Family with caregiver

Find a last-minute babysitter in Berkeley, CA

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

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253 available last-minute babysitters in Berkeley, CA

Families in Berkeley use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
231 available today | Avg hourly rate: $30.90/hr

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

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Linda
Booked by 212 repeat families
301 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 426 families in Berkeley, 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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Karina
Booked by 10 repeat families
18 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 16 families in Berkeley, CA

Hello My name is Karina, I am 52 years old and for 26 years I have been working with babies, I have experience with babies since 7 weeks of age, and able to care for 2 babies at the same time. I love walking, going to the park library doing activities with the kids . I have excellent reference

“She was great, on time and friendly. And did extra house work with out being asked or it being the expectation. ”

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Cynthia
Booked by 7 repeat families
19 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 19 families in Berkeley, CA

Hi, I’m Cynthia! I’m a reliable, energetic caregiver with years of experience caring for children from toddlers through elementary age kids. I’ve worked with families in both Washington, DC and San Francisco, providing consistent, trusted support for busy parents. I currently work part-time as a consultant, so I have a flexible schedule and genuinely enjoy spending my free time with kids. Caregiving is something I choose to do because I love it—not just as a job, but as a way to stay engaged, active, and connected. I especially enjoy working with curious preschoolers and early elementary kids (ages 3–6 are my favorite!). My style is hands-on and interactive—I prioritize play, creativity, and outdoor time over screens. Whether it’s building forts, doing puzzles and Legos, reading together, or heading to the park, I bring a high level of energy and engagement. I also have some experience supporting children with ADD/ADHD and understand the importance of patience, structure, and positive reinforcement. Outside of caregiving, I’m a long-distance runner and love staying active—something that translates well to keeping up with high-energy kids who enjoy being on the move. I also volunteer as a reading tutor at a local elementary school, which has been a rewarding way to support early learning. (Fully vaccinated and CPR/First Aid certified.)

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Maria Elena
Booked by 16 repeat families
15 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 35 families in Berkeley, CA

Dear Families: I AM LOOKING FOR A JOB DURING WEEK MORNINGS FROM 7:00 AM UNTIL AROUND 3:00 PM. There is some flexibility. My name is Maria Elena. I’m originally from El Salvador. I hold a valid California driver's license. I've lived in the Bay Area for 33 years. I earned an Associate Degree in Arts and completed 12 credit units in early childhood development. I have 20 years of experience working with children from infants to 10-year-olds. Activities: I truly enjoy spending time with children doing a variety of activities, from reading books to exploring places nearby, such as the library, the Zoo, museums, aquariums, and parks. I am also happy to care for the children's things and help with light organizing and cooking simple meals. I expect to work in a good environment and offer the best of myself to the children. Please, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

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Latisha
Booked by 4 repeat families
7 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 16 families in Berkeley, CA

Hi! I am just ending 8 great years as an after-school nanny and family assistant and before that 7 great years as a preschool teacher, working with kids aged 2. 5 --5. I worked within 3 classrooms, experiencing all the ages from toddlers to pre-k. I have worked with children of all ages on some level - babysitting, preschool, after-school care, summer programs and tutoring - for the past 30 years. I naturally gravitate to children and get on their level pretty easily while also maintaining the responsibility and authority a child might need when not in the care of parents. My care philosophy is very child centered and respectful, similar to the philosophies of RIE, Magda Geber and play based learning. I am available for date nights, after school and weekend care. Some of my favorite things to do with kids are read (my children's book library keeps growing), craft activities and cooking (bonus: I do the cleanup!).

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $30.90
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.79
  • Typical job length: 4.7 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Berkeley, 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.

2,541 sitters background checked in Berkeley, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 30,449 reviews in Berkeley, 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 Berkeley

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why Berkeley 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 Berkeley families

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

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 Berkeley

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

Sign up on UrbanSitter, enter your zip code, and submit a request with your timing and care needs. Babysitters near Berkeley 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 Berkeley?

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Berkeley is $30.90 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Berkeley.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

Can I find a same-day babysitter in Berkeley?

Same-day requests are common on UrbanSitter. Submit a request with your timing and care needs, and available sitters in Berkeley 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 Berkeley can respond, and you can review profiles before choosing.

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