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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68 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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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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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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Emily $25 per hour for 1 child

Hello! My name is Emily, and I am a local college student and a professional Afterschool Youth Leader with the . I specialize in providing premium childcare, dedicated pet care, and specialized household assistance as a trusted Mother's Helper. I have extensive, high-trust experience managing groups of children and working closely with local families. My background includes: * Working with the prestigious Harker Lower School afterschool program. * Years of private neighborhood babysitting for diverse family dynamics. * International experience tutoring children abroad in Taiwan! Medical & Health Safety: I have deep, personal, and firsthand experience managing Type 1 Diabetes and navigating specialized healthcare routines. If your child manages a health condition, I am fully prepared to follow strict care guidelines and provide a highly safe, attentive environment. I bring a vibrant, energetic, and creative approach to my shifts! I love organizing engaging activities like structured arts and crafts, interactive games, dancing, and fun fashion shows. I am highly organized, deeply value absolute cleanliness, and am happy to follow your exact family routines, assist with household tasks, or provide dedicated homework help.

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Aaralyn $18 per hour for 1 child

I am a responsible and dependable college student at California State University, Monterey Bay, studying psychology with a strong interest in child development and education. I have experience working with children through volunteering and classroom settings, and I enjoy creating a safe, positive, and engaging environment where kids can learn and have fun. Families describe me as patient, caring, organized, and reliable. I am comfortable helping with homework, supervising activities, preparing simple meals, and assisting with light household tasks. In addition to childcare, I have extensive experience caring for animals. I grew up around dogs, cats, chickens, and horses, so I am comfortable with pet sitting, feeding, exercising, and providing attentive care for a variety of pets. I also love to do arts and crafts, sing, dance, watch movies, bake, and learn new hobbies with kiddos!!

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Gabrielle $29 per hour for 1 child

Hi families! I am a passionate, patient, and highly communicative caregiver who truly loves being a part of children's growth and daily milestones. I believe in creating a joyful, structured, and engaging environment for little ones. One of my favorite things is planning creative activities both indoors and outdoors. I love introducing music to children’s routines—I’ve been playing the keyboard since I was 12 years old and enjoy using music for learning and fun! I also love cooking healthy meals, diving into the magical world of Disney and cartoons, and planning special surprises or themed activities for holidays and celebratory dates to make their childhood memories extra magical. Open communication is very important to me. I love connecting with parents at the end of the day to share updates, talk about the children's daily routine, and ensure we are always aligned. I look forward to bringing safety, creativity, and lots of smiles to 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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