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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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Melissa
Booked by 12 repeat families
20 reviews
$29 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 20 families in Berkeley, CA

Hello — my name is Melissa! I am offering occasional child care. I’m happy to cover date nights, school or work events, or times you just need to focus on something else. I am a former elementary school teacher (and current medical assistant) with interests in education/tutoring, reading, and spending time outdoors. I can often be found with my kindle by the lake or checking out an East Bay coffee shop. My subject matter expertise while teaching was math and science for elementary students, but I have worked with children as young as infants up through high school age. I started babysitting and tutoring when I was in middle school and have worked with children throughout college and my career. If you think I might be a good fit for you, feel free to send me a message. Looking forward to connecting!

“Melissa was great - attentive, fun, and positive. Our kids loved having her stay with them!”

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Raphaella
Booked by 73 repeat families
69 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 140 families in Berkeley, 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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Ginette
Booked by 6 repeat families
12 reviews
$27 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 15 families in Berkeley, CA

Hi! I'm Gigi :) I’m a reliable, punctual, creative, and empathetic caregiver offering childcare for babies (+6 months), toddlers and kids until 10 yrs old ✅️ ​+4yrs and +5,000 hrs of exp working as a volunteer teacher, and caregiver ✅️ CPR and First Aid certified. My responsibilities have included playtime (indoor and outdoor), crafts and art projects, bedtime routines, diapering, bottle and playing cognitive games! I love bringing with me some materials and games, so your kiddos will have a special time with me ​🐶 Pet-friendly 🚭 Non-smoker 🌈 Languages: Spanish and English

“Gigi was the best! My 2 high energy boys had a great time and wanted to know when she could come back! She was on time, cleaned up afterwards and had a great energy. We highly recommend Gigi”

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Luisa
Booked by 54 repeat families
72 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 98 families in Berkeley, CA

Hi there! I am a graduate from USF with a background in healthcare and a Micro-Credential in Behavioral Health. With over 10 years of experience working with children in daycare settings and ABA (applied behavior analysis), specializing in kids with autism, I am well-equipped to provide care for your little ones. I have worked with children of all ages, from infants and toddlers to school-aged kids and teenagers, and I am passionate about engaging them in fun and enriching activities both indoors and outdoors. I am CPR/BSL certified, up-to-date on my FLU vaccine and TB test, and fully vaccinated against COVID-19. I prioritize open communication and honesty with the families I work with, and I am always willing to lend a helping hand with light household tasks. I do provide more help for additional fees; please ask about this, and we can discuss further. Whether it's a day full of outdoor adventures or indoor activities like reading, puzzles, and arts and crafts, I am dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for your children (I have little nephews and a niece so I think about how I would want them cared for and provide that level of care to children I work with). I am comfortable wearing a mask if needed and am happy to accommodate any special requests or concerns you may have. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about me, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am excited to connect with your family and provide the best possible care for your little ones. Thank you for considering me for your babysitting needs!

“Luisa was great. She was so easy to communicate with and coordinate with and very sweet and helpful with my kids. ”

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Audrey
Booked by 111 repeat families
125 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 163 families in Berkeley, CA

Hello, my name is Audrey and I have been a nanny for the past 10+ years. I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Behavior and I enjoy working with children ages 1+ year(s) and like providing children independence in what they do. I love helping children develop healthy coping skills as well as the freedom to fully express themselves. In my free time, I like to meditate, read, knit and make art. Please reach out to me with any questions you might have, I look forward to working with you and your young ones :)

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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: $36.80
  • 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.

2,531 sitters background checked in Berkeley, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 30,315 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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