of all abilities and disabilities, with responsibilities including helping with homework and after-school activities. I have my own car as well as a license & insurance, and can help run errands. I enjoy cooking and can help with meal preparation as well. I have a lot of experience with both dog and cat care. Animals of all sizes and fur types are okay with me. I can take dogs on walks, to the dog park, drive them to appointments, and play with them.

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Srishti
Booked by 2 repeat families
2 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 4 families in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi, I'm Srishti! I am a recent college graduate with a degree in Psychology living in San Jose. I have a diverse background in childcare—including experience as a neurodivergent camp counselor and as a volunteer at a local elementary school. My academic background gives me a deep understanding of child development, which helps me create supportive, engaging environments. I love keeping kids active with art projects, park outings, and playing games. I am also fully available for dog, cat, and house sitting. I have multiple local references available and would love to set up a brief introductory meeting to ensure a perfect fit for your family!

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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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