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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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308 available babysitters in Washington, DC

Families in Washington turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
169 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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Erika $20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

Hi! I'm a recent Georgetown grad staying in DC for the summer. I love to read, play sports, and enjoy hiking and the outdoors. I have three years of experience babysitting for kids ages 1-13 in the DC area. I also worked for 2 years as a camp counselor for ages 5-14. I love spending time with all kinds of kids, whether they are energetic and outdoorsy or they prefer to hang inside and read or color. My availability is super flexible this summer, and I am free most evenings and mornings! I also grew up caring for my dog, Lego, who recently just passed away. I'm really missing having a dog in my life, so would also love any opportunity to dog sit or dog walk! I am very responsible and reliable and, again, have very flexible hours this summer.

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Ella $20 per hour for 1 child

I have many years of experience babysitting and caring for children of all ages. I've worked as a babysitter throughout high school and worked part-time as a daycare teaching assistant during college. I'm very enthusiastic, kind and reliable. I can help with light housekeeping.

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Vanessa $25 per hour for 1 child

I am a 48 year old married individual who recently relocated to DC with my husband and dog! I am a patient advocate and speaker and I’m currently going back to school to get another degree — MPH in healthcare leadership. I love kids and have been around children of all ages my whole life. My husband have been like second parents to our godkids since before they were born. Because we were unable to have kids we have become the go to sitters for many friends and family members. As for the aging population — I am comfortable with them as well. My mom is 81 years old and I have travelled all over the world with her and help her in a variety of ways. I am also a great cook and a trained opera singer — fun facts! You can learn more about me at[removed] I am looking for some local jobs to help while I am working on my latest degree!

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Jessica $25 per hour for 1 child

As a former educator who has worked with children ages 8 to 14 (and younger!), I bring a caring and professional touch to every family I work with. My teaching background means I genuinely understand how kids grow and learn, I know how to keep them engaged and having fun, and I stay calm and patient no matter what the day brings. I'm bilingual in English and Spanish, which I love because it lets me connect with even more children and families in a meaningful way. I'm also a total animal lover! I have a cat at home and have happily looked after friends' pets many times, including some with special medical needs, so families with fur babies are very welcome. On top of childcare, I'm happy to help keep the household running smoothly too. Whether it's cooking a meal, tidying up, or getting things organized, I take real pride in leaving a home feeling a little better than I found it. I know how much it means to a busy family to have that extra support. Whether you need someone occasionally or a dependable go-to sitter you can count on regularly, I'd love to be that person for your family. Working with young, growing humans truly brings me joy and more than anything, I just love being a helping hand.

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Grace $20 per hour for 1 child

Hi, I'm Grace! I've been in DC for over 10 years and have always enjoyed doing occasional babysitting jobs while also working full-time. When I'm not working at a museum in DC where my work includes overseeing educational exhibits, field trips, and teacher content, I can be found walking my dog or visiting my nephews. I truly enjoy spending time with children and working with families over time to understand each personality and need. I have a range of experience from infant to school-aged as well as children with special needs. I'm here to help when you need the occasional day or night off.

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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 October 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 5,796 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 October 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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