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
Maria Luisa
Booked by 19 repeat families
22 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 48 families in Menlo Park, 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!

Profile photo
Marilyn
Booked by 3 repeat families
9 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 16 families in Menlo Park, CA

Hi families! I’m Marilyn! I'm CPR and First Aid certified and have experience caring for kids from toddlers to teens (ages 2–13). I love keeping things fun with outings to the park, library story times, or helping with ballet, swimming, and after-school activities. I’m currently working with a few local families and am happy to help with light errands, dog walks (I’m a big animal lover!), and keeping things tidy around the house. I’m reliable, warm, and always happy to plan ahead especially for date nights or evening babysitting. Looking forward to meeting your family!

Profile photo
Veronica
Booked by 8 repeat families
14 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 20 families in Menlo Park, CA

I am a mother of 8 children and three beautiful grandchildren. I have been taking care of kids since i was a teenager, with over 30+ years of experience. I have a deep love for children especially babies. As many of my own babies are now grown and moving out the nest, im looking for extra hours to work and do what i love most, watch and help children grow. I am very experienced, punctual, respectful, dependable and organized. I treat my families and children as if they were my very own. I enjoy spending time outside at the park or going on bike rides. I also love playing with kids favorite toys, reading to them, building, coloring and simply just laughing! I like keeping screen time to a minimum or not screen at all. and making sure the children are entertained with fun activities. I usually have a flexible schedule, more often available in the daytime, early mornings and afternoons until early evening. I am available occasionally for date nights. I am fluent in Spanish and proficient in English. I can cook and do light housecleaning. I have a clean driving record and background. Thank you so much for reading and i look forward to meeting you! Have a wonderful day.

Profile photo
Dana
Booked by 26 repeat families
25 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 37 families in Menlo Park, CA

Hi! Im currently searching for a morning position to fill my schedule. in the afternoons I provide care for a six year long term family. I have many years of newborn care experience, and would prefer to grow with a family. I love to be creative, have fun, cook and play! Would be happy to chat or answer any further questions!

Profile photo
Yarelli
Booked by 6 repeat families
8 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 13 families in Menlo Park, CA

Hi! My name is Yarelli. I’m 31 years old and starting my fifth year working at a middle school on the Peninsula as an Executive Assistant to the Principal. I’m a Redwood City local and currently live in Belmont with my husband and our dog. I’m also a proud SF State alum—Go Gators! I have 10+ years of experience working with children ages 2 months to 15 years old. I’ve worked in preschools, after-school programs, summer camps, as a nanny, and as a mother’s helper. I’m also the oldest of seven girls, including two sets of twins! My youngest sisters are 9-year-old twins. I also have 10+ years of pet care experience, including house sitting, dog sitting, and cat sitting. I grew up around dogs, mostly Pit Bulls, and currently have an 8-year-old rescued Chocolate Lab/Weimaraner, Beau, who I trained myself. I’m CPR and First Aid certified and available evenings, weekends, and occasional days off. Feel free to reach out, I’d love to help! Yarelli

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