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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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117 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.
85 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.15/hr

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

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Gisa
Booked by 41 repeat families
37 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 63 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi! My name is Gisa. I am returning to Urbansitter after 3 and a half years of working full-time for a wonderful family with three children. I love arts and crafts, reading and doing fun science projects with kids. - Occupational therapy graduate student at San Jose State University (starting in the Fall 2024) - I have a Bachelor's degree in Education and an AA in Kinesiology and health. - 2 years of experience teaching English as Second Language to kids in Brazil. - 8 years of experience caring for infants as young as 3 months and multiples - Experience caring for children with physical disabilities and using AAC devices. - 2 years of experience as a student aide. - Childcare training in NYC as an au pair - Current First aid and CPR - 200hr Certified Yoga Teacher with training in Kid's Yoga Most familiar with Montessori and Reggio Emilia methods but eager to work with other styles/philosophies. - Trained in Movement Lesson (Segment 1)

“Gisa watched over our two young children for the first time and she was absolutely wonderful! She was attentive, fun, responsive, and creative. She balanced the needs of our two young children, and our children had a blast. Will definitely book Gisa again!”

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Olga
Booked by 22 repeat families
25 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 55 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi everyone,my name is Olga and I am a responsible, energetic, friendly, sociable, punctual, and easy going person. I enjoy spending time with kids. I used to work as a teacher assistant when I was in my country. I have experience at taking care toddlers, infants and school age kids. I like outdoor activities like going to the park, walkings, soccer, going to the library, and going to new places with kids. I also do drop offs and pick ups. I have experience at date nights and weekends. I have my own car, and I have references. I will be happy to help you with your kids. Hope to hear from you soon!!

“Olga was great!”

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Jamie
Booked by 83 repeat families
73 reviews
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 149 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
Booked by 41 repeat families
68 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 113 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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Chelsea
Booked by 116 repeat families
162 reviews
$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 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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How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in Palo Alto, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $31.15
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.96
  • Typical job length: 4.9 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

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.

1,289 sitters background checked in Palo Alto, CA

4.9 average star rating from total of 10,811 reviews in Palo Alto, 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

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Find a last-minute babysitter in Palo Alto

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

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

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

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 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 October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Palo Alto is $31.15 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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