Family with caregiver

Find an emergency babysitter in Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica families count on UrbanSitter for same-day emergency child care. In most areas, average response time for urgent needs is under two minutes.

Looking for jobs? Apply here.

118 available babysitters in Santa Monica, CA

Families in Santa Monica turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
92 available today | Avg hourly rate: $26.96/hr

Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check, and every profile is individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team. Learn more.

Profile photo
McKenna $17 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is McKenna, and I have a strong passion for working with children and supporting families. I worked at Build-A-Bear Workshop for a little under a year, gaining hands-on experience creating fun, engaging, and positive experiences for kids of all ages. I love being a positive role model and bringing a warm, encouraging presence into every environment. I am very energetic and naturally adapt to each child's personality and energy level. Whether that means keeping up with active play or creating calm, structured moments, I can meet kids where they are. I am also very patient, understanding, and attentive, which helps me build trust and strong connections with both children and parents. I have experience working with a wide age range, from 1 to 17-year-olds, and I value open communication with families to ensure the best possible care. I am currently in school studying to become a child therapist, so I am especially passionate about emotional support, development, and helping children feel safe and understood. I am very creative and imaginative, and I love coming up with fun activities, games, and ways to keep kids engaged and happy. I am also more than happy to provide a reference from my time at Build-A-Bear Workshop!

Profile photo
Andrea $25 per hour for 1 child

I have a history of caring for people throughout my entire life. I started babysitting and doing art projects with my neighbor's children at the age of 13. I was the kid who taught all the other kids to draw, waterski, and help with chores. I was a traveling nanny for five children, moving around with the family during the summers for their vacations and working at home with them for one full year. I cooked for them, took them to events, and entertained them; I drove them all over for sightseeing outings and managed all their needs. It was a big job and I was only 18. I went on to house-sit and provide child care for many friends and neighbors over the years. I also house-sit and pet-sit for many clients. I started my own pet-sitting service while working at a pet store when I was 19. I became a gallery salesperson at the age of 19 and soon began attending community college, where I completed my general ed towards my BFA. I then moved to Paris, France, for a year to further my studies. After graduating with my BFA, I pursued a career as an art center director, curator, and exhibitions coordinator. I raised two sons, one from birth and the second I adopted when he was 15. I was the carpool parent, the extra special event parent, the yummy snack parent, and the art and museum experience parent. I also directed an art center for 11 years, during which I created an after-school arts and academic education program serving elementary through high school at-risk youth. I went on to direct non-profit museum spaces, work as a college professor with community college students, and freelance as an exhibition coordinator and curator for a U.S. exhibition touring, serving a world-renowned artist. I continued to help elderly friends in need, care for children, and house- and pet-sit. I am the friend most people call on for choices, errands, childcare, help when someone is sick, rides, fun, adventure, hikes, house repairs, or care, and help in general. I enjoy helping people, and I am very good at it. I am 57 years young and have spent my life caring for people, as my career and life have blossomed.

Profile photo
Katherine $22 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My personal background is a paralegal but before I became a paralegal I was a TK - 5th grade afterschool teacher for 3 years. If you have pets, I can assist too, I have a dog and a serval cats!

Profile photo
Poliana 3 reviews
$28 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I'm Polly. I work in the film industry and also teach yoga in the early mornings. I own a small business where I lead children's yoga, Mommy & Me classes, and arts and crafts experiences designed to encourage creativity, confidence, and mindfulness. I'm a creative person who loves working with children and creating fun, engaging, and safe environments where they can learn and grow. For the past three and a half years, I've worked as a part-time nanny with multiple families from different backgrounds and have built strong, long-term relationships with them. I have excellent references available upon request. I'm comfortable with pets, have a clean driving record, and am a confident driver. I speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, which allows me to connect with families from diverse backgrounds. I'd love the opportunity to support your family :)

“Polly is a wonderful caregiver! She has cared for my 5 year old son and 3 year old daughter many times and they absolutely adore her. Polly is able to adapt to their different interests and personalities perfectly. I highly recommend Polly, she’s a gem!”

Profile photo
De Fracia $26 per hour for 1 child

Aloha families - I am a semi retired credentialed teacher - elementary through middle school. I am currently substitute teaching -on call- LAUSD at my discretion a d we are on summer break. I also nanny for one wonderful family - two boys 3 and 5 years old one day a week on Tuesdays - for summer camp and on school days. I drive and take my charges to parks and - extra curriculum activities - As a teacher play and hearing are hand in hand. If I can support your family with childcare I look forward to meeting you. -

Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college

Children playing together

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $26.96
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $32.10
  • Typical job length: 4.6 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Santa Monica, 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.

1,091 sitters background checked in Santa Monica, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 7,225 reviews in Santa Monica, 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 Monica

Share your needs and hear from available sitters.

Why families trust UrbanSitter for emergency babysitting

Trusted by Santa Monica families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents in your Santa Monica 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 Monica

How do I find an emergency babysitter in Santa Monica?

Sign up for an UrbanSitter account, then share the date, time, and number of children who need care. Available sitters in Santa Monica can respond, and you can review full profiles before booking.

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Santa Monica?

As of October 2026, babysitting rates in Santa Monica average $26.96 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 Monica on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check, including those in Santa Monica, 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 Monica 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 Monica 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 Monica?

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.

As seen on