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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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Kayla $26 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m a caring, patient, and dependable babysitter who genuinely enjoys working with children. I have the most experience caring for children ages 9 months to 2 years old, and I especially enjoy this age because I love being part of their learning, development, and everyday routines. In my previous childcare experience, I enjoyed creating fun and engaging activities such as reading books, going to the park, visiting libraries and museums, and finding age-appropriate ways for children to explore and learn. I’m also comfortable helping with meals, naps, playtime, and keeping a consistent routine. I would love the opportunity to expand my experience with newborns and younger babies. While I have less experience with newborns, I’m very attentive to detail, eager to learn, and would take the time to understand your baby’s individual routine, needs, and preferences. I want parents to feel comfortable and confident knowing their child is in caring hands. I’m currently attending college and would love to find a family I can build a trusting and long-term relationship with!

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Louise $20 per hour for 1 child

I have been a nanny for 40 years first in the UK , then out here for the last 30+ years . I raised my daughter out here , she now lives in Redwood City . I love working as a nanny, really specializing in toddlers and babies I just updated my New born Care Specialist Certificate, uptodate CPR and vaccines

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Colette $25 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Colette, and I'm currently a graduate student at Stanford. I am offering child care, pet care, and household services. I love being a babysitter and have been watching toddlers and kids since I was 16. My responsibilities have included transportation to and from school, supervised activities, cooking, and homework help. I'm an experienced tutor from elementary to high school with a specialization in writing and English. I'm passionate about helping children love learning and feel confident in their skills! I also work as a household assistant and can cook, clean, and run errands. I enjoy cooking and baking, and I am happy to aid in preparing meals or teaching cooking and baking skills.

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Elvira Antonia $50 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Palo Alto, CA

Warm, playful, and dependable caregiver with 18+ years of experience caring for children of all ages, including infants. After recently working on a developmental milestone project, I felt called back to what I truly love most — helping children grow, learn, feel deeply cared for, and making everyday life feel lighter and more supported for parents too. I love bringing warmth, laughter, creativity, music, outdoor adventures, and calm positive energy into a home. I’m naturally very hands-on and happy to help wherever needed — whether that’s nurturing little ones through developmental milestones, engaging in playful learning, preparing simple healthy meals, tidying up child-related spaces, helping with routines, or creating a smoother flow for the whole family. Families often describe me as loving, reliable, helpful, positive and fun with their children. I am CPR/AED/First Aid certified, have my own reliable car, and speak English, Spanish, and French (plus some Portuguese and Hindi). Currently looking for one more kind, respectful, communicative part-time family who values warmth, teamwork, and thoughtful childcare. P.S: While I was advised to charge $50hr. I am ok with negotiating lower for the right family who really needs it

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Charlotte $30 per hour for 1 child

I'm a medical assistant at a pediatric and OBGYN clinic, currently applying to PA school and looking to babysit on the side. Kids have always been my passion! I'm CPR/First Aid & EMT certified with 3–5 years of hands-on experience. Whether you need a reliable date night sitter or just an extra set of caring hands, I'd love to be part of your village :)

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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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