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.

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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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Angela
Booked by 3 repeat families
2 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in San Mateo, CA

Hello! My name is Angela and I'm 26 years old. I have experience at daycares with ages from 3 months to 6 years. I was also a full time live-in nanny and was with them for a year and still babysit all the time for them! I've been around kids my whole life and am super comfortable with all ages. I have completed a few Early Childhood Education classes. I am looking forward to speaking with any potential families! :)

“Angela has lots of experience caring for children of all ages and my kids love playing with her!”

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Jahaira
Booked by 5 repeat families
6 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 9 families in San Mateo, 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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Kelly
Booked by 8 repeat families
14 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 17 families in San Mateo, CA

Hello families! My name is Kelly and I'm so excited to meet you. I recently graduated from the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU with a Master's of Medical Science, and I am available for light part-time or occasional jobs. I graduated with a BA in English in 2015, and worked for several years in teaching: high school music and dance programs, summer camp operations, and most recently in administration for a nonprofit preschool. In addition, I spent a year at a local Children's Hospital, planning age-appropriate activities for children of all ability levels. I enjoy primarily working with infants and young children. My favorite activities to do with kids include playing in the park, reading, arts & crafts, and music. I'm proficient in basic Spanish and love to practice with little ones! I am Infant & Child CPR/First Aid certified, and enjoy creating safe and fun spaces for children to play.

“Punctual, professional and fantastic with the kids. Would definitely hire again. ”

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Grace 1 review
$25 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Grace and I'm currently in school for my Masters in Social Work. I am offering child care and senior care. I love pets, too! Child care experience: I have 5+ years working with kids between the ages of 0-18 in educational and therapeutic contexts. I love playing sports, doing arts activities, exploring, & letting kids be themselves. I have experience cooking healthy, delicious meals, helping with homework, implementing bedtime routines, changing diapers, and helping out with chores. Senior care experience: I am someone who grew up spending time with my grandparents and great-grandmother, playing cards together, cooking steaks, riding horses, driving, and talking. I also spent a lot of time by my grandfather's bedside while he was passing away, helping him to be comfortable and to know that he was loved. In addition to offering my presence and connection, I am able to drive, cook, clean, do laundry, organize, and run errands, too. I hope to hear from you!

“We were so fortunate to have Grace care for our three children on an as-needed basis. She is kind, patient and thoughtful, and our kids always felt safe and happy in her care. Beyond childcare, she has a natural gift for working with seniors, offering both companionship and support with special needs in a way that shows genuine compassion. She is honest, trustworthy, and dependable. These qualities gave us peace of mind whenever she was with our family. I highly recommend Grace to anyone looking for a reliable and caring person to help with their loved ones.”

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Roselyn
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in San Mateo, CA

Hi, I'm Roselyn! As a mom to an 8-year-old, I understand how important it is to find someone trustworthy and caring for your children. I have an Associate's Degree in Psychology, nursing education from the Philippines, and I'm currently studying toward a career in Occupational Therapy. My education and parenting experience have given me a strong foundation in child development, safety, and caregiving. I strive to provide a fun, safe, and supportive environment for every child in my care.

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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

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.

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