Family with caregiver

Find a last-minute babysitter in Lake Forest, CA

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

Looking for jobs? Apply here.

30 available last-minute babysitters in Lake Forest, CA

Families in Lake Forest use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
27 available today | Avg hourly rate: $24.77/hr

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

Profile photo
McCall
Booked by 1 repeat family
2 reviews
$22 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Lake Forest, CA

I’m a responsible, caring, and dependable babysitter who genuinely enjoys spending time with kids. I have experience babysitting children of different ages, working at a gymnastics facility, and assisting with special education students during high school. I love creating a fun, safe, and positive environment where kids can learn, play, and feel comfortable. I also enjoy cooking and would be happy to help prepare meals or snacks when needed. I have my own reliable transportation, making it easy to arrive on time and help with school pick-ups, activities, or errands if needed. I look forward to getting to know your family and providing dependable care you can trust.

“McCall has been with us for about 6 months now. She’s one of the sweetest, kind, caring girls we know. She’s great with our girls and pets. Shes never once been late and is available for our date nights as well. I highly recommend her.”

Profile photo
Emily 2 reviews
$20 per hour for 1 child

Hello! Caring for children and babies is what I do best. As a natural empath and caregiver, I feel it's a skill that just kind of exists for me organically. I think children deserve to be seen and heard, and their feelings matter. I love to have fun and be silly, but am also very calm. I've had parents describe me as their child's "first friend" (let me grab a tissue), which I think is a lovely and fulfilling role to have.

“I chose “other” because my answer is “all of the above”! I’ve known Emily for many years and we’ve worked together, we’re friends, she’s helped me with my kids, all of it! She is amazing with kids and though we are not related, she will always be “Auntie” to my kids. She’s very gentle and kind, but knows when to tell kids no. She’s really patient and understanding with kids and the different emotions they go through. She is very neat and always on time and I would recommend her to any family who needed help with their child care needs!”

Profile photo
Melodie
Booked by 2 repeat families
2 reviews
$17 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Lake Forest, CA

Hi! My name is Melodie, and I bring a warm, reliable, and well-rounded approach to caregiving. I’ve been babysitting off and on since high school, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with families in a wide range of settings—from casual date nights to consistent weekly care. Between 2021 and 2023, I provided regular childcare for a college head coach’s family, where I was trusted to handle everything from after-school routines and bedtime to meal prep and light tidying. More recently, I’ve been working with a wonderful family caring for two young siblings. I’ve also taken formal child development courses and hold an active CPR and First Aid certification. Your child’s safety and emotional well-being are my top priorities, and I pride myself on creating a calm, fun, and structured environment. Whether it’s imaginative play, helping with schoolwork, or reinforcing routines, I aim to support not just the kids but the whole family. In addition to childcare, I’m also experienced in household support. I’ve run my own household and have been employed to help organize others’, so I naturally maintain a clean and tidy space. I enjoy cooking and can prepare simple, healthy meals for children and families as needed. I’m also a huge animal lover and have grown up around pets my whole life. I currently have two of my own and am confident in handling pet care alongside childcare—including walks, feeding, and lots of love. Transportation is never a problem. I have a perfect driving record and a safe, well-maintained vehicle. I understand how important punctuality and reliability are when it comes to caregiving, and I always strive to go above and beyond. Whether you need dependable babysitting, pet care, help keeping your household running smoothly—or all three—I’d love to be a part of your support system. I genuinely care about the families I work with and value building lasting, respectful relationships. Looking forward to connecting!

“Great sitter. Punctual, professional and sweet with our children! She even made them dinner and cleaned up the kitchen afterwards! We will definitely book her again!”

Profile photo
Shahla
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$21 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Lake Forest, CA

I’m Shahla — a passionate and reliable caregiver with a love for children and animals alike. I’m experienced and reliable sitter with over 5 years of experience caring for children — from newborns to older kids who still need attention and support.I understand that you’re looking for someone responsible, kind, and capable — someone you can fully trust to care for the most precious part of your life.Someone who will look after your child with love and attention, giving them the warmth and care they truly need.I can confidently say that I will meet those expectations with genuine care, patience, and dedication. Creating a safe, happy, and nurturing environment for your child is always my priority. it’s babysitting, tutoring, or pet care, I bring comfort, responsibility, and a positive attitude to every job. With a flexible schedule and a commitment to creating safe, fun, and nurturing environments, I’m here to support your family’s needs. Let’s connect and make your life a little easier!

“Shahla was very helpful on short notice. She did a great job playing with my son and watching the baby. ”

Profile photo
Evie $25 per hour for 1 child

I’m a responsible, hard-working nanny with experience caring for kids ages 1-12. I babysat a 3-year-old girl, and helped care for my niece from infancy through age 4. I've also led a group of 9-year-old girls as a camp counselor, and taught evening Russian classes to 11-12-year-olds (boys and girls) at my church for several years. I'm patient, especially with kids, and I connect with them easily, making them feel safe, seen, and heard. A bit about me: I'm getting married next May, and I currently work two part-time jobs (office admin and massage therapy). I'm looking to step away from massage therapy for good and focus on nanny work going forward. I'm looking for a stable Monday-Friday schedule, ideally 2:30-6:30 p.m. (flexible to 7pm), around 20 hours/week.

Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college

Children playing together

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $24.77
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $29.91
  • Typical job length: 5.3 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Lake Forest, 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.

294 sitters background checked in Lake Forest, CA

4.9 average star rating from total of 1,264 reviews in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest families

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

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 Lake Forest

How do I find a last-minute babysitter in Lake Forest?

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

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Lake Forest is $24.77 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Lake Forest.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

Can I find a same-day babysitter in Lake Forest?

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

As seen on