Family with caregiver

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.

Looking for jobs? Apply here.

312 available babysitters in Washington, DC

Families in Washington turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
170 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.

Profile photo
Maylani $20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

Hi! My name is Maylani, and I am entering my junior year of college studying Public Health Science. I’m looking for a seasonal summer babysitting position and would love to support a family that needs help during the week and/or weekends. I have experience babysitting for families in my neighborhood after completing Safe Sitter training, and I have also worked as a gymnastics coach for school-age children since the summer of 2023, a role I continue to hold today. Coaching has helped me develop patience, creativity, leadership, and strong communication skills with children of all ages. A little more about me: I hope to become a podiatrist in the future, and as a pre-med student, I have been consistently shadowing at a pediatric urgent care clinic since June 2025, which has given me additional hands-on exposure to working with children in a clinical setting. I also had the opportunity to shadow at a pediatric hospital in Athens, Greece. In addition, I love science, work as a college biology tutor during the school year, and will be doing biology research this summer. If you’re looking for a responsible, energetic, and caring babysitter this summer, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Profile photo
Colleen $15 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I just graduated nursing school from the University of South Caroline in December of 2022. I am living at home for a few months before I move down to Charleston, SC this spring to start a job on a cardiac floor at MUSC. I have worked with children of all ages and capabilities since I was in middle school. I have always loved caring for children, so I hope to one day work in a NICU or pediatric unit! I am fully vaccinated & boosted, and am happy to show proof. I have my own car and would be happy to drive your children to any activities!

Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college

Children playing together

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $23.32
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $28.03
  • Typical job length: 4.9 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.

1,349 sitters background checked in Washington, DC

4.9 average star rating from total of 5,717 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.

As seen on