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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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Madeline
Booked by 27 repeat families
26 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 44 families in Berkeley, CA

Hello! My name is Maddie and I'm a first grade teacher. I have a Master's in Teaching, two teaching credentials, and a BA in History. I'm looking for occasional jobs in order to supplement my income, especially during school breaks. My hobbies include cooking/baking, reading, and playing video games. I am comfortable with children of all ages, including those with special needs. I worked as a nanny for many years before beginning my teaching career. I also love pets! If you are looking for excellent child care, reach out to me!

“Our kids loved Madeline! She is lovely and we’re excited to work with her again. ”

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Yingzhou
Booked by 8 repeat families
11 reviews
$33 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 14 families in Berkeley, CA

Hello! My name is Yingzhou.I am a responsible, patient, and caring nanny with over 10 years of experience taking care of children of different ages, from infants to school-aged kids. I enjoy creating a safe, loving, and fun environment where children can learn and grow. I can help with daily routines such as feeding, bathing, and bedtime, as well as preparing healthy meals, organizing activities and supporting school drop-offs, pick-ups, and extracurricular activities. I believe in positive communication, encouraging creativity, and giving children the attention and care they need. With more than a decade of childcare experience, I understand the importance of supporting parents, being reliable, and keeping an open line of communication. My goal is to make life easier for the family while ensuring the children are happy, healthy, and well cared for. I would love the opportunity to bring my energy, responsibility, and warmth to your family.

“As a FTM, I was so anxious about finding the right care for our newborn. But Ying is not just a nanny, she embodies the definition of “mom”. My only regret is not hiring her sooner but we waited until our daughter was around 3 months and will continue to use her into the foreseeable future (Currently she is now 5.5 months). Sweet, kind, gentle and so much compassion. She’s helpful with the baby, around the house and her knowledge in child care is impressive. She speaks canto, mandarin and her English is great. ”

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Diamond
Booked by 2 repeat families
4 reviews
$26 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in Berkeley, CA

Hi families! I’m Diamond, a proud Bay Area native and someone who has always had a natural love for caring for children. While I currently work in the legal field, caring for children has remained a meaningful part of my life for over 15 years, and it’s something I genuinely look forward to doing in my evenings and weekends. My experience with children started at a young age as a babysitter and grew into working for daycares and becoming a personal nanny for several wonderful families while I was in college. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to care for children from newborns all the way through their teenage years, and I truly enjoy getting to know each child and learning what makes them feel comfortable, happy, and cared for. Since 2019, I’ve also had the privilege of serving as a Special Court Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected foster youth in the San Francisco Bay Area. Being a CASA has strengthened my passion for advocating for children and has taught me the importance of patience, compassion, consistency, and creating a safe space where children feel heard and valued. One of my favorite things about childcare is watching children grow and being someone they can feel comfortable around. In fact, many of the children I’ve cared for over the years have become like family to me. I don’t take that trust lightly. I believe in treating every child the way I would want my own children to be treated—with kindness, patience, respect, and genuine care. I also understand that every family is different. I’m happy to follow the routines and guidelines that are important to you, whether that means sticking to a bedtime routine, limiting screen time, accommodating dietary restrictions or allergies, helping with homework, or simply making sure your little one has a fun and engaging evening. My goal is for parents to feel completely comfortable and confident when they leave their children in my care. You shouldn’t have to wonder if your children are safe, happy, or being well cared for; I want you to have peace of mind knowing they’re in good hands. I would love the opportunity to become a trusted part of your family’s support system and, most importantly, to make sure your little ones feel safe, seen, and cared for while you’re away. ❤️

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Sky
Booked by 6 repeat families
12 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 17 families in Berkeley, CA

Hi, I’m Summer! I’m a preschool teacher and artist who absolutely loves working with kids. I’ve been caring for little ones since I was 15, from tiny babies to big kids, and I’m CPR, First Aid, and TrustLine certified. When I’m not in the classroom, I bring the fun to birthday parties as a face painter and balloon artist — so you can count on me to keep kids entertained with creativity, play, and lots of laughs. I love painting, singing, dancing, and exploring nature, and I enjoy sharing that joy with the children I care for.

“After Sky left my son lovingly said about 10 minutes later I wonder how she is doing...that shows you how much fun they had. ”

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Savannah
Booked by 22 repeat families
30 reviews
$27 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 45 families in Berkeley, CA

Hi! My name is Savannah. I recently graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and am currently working while preparing my applications for medical school. I've been caring for children since I was 15 and have experience with all ages from newborns to 15 years old. I've worked with large families (up to five children at once), twins and multiples, and I also have experience as a night nanny. Supporting children with special needs is especially close to my heart, my younger brother, who is 15 years younger than me, is on the autism spectrum, and that's shaped both my understanding and my approach as a caregiver. I'm CPR and EMT certified, and I'm happy to help with everything from date nights and tutoring to outdoor activities and daily routines. I genuinely love working with kids and creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for them to thrive in.

“Savannah was great with our 4-year old. Punctual and great communication. I look forward to her sitting for us again soon!”

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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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