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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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Brandi
Booked by 3 repeat families
1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in San Mateo, CA

HI! I'm a mom of three (ages 15, 20, and 23) with 9 years of professional nanny experience, plus 14 years at home raising my own kids. I've cared for every age from newborns to teenagers, and I genuinely love them all. Most of my career has been spent in long-term positions with two families, staying with each of them for several years as their kids grew. My days with kids are active and full. I'm big on outings: the park, the library, music classes, and the zoo. I like creating a home that feels fun and silly, with plenty of music and cooking. I'm also a serious animal lover, so pets in the house are a bonus. Beyond childcare, I'm hardworking and detail oriented, and cleaning and organizing are my specialties. I'm also well versed in food allergies and special diets. I have Celiac Disease myself and follow a strict gluten-free routine, so label-reading and avoiding cross-contamination are second nature to me. I speak conversational Spanish. Not fluent, but enough to hold a real conversation. One practical note: I'm highly allergic to Lavender, so I ask that Lavender scented products not be used in the home. Lavender growing outside is no problem at all. I'm available for occasional sitting. I'd love to hear about your family and whatever you might need. Currently available for occasional date nights and weekends.

“Brandi is an exceptional nanny - highly experienced with all ages and incredibly energetic and warm. We were fortunate to have her as our full-time nanny and an integral part of our family for nearly 4 years. She cared for our older son from 4 months on and helped us set a regular napping/feeding schedule with him right off the bat. Over the years, she helped us transition to new nap schedules, new foods, new activities, and a new little brother. Brandi maintained a fun weekly schedule with both boys, taking them to library story times, MyGym, music classes, and coming up with myriad arts and crafts activities. We highly recommend Brandi - it’s such a relief to have an experienced caregiver you can trust!”

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Juliane 3 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in San Mateo, CA

I’m a nanny and early childhood educator with over 9 years of experience, caring for children of all ages — from infants to school-age kids. Experience includes: • Nanny in Brazil in the U.S., and Chile (+ than 5 years) • Au pair in the U.S (San Carlos CA) • Teacher assistant in early childhood education These international experiences helped me develop strong communication skills and a deep understanding of different family cultures and parenting styles. Qualifications: • Degree in Early Childhood Education (Brazil) • Fluent in English and Portuguese • Basic Spanish I’m passionate about creating a safe, fun, and educational environment. I’m responsible, caring, and truly committed to supporting each child’s growth and happiness. I joined Urbansitter in 2020, but soon after returned to Brazil and recently moved back to the U.S., which explains my limited reviews. I’m now excited to be active again and fully available for babysitting.

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Mariana 3 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child

I’m currently looking for a part-time nanny position starting now. I’m 26 years old and a college student, which gives me a flexible schedule especially during the mornings and summer break, eventually Friday evening and weekends. I naturally connect well with children, especially babies. I’m a peaceful, open-minded, creative, and loving person, and I carry strong values that I love to share through everyday moments. While I don’t plan on doing this job forever, I truly see it as a special chapter in my life. one that I’ll always treasure. I grew up with sitters myself, so stepping into this role feels like a beautiful way to give back. I’m truly grateful for the women who cared for me, they played a big part in shaping who I am today, along with my mom. Because of them, I’ve learned so much, and now I get to pass those lessons on Availability: • Mon-Wed-Thr-Fri (available from early morning to 1:00 pm) • Occasional weekends (available upon discussion) About Me: • Over 6 years of experience caring for babies, toddlers, and young children • Experienced with twins and caring for 3+ kids at a time • CPR & First Aid certified through the American Red Cross (infant, child, and adult) • Fluent in English and Spanish • Reliable, patient, and passionate about early childhood development • Comfortable with diapering, feeding routines, sleep schedules, light meal prep, and tidying up after children I love creating a nurturing, playful, and safe space for children to learn and grow. Some of the things I enjoy doing with kids include: • Arts, crafts, and sensory play • Storytime and music • Outdoor walks, park outings, and games, picnic, hikes • Supporting routines and encouraging independence Preferred Work Locations: Redwood City, Menlo Park San Carlos, Belmont, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Francisco Rate: Starting at $25/hour for one child (open to discussing depending on number of children and responsibilities) If you think I’d be a good fit for your family, I’d love to connect and share more about myself and my experience. References available upon request!

“Mariana has been wonderful with our family. She is reliable, communicative, and always checks in to make sure she’s aligned on what needs to be done. She helps with school pickups, homework, showers, dinner, and generally keeping the kids on track in the evenings. She’s proactive, responsible, and great with the kids! We’ve had a great experience with her!”

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Nancy
Booked by 1 repeat family
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi, I’m Nancy! I’m a Bay Area native and a full-time first-grade teacher who truly loves working with kids of all ages. With over five years of classroom experience, many years of babysitting, and a Master’s in Education, I bring patience, creativity, and a nurturing approach to every family I work with. I’m a credentialed public school teacher and have cared for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children—from feedings and nap times to homework help and fun activities. Being bilingual in Spanish and English helps me connect with families from diverse backgrounds, and I’m CPR & First Aid certified so you can feel confident your little ones are safe with me. Families describe me as dependable, warm, and easy to communicate with. Whether you need an extra set of hands during a busy week or a trustworthy sitter for a night out, I’d love to support your family and give your kids a safe, engaging, and fun experience.

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Emonni 1 review
$35 per hour for 1 child

I’m a warm, dependable, and upbeat caregiver with 10+ years of experience caring for children from toddlers through school age in both home and classroom settings. As an early childhood educator, I bring a mix of structure, creativity, and lots of heart to every family I work with. I love getting to know each child’s personality and creating a safe, comfortable environment where they can play, explore, learn, and just be themselves. Whether we’re heading outside for an adventure, getting creative with an activity, working on homework, or simply following their usual routine, I’m happy to meet children where they are. I’m CPR/First Aid certified, reliable, communicative, and experienced in building trusting relationships with both children and parents. My goal is always for your kids to feel cared for and for you to feel completely comfortable knowing they’re in good hands.

“I have 3 kids & Emonni is amazing! She’s kind, caring & keeps the kids entertained! My kids adore her!”

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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

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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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