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.

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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.

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Grace 1 review
$25 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Grace and I'm currently in school for my Masters in Social Work. I am offering child care and senior care. I love pets, too! Child care experience: I have 5+ years working with kids between the ages of 0-18 in educational and therapeutic contexts. I love playing sports, doing arts activities, exploring, & letting kids be themselves. I have experience cooking healthy, delicious meals, helping with homework, implementing bedtime routines, changing diapers, and helping out with chores. Senior care experience: I am someone who grew up spending time with my grandparents and great-grandmother, playing cards together, cooking steaks, riding horses, driving, and talking. I also spent a lot of time by my grandfather's bedside while he was passing away, helping him to be comfortable and to know that he was loved. In addition to offering my presence and connection, I am able to drive, cook, clean, do laundry, organize, and run errands, too. I hope to hear from you!

“We were so fortunate to have Grace care for our three children on an as-needed basis. She is kind, patient and thoughtful, and our kids always felt safe and happy in her care. Beyond childcare, she has a natural gift for working with seniors, offering both companionship and support with special needs in a way that shows genuine compassion. She is honest, trustworthy, and dependable. These qualities gave us peace of mind whenever she was with our family. I highly recommend Grace to anyone looking for a reliable and caring person to help with their loved ones.”

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Lori
Booked by 1 repeat family
2 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Menlo Park, CA

Hello! My name is Lori, and I’m an experienced, caring, and dependable caregiver who genuinely enjoys spending time with children. After 15 wonderful years in my professional career, I recently stepped away to embrace a more balanced lifestyle. I’m now looking for a few babysitting opportunities each week where I can do something I truly enjoy—caring for and connecting with children. Being a daycare provider help me financially through college. I’m a mom of two children and raised them as a single parent, so I understand how important it is for parents to have someone they can trust and feel completely comfortable leaving their children with. I was also the primary caregiver for my father before he passed away, which further strengthened my patience, compassion, and sense of responsibility. I have experience caring for infants, toddlers, and young children. I currently babysit a 2½-year-old on a consistent basis and have been part of his life since he was a baby. I’ve also volunteered at Stanford Children’s Hospital in the Newborn Hearing Screening Unit, an experience that gave me additional exposure to newborns and families. I’m nurturing, patient, attentive, and responsible, and I enjoy creating a safe, positive, and engaging environment for children. I’m happy to follow your family’s routines and preferences and understand the importance of keeping parents informed and comfortable while they’re away. I would love the opportunity to meet your family and learn more about your childcare needs. Please feel free to reach out with any questions—I’d be happy to tell you more about myself and my experience!

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Iryna
Booked by 4 repeat families
4 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 6 families in Menlo Park, CA
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Nancy
Booked by 1 repeat family
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Menlo Park, CA

Hi, I’m Nancy! I’m a Bay Area native and a full-time first-grade teacher who truly loves working with kids of all ages. With over five years of classroom experience, many years of babysitting, and a Master’s in Education, I bring patience, creativity, and a nurturing approach to every family I work with. I’m a credentialed public school teacher and have cared for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children—from feedings and nap times to homework help and fun activities. Being bilingual in Spanish and English helps me connect with families from diverse backgrounds, and I’m CPR & First Aid certified so you can feel confident your little ones are safe with me. Families describe me as dependable, warm, and easy to communicate with. Whether you need an extra set of hands during a busy week or a trustworthy sitter for a night out, I’d love to support your family and give your kids a safe, engaging, and fun experience.

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Ksenia
Booked by 1 repeat family
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Menlo Park, CA

I left my unfulfilling job to reboot and find a new one. I love creativity and coming up with fun ideas and would be happy to look after your children and pets. I am responsible and follow instructions carefully. **Bookings within 24 hours: $45/hour **

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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.

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