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Find a last-minute babysitter in Alameda, CA

Need a sitter on short notice? Alameda families find trusted, background checked babysitters on UrbanSitter.

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348 available last-minute babysitters in Alameda, CA

Families in Alameda use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
323 available today | Avg hourly rate: $30.95/hr

All babysitters shown here are background checked every year. Learn more.

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Heather
Booked by 3 repeat families
12 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 7 families in Alameda, CA

Hello, I am currently available for part-time or one time caregiving support. I am looking to supplement my retirement by continuing to do what I am most passionate about—working with children. I am CPR and First Aid certified and have 17 years of experience as a paraeducator in special education. In addition, I have 18 years of experience as a respite provider working with ambulatory clients on the autism spectrum. For the past 3.5 years, I have also served as co-owner and teacher at an infant daycare. The last two years I’ve helped with my daughter’s different foster babies (ages 3 days- 2 years) after work and on the weekends (Currently there are no fosters.) My experience is further informed by being a parent to a child on the autism spectrum, which has deepened my understanding, empathy, and commitment to quality care. I would welcome the opportunity to offer supportive, compassionate, and reliable care to your family. I have my immunizations up to date: Covid 12/25- Booster Flu 12/25 TDAP 5/22 MMR 6/22

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Lily
Booked by 103 repeat families
136 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 223 families in Alameda, CA

Hello there! I’m Lily, and I am experienced working with multiples and children of all ages (from less than 1 month old babies to high school tweens). I graduated with a MA in psychology. Prior to being a childcare provider, I worked at a nonprofit teaching digital media and magazine writing to adolescents from underserved communities. Professionally, I’m trained to be a construction manager, which makes my favorite bedtime storybook “Goodnight Goodnight, Construction Site”. All my other professional experiences made me very attuned to detail and comfortable in fast-paced, high stakes environments—qualities that I believe will come in handy when caring for children. I have babysat for years in both NYC and SF through college and grad school. I have recently returned to UrbanSitter for occasional evening / nighttime work. CANCELLATION POLICY As compensation for lost time due to last minute cancellations, I expect 50% of the original booking amount for cancellations with less than 48 hours notice and the full amount for same day cancellations. Payable via Venmo or Zelle.

“Lily was great! Punctual, very nice, and our daughter said she was fun to hang out with and play with. Definitely will use her again.”

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Shakara
Booked by 95 repeat families
134 reviews
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 205 families in Alameda, CA

Hi, I'm Shak! As the eldest in a large family, childcare has been a part of my life from a young age. I began as a mother's helper in 2009 and now have 16 years of active childcare experience. I've worked primarily with newborns and toddlers, but I love working with children of all ages. I bring an empathy-first approach to every family I work with. For infants, I specialize in sleep training and mother's helper support, and I'm happy to work alongside new parents through that journey every step of the way. I also focus on early language development through textures, sounds, rhythm, and music. With toddlers, I lean into interest led play, imagination building, curiosity about the world, early reading and counting. For school-age kids and teens, I emphasize active listening, healthy boundaries, and creating safe spaces for authentic expression. I also have meaningful experience with neurodiverse children who benefit from a different level of engagement and care. And since I studied classical text and diction, I love putting that to use — making up plays, collaborative storytelling, theatre games, you name it! But I'm just as happy getting active: bike rides, fort building, kite flying at the beach, little hikes, and whatever else sparks joy. I have a very low cancellation rate. If I accept a booking I am committed and will be there. I also have a reliable vehicle. I'd love to be a part of your family's village. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

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Linda
Booked by 212 repeat families
301 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 426 families in Alameda, CA

Hi moms + dads! I'll care for your child/children like they were my own. I love being around kids. My regular day job is financial analyst. It's a little challenging finding FTE job in this market however I'm super-resilient I am hoping to fill up my time working whilst earning extra income about something I enjoy! I grew up babysitting younger cousins. I can also cook + help with house chores + organizing. I'm punctual, very tidy so I'm always cleaning up after children/meals. I'm authentic, energetic, reliable + trustworthy, parents + kids love my company. Non-smoker, I'm committed to providing a safe, nurturing + stimulating environment for your kids to thrive in. CPR/First Aid certified. I speak fluent French + Mandarin (bilingual in Cantonese/English). I can help your kids if they're in the FI/CI programs after school hours. I used to do cat/house sitting for friends. In my spare time I volunteer for SF Ballet, do lots of yoga + dance (Bachata). I can provide excellent references upon request. *INTERVIEW POLICY* For in-person meetings/interviews, a paid hour of time will be requested. *SICK POLICY* If anyone in your household is sick, please let me know before the job begins! I will also do the same! *CANCELLATION POLICY* Please provide 24 hours’ notice for any cancellations. Cancellations with under 24 hours’ notice will be charged for full amount as originally booked. I won’t cancel unless absolutely necessary. I appreciate the same, as last-minute cancellation makes it difficult to schedule my time with other families. Thank you for your understanding!

