Family with caregiver

Find an emergency babysitter in Columbia, MD

Columbia 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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17 available babysitters in Columbia, MD

Families in Columbia turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
18 available today | Avg hourly rate: $22.81/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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Jordan 1 review
$27 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Columbia, MD

I am an early childhood education trained teacher. I am currently a kindergarten teacher but have taught pre k through second grade. I am willing to pick up and drop kids off as needed! I can bring lots of fun games, crafts, and movies for kids to do while in my care.

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Diana 1 review
$19 per hour for 1 child

Hi, I’m Diana! I’m a full-time college student that is home for the summer. I have experience working with elementary-aged kids through tutoring and after-school care, and I’ve also babysat my younger siblings and cousins. I’m am comfortable with diaper changes, meal prep, light laundry, and helping kids with homework and crafts. I always strive to create a warm, safe, and engaging environment where kids feel supported and parents can feel confident and at ease.

“Compassionate and Dutiful. Strongly recommend her with enthusiasm.”

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Gretchen
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Columbia, MD

As a mother of two grown children and a delighted grandmother, I have a wealth of experience with kids of all ages, from tiny newborns to energetic school-aged kids. I've also had the pleasure of looking after my sister's four little ones when they were babies (they're all grown up now) and caring for my great-nieces and nephews. Caring for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children truly brings me joy. I love taking them on adventures to parks, museums, the zoo, and other safe, fun places. Some of my favorite activities include reading stories, playing board games, doing arts and crafts, and engaging in educational games. You can trust me to keep your child(ren) safe, happy, and entertained. I'm a warm-hearted person who will treat your kids with the same love and care as my own.

“We absolutely love having her as our babysitter! From the moment she arrives, she brings such a warm, caring presence that makes our child feel safe, happy, and excited to spend time with her. She is incredibly affectionate and nurturing, always ready with a comforting hug and so much patience. One of our favorite things is how much she loves reading. She spends quality time sharing books with our child. It's clear she genuinely enjoys engaging with children in meaningful ways. She is also exceptionally reliable and dependable. We always know we can count on her to be on time, communicate well, and provide excellent care. Her behavior management skills are outstanding—she sets clear, kind boundaries and handles challenging moments with calm confidence and consistency.”

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Teresa 2 reviews
$16 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Columbia, MD

Hi! My name is Teresa. I'm from Baltimore county (Halethorpe). I'm known for my patience, creativity, and friendly demeanor, which allows me to connect with children of all ages. I love utilizing board games and doing fun crafts. With about 6 years of experience working with kids, I'm comfortable caring for up to three children. I'm very comfortable enforcing household rules while maintaining a nurturing environment. I'm First Aid and CPR trained and have completed come coursework on Child Development as well. I am also currently a Teacher Assistant at BCPS, currently working with Kindergarten. As for pet care, I have plenty of experience pet sitting my family's doggo's/ kitties, as well as professional sitting/ boarding. I look forward to the opportunity of meeting you and your family!

“Teresa is lovely. Very friendly and professional. My son loved her.”

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Christina
Booked by 3 repeat families
3 reviews
$24 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 4 families in Columbia, MD

I'm a current master's student studying medical sciences with plans to attend medical school next year. I've always loved working with kids and have several years of experience caring for and engaging with children of all ages. I've led youth ministry at my church, working with toddlers through preteens. This included creating fun and meaningful lessons, supervising during services, and supporting families. My relationships with families in the church have also led to trusted babysitting opportunities. Outside of church, I've volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club, primarily supporting elementary-aged children with science-related activities and after-school care. I come from a large extended family and as the eldest, l've naturally taken on the role of caregiver by providing safe, fun, and nurturing environments for younger family members. I'm known for being patient, dependable, and easy to talk to, and I genuinely enjoy building strong, positive connections with kids and their families.

“Very nice and professional. Arrived on time. Would definitely book her again.”

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How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Columbia, MD?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $22.81
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $27.48
  • Typical job length: 4.9 hours
  • Most requested times: Evening

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Columbia, MD

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.

919 sitters background checked in Columbia, MD

4.9 average star rating from total of 3,467 reviews in Columbia, MD

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 Columbia

Share your needs and hear from available sitters.

Why families trust UrbanSitter for emergency babysitting

Trusted by Columbia families

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

How do I find an emergency babysitter in Columbia?

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

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Columbia?

As of October 2026, babysitting rates in Columbia average $22.81 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 Columbia on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

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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