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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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Angelica
Booked by 164 repeat families
186 reviews
$38 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 364 families in San Mateo, CA

Experienced & Caring Childcare Provider Available With over 15 years of hands-on experience caring for children from newborns to 15 years old, I bring dedication, patience, and a genuine love for helping kids grow and thrive. As a mom to a wonderful 7-year-old, I understand how important it is to find safe, nurturing, and dependable care. * Former Au Pair for 2 years (cared for children ages newborn to 12yo. * First Aid and CPR trained by American Red Cross * Extensive experience working with children with disabilities, including strong experience supporting individuals with autism * 3 years recently working with a nonprofit supporting families and youth with disabilities and Autism. I’m fully trained to work with any special needs I have training with safely assist someone who uses a wheelchair into and out of a vehicle. I’m fully Covid vaccinated and others vaccine. I am reliable, patient, and energetic, with a strong work ethic and a true passion for childcare. I’m also a strong driver with a clean driving record and can assist with school pick-ups, drop-offs, and activities. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, swimming, going to church, and spending quality time with my daughter. Availability: Babysitting, date nights, and occasional care References: Strong references available upon request If you’re looking for someone trustworthy, experienced, and caring, I would love to connect with you. Feel free to message me anytime for more information!

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Francesca
Booked by 33 repeat families
58 reviews
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 65 families in San Mateo, CA

Please read thoroughly before requesting!! Thanks so much for viewing. If I am applying to YOUR post for a one time sit, I will accept the rate at which you’ve set. Please check my calendar. Please don’t request any days that are unavailable. NOTE: Will accept jobs that have a dedicated parking space or ample parking available in the neighborhood as I'll be driving to your location. In addition, if your child or anyone in the family is sick or suspects COVID, please do not book or if I have already approved the sit, please cancel. I want to protect my health and you and your families health so please be respectful. Current Availability - On Call, Date Nights, Occasional, Weekends Hello! My name is Francesca and I look forward to meeting your family. I've been babysitting since I was 13 years old, caring for multiple nieces and family friend's children ranging from ages 1-16. I also have experience working at a preschool for my senior project. Previously, I volunteered as a Kindergarten Aide at an elementary school in San Francisco on my spare time. I have a clean driving record and have my own transportation. A little background about me: I played piano and keyboard for over 8 years, enjoy reading on my spare time, love to bake and cook, & I'm a Yoga and Pilates enthusiast. I have a 3.9 GPA with multiple honors and dean lists notations. I am also magna cum laude of my graduating class. Being around children brings me joy and love any opportunity to be around them. Some activities that I like doing with children are reading (highly encouraged since I was an avid reader since age 4), helping with homework, snack time/feeding, arts & crafts, computer/electronic educational games (only if parent encourages it - otherwise no electronics per parents request), singing, dancing, games, puzzles, going to the park, basketball, make believe etc... I am a responsible, caring, nurturing, dedicated and organized individual and hope to be a positive contribution to your family. Cancellation Policy: If bookings are cancelled by the parent within 12 hours of the start time of the booking, I charge a fee of 50% of the total booking to help offset the loss of wages on short notice.

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Lupita
Booked by 45 repeat families
60 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 88 families in San Mateo, CA

I'm a sweet, independent, proactive, fun, lovely, calm, easygoing, and strong individual. Currently residing in Redwood City, I firmly believe in the importance of children's education, which begins at home and is a shared responsibility between parents and caregivers. Additionally, I have excellent driving skills, and clean record. I’m certified by American Heart Association CPR/RCP Pediátrica. Also, vaccinated for Covid-19. I am bilingual Spanish and English. I can teach Spanish too and early childhood development units. Whit prior experience caring for children ranging from 18 months to 17 years old.

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Caitlyn
Booked by 14 repeat families
11 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 25 families in San Mateo, CA

Hello! I’m Caitlyn, a childcare professional with over 15 years of experience. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University. Currently, I work as a Site Supervisor for Hillsborough Recreation’s Aftercare program, and I’ve had the opportunity to work at various recreation centers over the years. I’ve also been a nanny for five families, caring for children aged 2 to 13, and have experience with newborns and infants, along with roles as a summer camp counselor. I’m reliable, patient, CPR certified, and fully vaccinated (including the COVID booster). I’m available for occasional date night and weekend childcare. Feel free to reach out with any questions—I’d love to assist your family!

“Caitlyn was a fantastic sitter. My daughter loved her and she heads up the aftercare at North School so she is a serious pro. She took my daughter to a play date, has her own car, had a they had a great day. Will definitely have her back again soon. ”

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Maria
Booked by 208 repeat families
247 reviews
$22 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 410 families in San Mateo, CA

**Not available from Jan 17- Feb 7, 2026** Please make sure to read before booking: Hello, My name is Maria and I'm 70 years old. Yes, I understand than that's older than most nannies on here but I'm still very active and I love kids. I've been babysitting since I was young, being that I'm the oldest of seven siblings. Most of them see me as a mother figure now. I have my own kids, or should I say adults now, who are 34 and 32 years old. So I pretty much know how to raise children. I have nannied for couple families (ages ranging from 4-14), my longest being seven years with the same family. I pretty much became part of their family. I would cook, clean, watch the dog, drive her to activities, drop her off and pick her up from school, etc. I've also nannied triplets, so I'm pretty comfortable with that too. I have a great driving record and a safe, reliable Prius C. * Because I am older now, I prefer jobs that do not include driving children* Although my english isn't that great, please have patience with me, I understand it perfectly. I'm also fluent in Spanish. The past couple years, I've been a caregiver for an older couple but I have decided I want to go back to nanning. I like having an impact on kids when they're young. I'm looking for occasional jobs right now. I look forward to meeting you and your child/children.

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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

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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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