Find a last-minute babysitter in Palo Alto, CA

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

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104 available last-minute babysitters in Palo Alto, CA

Families in Palo Alto use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.

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

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Maria
Booked by 40 repeat families
66 reviews
Mountain View
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 110 families in Palo Alto, 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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Jamie
Booked by 83 repeat families
73 reviews
Atherton
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 148 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi- my name is Jamie, originally from Los Angeles, CA. I grew up in a big and very family oriented environment. I began babysitting at the age of 15. I have babysat children ranging from the ages of 2months-15 years old. I am comfortable babysitting children of all ages. I have done a lot of volunteer work in schools,daycares, churches, and more which have all required me to interact with children. I am a very responsible, patient, hardworking, approachable, nice, funny, energetic, understanding, and loving person. When I babysit I enjoy playing sports outside, doing crafts, playing board games, reading, and much more. I always love helping kids with homework. On my free time I love to read, watch movies, and have a good time. Overall, I like to believe that I am an outgoing individual that loves to be around kids and has a lot of patience.

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Maria Luisa
Booked by 15 repeat families
20 reviews
Los Altos Hills
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 39 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi I'm Maria! I am a passionate childcare provider with 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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Chelsea
Booked by 116 repeat families
162 reviews
Mountain View
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 228 families in Palo Alto, 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 newstoriescalling.com (for the time being, legally still: Chelsea Delaney)

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Stephany
Booked by 9 repeat families
13 reviews
Mountain View
$37 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 20 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hello, I'm Stephany, a 28-year-old Brazilian living in the USA. I have a driver's license and am CPR certified, ensuring I'm prepared for emergencies. I also have my own car and a clean record. I'm patient, easygoing, and love spending time outdoors, whether it's walking, biking, or visiting parks. I have over five years of experience working with children. I used to work in a school back in Brazil, where I looked after more than 15 kids at a time. During the pandemic, I started caring for two children at my home. One was just 5 months old, and the other was 4 years old. I took care of them for a year and a half before moving to another country. In addition, I have two years of experience as an au pair, where I focused on studying behavior and discipline management, effective communication, child development, and time management. I'm passionate about caregiving because I find immense joy and fulfillment in nurturing and supporting others. Witnessing the growth and development of children is incredibly rewarding to me. I also love animals and have two dogs. Thank you for considering me.

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Recent babysitter activity in Palo Alto, 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.

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

Find a last-minute babysitter in Palo Alto

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Why Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto families

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Background checked, every year

Every babysitter clears an annual background check, offering peace of mind even on short notice.

Read reviews, then decide

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Frequently asked questions about finding a last-minute babysitter in Palo Alto

How do I find a last-minute babysitter in Palo Alto?

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

As of [Month/Year], the average babysitting rate in Palo Alto is $_ per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Palo Alto.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

Can I find a same-day babysitter in Palo Alto?

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

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