Family with caregiver

Find a last-minute babysitter in San Mateo, CA

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

Looking for jobs? Apply here.

110 available last-minute babysitters in San Mateo, CA

Families in San Mateo use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
104 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.23/hr

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

Profile photo
Julissa
Booked by 4 repeat families
9 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 11 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi families! My name is Julissa and I have over 8 years of hands-on experience caring for children from as young as 2 months old up to 10 years old. I’m currently looking for a morning to help around! I’ve built a strong reputation with repeat clients who value my flexibility, patience, and ability to quickly connect with children. Whether it’s reading stories, going on nature walks, doing crafts, or just being silly and playful, I truly enjoy spending quality time with kids and keeping them safe, happy, and engaged. I’m reliable, easygoing, and always come with a positive attitude. If you’re looking for a trustworthy backup nanny or occasional sitter, I’d love to help! Thank you!

“Julissa was wonderful with my kids. She met them exactly where they were - ready to jump in and play games or go on a fun outing but also happy to give them space for independent activities. They had a great time with her! ”

Profile photo
Leticia
Booked by 8 repeat families
15 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 21 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi! My name is Leticia, and I have several years of hands-on childcare experience working with children of all ages. I’ve worked as a nanny and babysitter since I was in high school and truly enjoy supporting children’s growth and development. In addition to babysitting, I have experience substitute teaching at a Montessori Preschool, where I helped create a positive and engaging learning environment in the absence of the lead teacher. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology as well as 2 Associate’s degrees in Psychology and Social & Behavioral sciences where I’ve taken early childhood education courses including child development and developmental psychology. I also have experience with children with diverse needs, including autism and ADHD. I’m skilled in coordinating schedules, helping with homework, preparing meals, managing bedtime routines, school drop-offs/pick-ups, and overnight care. I’m a very patient, attentive, and nurturing caregiver who enjoys engaging children in a variety of activities including arts and crafts, magna tiles, legos, and outdoor activities (ex: tag and playing at the park). I prioritize safety, clear communication with parents, and routines where children can thrive in. In my free time, I work with feral cats as well as socialize kittens. This is a huge passion of mine as I love animals and have quite a few pets myself. I would love the opportunity to support your family, thank you for considering my application and I look forward to speaking with you!

Profile photo
Gloria
Booked by 4 repeat families
5 reviews
$28 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 9 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi my name is Gloria, I worked in a daycare over ten years ago. The woman I worked with closed her daycare and I changed careers. I miss working with kids I love exploring the world with toddler's for the first time. I enjoy playing make-believe, creating new worlds, arts & crafts. I enjoy playing board games and reading books.

“She was great. ”

Profile photo
Marisol
Booked by 3 repeat families
4 reviews
$28 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 10 families in San Mateo, CA

Hello! My name is Marisol and I am currently a full-time Community Health Outreach Worker in SFUSD. I have a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley along with a minor in Gender and Women’s studies. I hope to one day become a social worker and continue working within SFUSD, serving the communities I love! Due to my daytime job, I am only seeking occasional jobs during evenings or on weekends. I have about 10 years of experience working with children in different settings. I began by caring for my own family members while in high school, and with time, branched out to other families within the Bay Area. Over summers, I work as a kindergarten teacher at a day camp where I lesson plan daily for a group of about 15 6-7 year olds. I really enjoy doing arts & crafts, academic support, and assisting youth in exploring their interests. Some of my past responsibilities as a babysitter/nanny have included pick-up/drop-off, going out to local activities, bedtime routines, and light tidying. I am also open to helping run errands! Please feel free to reach out with any questions or just to connect!

“Marisol was attentive and patient with my 19 month old! Would recommend. She even folded clothes and tidied while our little one was napping. ”

Profile photo
Jamie
Booked by 12 repeat families
13 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 28 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi there! I’m a warm, reliable caregiver with over 5 years of professional pediatric experience supporting children and families, along with many years of babysitting throughout college and beyond. My background in childhood development along with the many young children in my family have given me a strong understanding of children 6 months and beyond, along with how to support children’s emotional, social, and developmental needs at every stage. I believe in fostering play and curiosity while maintaining a safe and nurturing environment. Some of the activities I love are playing games, pretend play, music, and playing outside! I take great pride in being a caregiver that families are able to trust and rely on. I’d love the opportunity to connect with your family and I look forward to chatting!

Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college

Children playing together

How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in San Mateo, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $31.23
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $37.10
  • Typical job length: 4.8 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in San Mateo, 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.

2,378 sitters background checked in San Mateo, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 28,371 reviews in San Mateo, 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 San Mateo

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why San Mateo 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 San Mateo families

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

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 San Mateo

How do I find a last-minute babysitter in San Mateo?

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

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in San Mateo is $31.23 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in San Mateo.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

Can I find a same-day babysitter in San Mateo?

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

As seen on