“Linda was incredibly reliable, a great communicator and very punctual. She handled a fussy toddler who hadn't gotten a nap earlier, and made sure that everyone was safe and cared for.”

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Raphaella
Booked by 73 repeat families
69 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 140 families in Alameda, CA

I have been working with children for almost fourteen years, and was a Preschool Teacher for over five years. I have a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Development from SF State University. Prior to the covid-19 shutdown I worked as a teacher at Rockridge Little School in Piedmont for two years, where I worked with all ages groups (2-5 years) I also worked as a teacher at Claremont Day Nurseries Preschool in Kensington. I was a two year old teacher for one year, and then became a floater teacher for all the age groups (ages 2-5). Prior to this I started up an after-care organization with my mother in 2009 until 2012, where we took care of over nine children after-school per day, ages 6-10. On my work days I would spend the day playing with the kids, doing arts and crafts, providing homework help and overall enjoying the company of the children until the parents would come back from work. I love to do drawing/arts and crafts projects with the kids I take care of if possible, and really enjoy the creativity it brings out in each child. I have found my experiences with children to be both educational and heart-warming, and for those reasons have helped me develop as a person and I feel make me qualified to join the urban-sitter community.

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How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in Alameda, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $30.95
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.78
  • Typical job length: 4.7 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Alameda, CA

Trust matters, especially on short notice

Babysitters on UrbanSitter are background checked every year, with every profile individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team.

2,656 sitters background checked in Alameda, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 30,583 reviews in Alameda, CA

photo of quoted parent Marie

"Amina came and helped us out when our babysitter canceled last minute. She was great with our kids. Even our 11 month old son who has stranger anxiety warmed up to her."

Marie C., parent

photo of quoted parent Jenny

"She was so flexible and came last minute to help out. The house was really neat when I got home and both kids were asleep. Two thumbs up!"

Jenny S., parent

photo of quoted parent Jesse

"Thrisa was amazing! Came over last minute and took amazing care of our 11 month old - including bedtime - she's coming back tomorrow :)"

Jesse D., parent

Family with caregiver

Find a last-minute babysitter in Alameda

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why Alameda families choose UrbanSitter for last-minute child care

Quick responses when plans change

In most cities, average response time for last-minute requests is under two minutes.

Recommended by Alameda families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents at your child's school, preschool, or neighborhood in Alameda.

Background checked, every year

Every babysitter clears an annual background check, offering peace of mind even on short notice.

Read reviews, then decide

See parent reviews, repeat families, and average response times to find the right fit fast.

Frequently asked questions about finding a last-minute babysitter in Alameda

How do I find a last-minute babysitter in Alameda?

Sign up on UrbanSitter, enter your zip code, and submit a request with your timing and care needs. Babysitters near Alameda who are available can respond to your request. Before choosing, you can view profiles, parent reviews, and shared connections.

How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in Alameda?

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Alameda is $30.95 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Alameda.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check. You can also read reviews from Alameda families and see shared connections before you book. See what's included in the background check.

Can I find a same-day babysitter in Alameda?

Same-day requests are common on UrbanSitter. Submit a request with your timing and care needs, and available sitters in Alameda can respond. In most cities, the average response time for urgent requests is under two minutes.

Should I pay more for a last-minute babysitter?

Some parents offer a slightly higher rate for last-minute or same-day requests, but it is not required. On UrbanSitter, rates are set by individual babysitters. You can see each babysitter's hourly rate on their profile before you book.

What if I need a babysitter last minute today?

To find a last-minute babysitter today, share your timing and care needs on UrbanSitter. Available babysitters in Alameda can respond, and you can review profiles before choosing.

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