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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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311 available babysitters in Washington, DC

Families in Washington turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
187 available today | Avg hourly rate: $23.33/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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Virginia
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

Hi, I’m Virginia, and I work from home as an HR project manager with my own beagle-Bassett hound as a steady coworker. He’s almost 6 years old (DOB 09/2020) and playful, chill, spunky. My weekly schedule is fairly predictable and flexible so I’m looking forward to being able to help care for your dog, too!

“Virginia is the best! She is so caring and kind with our Cavapoo, Mochi, and gives us complete peace of mind knowing our pup is in such loving and capable hands. We’re so grateful for her!”

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Natalie 1 review
$25 per hour for 1 child

Caring for children has always been a meaningful part of my life. I began by helping raise my sister, who is 13 years younger than me, and over the years I’ve cared for cousins, friends’ children, and others in my community. I started babysitting in high school and continued for several years, both professionally and informally, developing experience with children of all ages—from infants to pre-teens (up to 12 years old). I am confident and capable in managing routines, playtime, meals, and the unique personalities of each child. In addition to childcare, I’ve worked in fast-paced environments such as law firms, World Bank events and high-end restaurants, which has honed my organizational skills, ability to multitask, and calmness under pressure. I’m family-oriented, creative and culturally diverse. English is my first language and I speak perfect Spanish. I’m also familiar with Arabic language and culture, allowing me to connect with children from different backgrounds. With a foundation in arts and hospitality, I enjoy engaging kids through creativity, interactive play, and making meals fun and appealing. I’ve recently returned to babysitting as a way to earn extra income doing something I genuinely love, and I take the responsibility very seriously!

“Natalie is incredible with my kids and is such a fun, engaging, and genuinely interesting person. She has a natural ability to connect with children in a way that feels both relatable and grounding, while still keeping things structured and functional. She is extremely trustworthy, kind, and responsible, and you can immediately tell that caregiving comes naturally to her. My kids adore her, and I always feel completely at ease knowing they are in her care. Your children will be in excellent hands with Natalie.”

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Crystal $25 per hour for 1 child

Hello! My name is Crystal. I am a young professional living and working in the DMV. I have an MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Temple University, Go Owls! I am looking for some work on the side to make some extra money and also get outside more (I work from home)! I have 10+ years of experience with children. I worked for a local babysitting agency through high school and college. I have also worked as an RBT! I am not a CNA but I do come from a family of caregivers and I have experience providing companionship/assistance/non medical general care for elderly clients. I can also care for pets, I have a cat of my own and I have experience dog sitting for friends and family. I have been cpr certified in the past and can get certified again. Feel free to ask any clarifying questions. Looking forward to hearing from you!

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

Hi, I’m Janel! I’m a graduate student pursuing my Master’s in Social Work with 5 years of hands-on experience working with children of all ages and abilities. I’ve worked as a Registered Behavior Technician and ABA Therapist providing 1:1 care for children with autism and developmental delays, helping them build communication, social, and daily living skills. I’m patient, nurturing, and great at creating a calm and structured environment where kids feel safe and supported. I also have experience as a paraprofessional in a school setting and led youth programs where I was responsible for the safety and wellbeing of groups of students. I genuinely love working with kids and bring both professional training and a warm, caring personality to every family I work with. I’m looking for flexible babysitting opportunities in the DC/Maryland area and would love to support your family!

“Janel was great with my two kids. ”

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

Hi family! My name is Ángela, I am 25 years old and originally from Colombia. I have childcare experience from my home country, caring for children of different ages. I truly enjoy working with kids and creating a safe, loving, and positive environment for them. I am responsible, patient, and reliable, and I always prioritize the children’s well-being and daily routines. I also love dogs and feel comfortable being around pets. I would love the opportunity to support your family.

“Angela helped us out last minute to babysit our daughter who was home sick from school. She arrived a few minutes early and immediately engaged our daughter. You can tell she is both an experienced babysitter and a lovely person. Our daughter reported that she was “so, so nice.” We look forward to having her over again! ”

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $23.33
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $28.05
  • Typical job length: 4.8 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

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.

1,346 sitters background checked in Washington, DC

4.9 average star rating from total of 5,707 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 $23.33 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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