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Find an emergency babysitter in Washington, DC

Washington 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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309 available babysitters in Washington, DC

Families in Washington turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
167 available today | Avg hourly rate: $23.32/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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Alana
Booked by 1 repeat family
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

Lots of experience with dogs and cats (walking, feeding, administering medicine, playing, cleaning litter boxes, etc.). I love animals and am generally very flexible.

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Sonya $23 per hour for 1 child

20 plus years experience working in the childcare industry. My passion is partnering with parents to help develop the next generation. I believe childhood should be about experiences that are not only fun but also developmental. I love crafts, being creative, reading and learning about different cultures. I have worked in preschools, learning centers, as a nanny, household manager, and even general manager of an indoor children's playground before COVID. I worked as a full time nanny during COVID. My post COVID experience has been as a Behavior Technician working with children between the ages of 2 - 11, and as a head start preschool teacher. I am dual CDA certified (infant/toddler & Preschool) and hold CPR/First Aid/AED certification.

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Elizabeth 1 review
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

Hi! My name’s Elizabeth and I recently graduated from AU. I have been babysitting since I was 13 and have experience with kids of all ages! I also have worked as a math tutor for middle and high school students. I love animals and am happy to work in a household with pets! I am able to work as a household assistant as well with grocery shopping, cleaning, and cooking.

“Elizabeth was incredibly warm and wonderful with our daughter. Would highly recommend her!”

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Danielle
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

Hi! My name is Danielle and I'm an elementary teacher assistant for Arlington Public Schools. I am offering child care during after school hours and weekends. I love being a babysitter and have been caring for children preschool-aged and older since middle school! I also have a few years of experience with infants and toddlers, and have worked in several childcare centers. I have my own car, am First Aid and CPR certified, and happy to share proof of my COVID vaccinations and background check clearance. Pricing is negotiable :)

“Dani was great with the kids and we will definitely work with her again and will recommend here to others.”

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Nina $20 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I'm Nina! I graduated from Catholic University in 2024 and have spent the last couple of years working in government relations and Congress. I'm currently taking a break from the Hill and am excited to spend some of that time getting back to something I've always loved—babysitting! Over the years, I've worked with kids in lots of different settings. I've been a camp counselor, tutor, driver, and babysitter, and babysitting has always been my favorite childcare job. I love getting to know the kids I babysit and getting to be a part of their activities, whether that means helping with homework, driving to activities, making dinner, doing crafts, or just hanging out and having fun. Outside of work, I love cooking and baking and tackling fun DIY projects. I'm very comfortable driving in the city, have my own car, and love pets—especially dogs! I'm currently based in D.C. and have flexible availability for babysitting. I'd love to connect with families looking for a responsible, experienced, and engaged sitter!

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How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Washington, DC?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $23.32
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $27.99
  • Typical job length: 4.8 hours
  • Most requested times: Evening

As of November 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Washington, DC

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.

1,345 sitters background checked in Washington, DC

4.9 average star rating from total of 5,897 reviews in Washington, DC

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 Washington

Share your needs and hear from available sitters.

Why families trust UrbanSitter for emergency babysitting

Trusted by Washington families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents in your Washington 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 Washington

How do I find an emergency babysitter in Washington?

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

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Washington?

As of November 2026, babysitting rates in Washington average $23.32 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 Washington on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

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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