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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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Haley
Booked by 5 repeat families
6 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 12 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi! My name is Haley and I graduated from Stanford in 2024 with a B.S. in Product Design and was a D1 athlete on the field hockey team. I’ve been babysitting for as long as I can remember (10+ years) - I love kids and really enjoy helping them learn & grow! I have experience with children of all ages, love sports, and am always happy to help! <3

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Xeriz
Booked by 6 repeat families
9 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 17 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi! I’m Xeriz, a 23-year-old with a passion for caring for children. I’ve worked as a nanny in different cities over the years, and now, as an ABA behavior technician, I love supporting kids, especially those with special needs. I’m friendly, patient, and adaptable, always making sure to create a fun, safe, and loving environment for children. I also enjoy meal prepping and can easily tailor meals to your family’s needs, whether it’s keto, vegan, low-carb, or protein-focused. I’ve lived with families as their nanny before, so I’m used to adjusting to different routines and can do the same for you. Music is another big part of my life and something I’m truly passionate about :) I sing and play multiple instruments, and I’m always happy to share that with the kids through fun musical activities or even teaching them to play if they’re interested. Now that I’m back in NorCal, I’m excited to focus on what I love most which is helping children grow and making a positive impact on your family’s life!

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Liana
Booked by 2 repeat families
6 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 7 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi! My name is Liana and I’m looking for one-time and occasional babysitting jobs. I’m a Physician Assistant student at Stanford University and am looking to make some extra money while I’m in school. I have always loved working with kids. I graduated with a B.S in Neuroscience from Santa Clara University and I hope to work in pediatrics as a PA. I have past experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), pediatric medical assistant, daycare volunteer, and math/reading tutor. I have my own car and am comfortable driving to/from activities. I enjoy reading, baking, spending time outside, watching tv/movies, and doing crafts!

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Jahaira
Booked by 5 repeat families
6 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 9 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hi, my name is Jahaira. I am currently a preschool teacher in Palo Alto. I have been teaching there for over 9 years. I love working with children. I also enjoy helping around the house and be an extra set of hands in your household. I have worked with multiple families in the past, long and short term as a household assistant. I am looking for some weekends or weekday nights hours to help with taking care of your babies or helping around the house. I am very flexible and reliable.

“Jahaira was punctual and our kids loved her. ”

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Amina
Booked by 2 repeat families
4 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 8 families in Palo Alto, CA

Hello! I’m Amina, and I have several years of babysitting experience with kids of all ages. As a caregiver, I would describe myself as nurturing, patient, and kind. Your child’s emotional and physical wellbeing are important to me! You can expect me to be fully engaged with your children. A few activities I might do with them (depending on their age and interests) are reading stories, doing crafts projects, playing board games, making friendship bracelets, or playing with outdoor chalk. My priority is to keep your children happy, healthy, and safe. If you choose to book with me, you can count on me to be dependable and attentive. Thanks for reading and please reach out if you have any questions!

“Amina was a fantastic sitter for my 2 boys. She was friendly, caring, compassionate and playful. Highly recommend!”

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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

Family with caregiver

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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