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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.

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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.

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Isabel
Booked by 2 repeat families
3 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 6 families in San Mateo, CA

Hello! I hope you're doing well. I'm a mother of three (ages 15, 16, and 18), with lots of experience caring for multiple children. I'm patient, kind, organized, and proactive. I'm fluent in Spanish and English, CPR and First Aid certified, and I have a valid driver's license, a clean record, and my own car. I love keeping babies and kids engaged with activities like reading, arts and crafts, and trips to the park or library. I also like to help out around the house during downtime with tidying, laundry, and other chores. I'm available Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a. m, as I work with another family in Portola Valley afterward. During that time, I can help with bathing, laundry, bottles, organizing, and drop-offs/pick-ups if needed. References are available upon request! Feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat by phone or video call. Thank you so much for your time!

“My daughter loved playing with Isabel. She had a wonderful time. Would definitely hire again!”

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Rick 12 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in San Mateo, CA

Hi, I’m Rick; a caring, energetic, and responsible individual with a lifelong passion for helping families thrive. I’m 37 and currently based in Redwood City. With a strong background in both child and pet care, I bring over three years experience working with all age groups from newborns and infants (1.5 years experience) to toddlers, preschoolers, school age kids, and teens (3 years’ experience each). I love playing, teaching, and learning with kids of all ages, adapting creative activities and games to keep everyone engaged. I focus on fostering a supportive, positive, and fun environment while maintaining structure and clear communication. Parents can count on me for organization, reliability, and compassion at every step. While my main focus is on child care, I also have extensive experience in animal care, behavior, and training (over 3 years). Alongside my wife, I’ve prepared healthy, natural organic treats and meals for pets, and I’ve led group outings for dogs in our local area. As a telepathic animal communicator, I genuinely understand pets as family; I currently care for three cats and have cared for several dogs and cats in the past. My core values include healthy living, mindfulness, and keeping a toxin free, caring home. I believe in living with integrity and consistency aligning words, actions, and beliefs. I love to teach and guide through games and self reflection and I'm always eager to help young minds flourish. If you’re looking for someone compassionate, honest, detail oriented, and fun, who understands the needs of both kids and family pets, let’s connect!

“Recommended 100%🔥🔥, Rick is a rocket. He puts our kids down very fast, he's very nice, has a healthy style of living🍀. Loves our girls and pets which is amazing because our pets and girls love him too. I trust him and love his passion for his job.”

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Tracey
Booked by 2 repeat families
3 reviews
$45 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in San Mateo, CA

Hello!! Thank you for reading my information!! About me...I have two children son 33, daughter 27 I have loved caring for children and have been babysitting since I was 10. When I was 22 I opened a large family day care. That daycare consisted of 14 children from newborn through school age. I did this for 14 years. I loved every minute. We took those children on many adventures, most children stayed with us longterm and could read before kindergarten. During the last few years that I had my daycare I was also going to school to be an ASL interpreter. Taught the children in my care some ASL. Unfortunately had to close the daycare in 2002, sadly the house we were renting was sold. I then went on to work as a nanny with four of the children from two families, one was a newborn, they had attended my daycare, I was their nanny for four years. I decided it was time to go back to school. While attending college I worked in the child nutrition department for an elementary School District. When I realized that college was not my path, I went on to work in upper management with Starbucks, and Whole Foods. For the past 7 years I have been the food service lead for a high school food service department. During that time I babysat in the evenings with multiple families. I was fortunate that when I created my Urbansitter account I was chosen to work with a family of four In Belmont. Caregiving and mother's/father's helper. A Wonderful family with two children. I have been with them now into our 5th year. They're are moving so it is time to share my love with another family. I am comfortable working with children of all ages. I am a very loving, playful and easy going, I am confident in my caregiving and can adapt easily to any situation that may arise. There has not been a child that I cannot work with. My personality...laid back, funny, hard worker, I do not frustrate easy. I love the challenges that come with children. I communicate well and I am very easy to communicate with. My thought has always been "what would I expect for my children" I am an artist and very creative. I have owned and operated MANY businesses, last one being a License Plate art business. I am very excited to finally have re-opened an Urbansiiter account.I hope that between my video and this very long "about" I will have an opportunity to work with your precious family! Cheers!! Tracey

“We feel incredibly fortunate to have found Tracey. She is consistently warm, dependable, and exceptionally engaged with our children. Rather than simply supervising them, she actively participates in whatever they're interested in, making them feel heard, valued, and excited to spend time with her. She has a remarkable ability to connect with children with very different personalities and interests. Whether she's taking them on walks, visiting museums, doing crafts, or simply having long conversations about the topics they love, she brings genuine enthusiasm and patience to everything she does. She is also always on time, and is happy to help with other household chores when time permits. The biggest endorsement I can give is that our kids are so genuinely excited when she arrives. As a parent, there's nothing more reassuring than knowing your children are happy, engaged, and cared for by someone who truly enjoys being with them.”

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Vanessa
Booked by 4 repeat families
7 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 9 families in San Mateo, CA

Message me if you may have any questions or one-time jobs. Hello! My name is Vanessa. I am born and raised in the Bay Area. I currently have a dog of my own and grew up with two dogs. My first job was as an assistant teacher at preschools and elementary schools, while I was going to community college. Eventually, I graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelors's in Communications and a Theatre minor. I love performing and am seeking a job that can give me some of the flexibility for that (mostly for the evenings). I also have a drivers license and have my COVID vaccines. Hope to talk soon!

“Vanessa arrived on time and had great communication during her afternoon with my son. He said he had so much fun playing and we would love to book Vanessa again! Thanks Vanessa!”

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Valentina
Booked by 1 repeat family
5 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi there! I'm Valentina a current speech pathology assistant at a special education school in Redwood City. I enjoy going on runs, spending time with my dog and trying new recipes. I have been working with kids since I was 16 and have since gained experience in caring for toddlers, twins, and tweens. I am a versatile person who would love to help out your family.

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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

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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.

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