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Find a last-minute babysitter in Los Altos, CA

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

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126 available last-minute babysitters in Los Altos, CA

Families in Los Altos use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
108 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.17/hr

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

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Maria
Booked by 41 repeat families
68 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 113 families in Los Altos, CA

**Please note: I do not generally take care of sick children. Please let me know in advance if anyone in your family is sick, especially if they’re contagious, so I can decide whether or not to come. If I’m not told about your sick child until I arrive, I reserve the right to leave to protect myself and the other children in my care. Thank you for understanding** I’m currently working full time as a manager in tech and am only babysitting very occasionally to supplement my income. I was a nanny throughout college to a family with two children, including one with autism. I’ve been babysitting for years for children of a variety of ages. I am not currently available for any regularly scheduled, part time, or full time positions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to discuss further.

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Chelsea
Booked by 116 repeat families
162 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 228 families in Los Altos, CA

Years ago, my first profile picture on this site was criticized by a potential family for being too strange. I picked one way stranger in response (me in a unicorn onesie) until the 2024 powers that be on this site recently called it inappropriate. So, now I’ve found one off the charts strange with my head half shaved in the middle of a home COVID haircut ;-). Children are SO important to me—yes that means physical safety, but for me it also involves emotional safety. I want deeply for children and young people to love themselves and find their voices as they grow, but to do that they need to see adults who appreciate and take joy in their own uniqueness. That, more than any resume point, is what I offer to kids and families with fierce commitment. I have worked with children and young people in a variety of settings for thirty years. In my early days there was the usual teenage babysitting. I have also worked for summer camps and non-profits--designing, leading, and overseeing children's activities and programs. Next, I taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade English for the last thirteen years in both Southern California and the Bay Area, followed by ten years of nannying for children of all ages. Finally, I have started to move very organically into parental coaching, upon request of families I care/have cared for. I have special insight into neurodivergent kids and school engagement struggles. I am certified in CPR, First Aid, AED, have taken expressive arts therapy training, and have had multiple experiences working with autistic young people, in addition to being autistic myself. I am happy to help older children with their English homework and do Elmo's voice for the younger children in the fort we just built :) I am tidy, punctual, and you will not find me on my phone or devices while my attention should be on your child. I love and appreciate the curiosity, creativity, kindness, and honesty of all children, and I look forward to being part of the village that helps care for yours. Thanks, Water pronouns: he/him IG: newstoriescallingart Ps. Yes, I know my profile says Chelsea, but I've been through a legal name change which this system "can't" correct until my membership expires. My name is Water, happy to show you my driver's license to silence the dead naming if it would help put your mind at ease. Not mad at caregivers who don't read this far, just mad at computer's needs being given precedence over people's needs.

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Karol
Booked by 4 repeat families
12 reviews
$27 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 24 families in Los Altos, CA

Hi families! My name is Karol. I’m an experienced babysitter who speaks English and Spanish. I’ve been caring for kids for over 3 years—ranging from 8-month-old babies to 12-year-olds. I’m active, patient, and love doing both outdoor and indoor activities with children. I also offer light housekeeping, pet care, and senior assistance. I’m CPR certified and always make safety a top priority. Looking forward to supporting your family!

“My girls loved Karol”

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Maria Luisa
Booked by 19 repeat families
22 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 48 families in Los Altos, CA

Hi I'm Maria! I am a passionate childcare provider with over five years of experience. My passion for child development fuels my work and the positive impact I have on children's lives. I am IQ qualified . I prioritize providing a safe and fun environment where children can learn and grow. As a patient, friendly, and respectful caregiver, I value open communication with parents and follow their preferred communication method. I am very comfortable enforcing household rules and have experience caring for children of various ages, from infants to preteens. In terms of activities, I enjoy playing both educational games that promote learning and fun games like sports, board games, and puzzles. Im CPR certified, I am always looking for opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge. Lastly, I have a car, am comfortable with pets, and I look forward to meeting you and your family!

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Kimiro
Booked by 6 repeat families
10 reviews
$45 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 7 families in Los Altos, CA

After working as a nanny for four years during and after my undergrad at UCSD, I moved back home to the Bay Area and began employment at a specialized school for children on the with profound autism. My Human Development degree gave me a strong foundation in child development theories, while my work experience has given me a wealth of behavioral management strategies. Both allow me to create the most supportive and caring environment I can for the children I have the pleasure to care for. I am registered with Trustline and CPR/First Aid certified.

“Kimiro is dependable and hardworking, and was an asset to our household. She prepared lunches, did the dishes, went grocery shopping, and played with our two children (ages three and five). She also helped with additional household chores like laundry, folding, and putting away toys. We highly recommend Kimiro!”

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $31.17
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.86
  • Typical job length: 5.0 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Los Altos, 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.

974 sitters background checked in Los Altos, CA

4.9 average star rating from total of 7,094 reviews in Los Altos, 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 Los Altos

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Why Los Altos 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 Los Altos families

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

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 Los Altos

How do I find a last-minute babysitter in Los Altos?

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

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Los Altos is $31.17 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Los Altos.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

Can I find a same-day babysitter in Los Altos?

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

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