Family with caregiver

Find a last-minute babysitter in Menlo Park, CA

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

Looking for jobs? Apply here.

102 available last-minute babysitters in Menlo Park, CA

Families in Menlo Park use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
88 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.16/hr

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

Profile photo
Fuentes $25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Menlo Park, CA

Hii, I’m Ana, I’m a loving, reliable, and patient nanny with years of experience caring for little ones. I love being part of their growth and creating a safe, fun space where they can learn and feel happy. I’m very active and enjoy spending time outdoors. I can also help with meals and light housekeeping. Since I’m a nutritionist, your kids will always have healthy and balanced meals.

Profile photo
Valerie
Booked by 21 repeat families
27 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 37 families in Menlo Park, CA

Hello! I graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Child and Adolescent Development. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, which adds to my knowledge of children. I currently work for a public school district where I work with children that have special needs. Prior to that, I was a teacher at a private school. I have worked with a variety of ages, but primarily with 3-4 year olds for 5 years. I have worked as a nanny for two children for 5 years, while also babysitting for many years before this. When babysitting, I primarily have worked with school aged children, K-6th grade. I have had some experience with infant children under the age of 1 for about four years. I hope that I can be of assistance to you and your family. Thank you!

“Valerie was terrific with my girls. Will definitely use her again”

Profile photo
Maria
Booked by 41 repeat families
68 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 113 families in Menlo Park, 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.

Profile photo
Mercedes
Booked by 11 repeat families
21 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 31 families in Menlo Park, CA

-Not currently taking jobs unless occasional or one-time care- Hello, I’m Mercedes! It’s a pleasure to connect with you. I was born and raised in Oakland, CA, and I’m Montessori trained for ages 0–6, including Early Childhood Education. I work part-time in a childcare environment, and the rest of my time is spent developing curriculum for children across different counties in California. I’m comfortable working with a wide range of age groups. Part of what makes me effective in my curriculum work is the hands-on experience I gain by spending time with children in both 1:1 and group settings, including preschool. I focus on creating a positive, supportive environment through meaningful activities — arts and crafts, outdoor play, books, and creative projects. I pride myself on being reliable and fully present with every child I care for, approaching each task with enthusiasm and dedication. I’m also fully CPR/First Aid certified and prioritize health and safety in every aspect of my work. Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me — I look forward to the possibility of working with your family! Feel free to reach out with any questions. Have a wonderful day! -Just so you know, I bill for the full booking time in the app, even if we wrap up early-

Profile photo
Angelica
Booked by 164 repeat families
186 reviews
$38 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 364 families in Menlo Park, CA

Experienced & Caring Childcare Provider Available With over 15 years of hands-on experience caring for children from newborns to 15 years old, I bring dedication, patience, and a genuine love for helping kids grow and thrive. As a mom to a wonderful 7-year-old, I understand how important it is to find safe, nurturing, and dependable care. * Former Au Pair for 2 years (cared for children ages newborn to 12yo. * First Aid and CPR trained by American Red Cross * Extensive experience working with children with disabilities, including strong experience supporting individuals with autism * 3 years recently working with a nonprofit supporting families and youth with disabilities and Autism. I’m fully trained to work with any special needs I have training with safely assist someone who uses a wheelchair into and out of a vehicle. I’m fully Covid vaccinated and others vaccine. I am reliable, patient, and energetic, with a strong work ethic and a true passion for childcare. I’m also a strong driver with a clean driving record and can assist with school pick-ups, drop-offs, and activities. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, swimming, going to church, and spending quality time with my daughter. Availability: Babysitting, date nights, and occasional care References: Strong references available upon request If you’re looking for someone trustworthy, experienced, and caring, I would love to connect with you. Feel free to message me anytime for more information!

Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college

Children playing together

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $31.16
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.93
  • Typical job length: 4.8 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Menlo Park, 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.

1,675 sitters background checked in Menlo Park, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 15,852 reviews in Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park families

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

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 Menlo Park

How do I find a last-minute babysitter in Menlo Park?

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

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Menlo Park is $31.16 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Menlo Park.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

Can I find a same-day babysitter in Menlo Park?

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

As seen on