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
Anahi $30 per hour for 1 child

I am energetic, reliable, and have a flexible schedule. I have worked at an after school program for the last 6 years. I worked as an instructor with grades TK through 8th grade of classes averaging 20-25 students. I have also worked as a middle school academic success advisor. I am also bilingual in English and Spanish. I have babysat my nieces and nephews currently ranging from 8 months to 17 years old.

Profile photo
Rowena $28 per hour for 1 child

Hello! My name is Rowena. I've been caregiving for 4 years, but it feels like more. I'm currently working home health in clients homes. Occasionally dog sitting on the side. I also have experience working with children Autism.

Profile photo
Hozana $28 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m Hozana, a caring, responsible, and patient caregiver with experience as an au pair. I love working with children and creating a safe, fun, and positive environment. I’m reliable, organized, and always respectful of each family’s routine.

Profile photo
Yolanda 1 review
$35 per hour for 1 child

I am looking for a child care / household service job during the weekdays afternoons and weekends. I have Associate Education in Hospitality management and B.S degree in Accounting. I have experiences work for 2-3 families as a mother’s helper. I live in SSF with my husband and daughter. I’m a non-smoker, non- alcoholic person. I used to be a full time mom. I took care of my daughter since she was born until she went to 2nd grade. Through the time with my daughter, I learned how to raise a happy, loving, curious, positive, kind, and confident child. I think build a strong growth mindset at early age is very important. Building a good foundation of reading and math skills will help kids to learn better and achieve academic success in the future. I volunteered at a nursery school when my daughter attended that school. I enjoyed the time with children. I prepared meals/ snacks for them, I watched them to play in the playground, feed the rabbits / chickens. I helped them to do crafts, drawing, story time, and play game. It was a great experience for me. The earlier child development is very important as 99% of brain developed before they turning 5 years old. Good eating habits, sleeping routine, quality activities, and reading are very important for children. I love kids. I like to read books to kids, bring kids outside to play, take kids to the park, museums,or library. In my spare time, I like sleeping, hiking, reading, coloring, planting, cuddling my cats. I speak English, Chinese Mandarin, and I understand Cantonese.

Profile photo
Evelyn $38 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m Evelyn, a childcare professional with over 15 years of experience caring for children of all ages, from infants to school-age kids. I’m reliable, patient, and passionate about creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for every child. As a mom myself, I understand the importance of trust and communication, and I strive to provide families with dependable, high-quality care.

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