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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Belen
Booked by 4 repeat families
5 reviews
$27 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 10 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi there! My name is Belén and I’m originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I’m a fashion designer graduate and I been living here for three year already. I love kids and I’m currently taking care of two girls of 5 and 8. I have experience with kids from 3 months old to 10 years old. I like playing with them, reading books, or do arts and craft. I even teached how to crochet to my kids. I consider myself as an artsy and crafty person and I enjoy sharing that with kids. I’m fluent in english but my native lenguage is spanish. Cheers, Belén (:

“Belen is the best. She cares for our two girls (5,3) and they adore her. She plays fun, creative games with the girls. We could not function without her. Belen is the greatest!!”

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Mirella
Booked by 15 repeat families
18 reviews
$31 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 30 families in San Mateo, CA

Hello My name is Mirella I’m a Regional Program Manager with 5+ years experience working with youth babysitting, nannying and overseeing and managing programs for organizations like boys and girls club and sheriffs activities league. I formally played college softball and love working with kids while I’m not working my full time job. I stopped babysitting for a bit but back open and ready to work with your family!! Please let me know if you have any questions.

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Rafaella
Booked by 1 repeat family
5 reviews
$38 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 7 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi families! My name is Rafaella, and I’m a career nanny and family assistant with 9+ years of professional experience caring for children from newborns through the teenage years. I’m currently open to part-time, occasional, and one-time childcare opportunities, depending on the family’s needs. I have extensive experience with childcare, as well as mother’s helper and family-assistant responsibilities. I’m comfortable helping with school routines, activities, homework, meal and snack preparation, children’s laundry, organization, errands, and general household support. I enjoy keeping children active and engaged through outings, library trips, playdates, arts and crafts, and age-appropriate activities. I have reliable transportation, a clean driving record, and excellent references from families I’ve worked with long-term. I’m dependable, organized, hands-on, and value open communication and mutual respect with the families I work with. I’m located in Burlingame and am primarily looking for opportunities on the Peninsula, though I’m open to the right fit in San Francisco as well. I’m hoping to find a family who is looking for more than just a babysitter—someone they can trust, rely on, and welcome as a long-term part of their household.

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Lori
Booked by 1 repeat family
2 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in San Mateo, CA

Hello! My name is Lori, and I’m an experienced, caring, and dependable caregiver who genuinely enjoys spending time with children. After 15 wonderful years in my professional career, I recently stepped away to embrace a more balanced lifestyle. I’m now looking for a few babysitting opportunities each week where I can do something I truly enjoy—caring for and connecting with children. Being a daycare provider help me financially through college. I’m a mom of two children and raised them as a single parent, so I understand how important it is for parents to have someone they can trust and feel completely comfortable leaving their children with. I was also the primary caregiver for my father before he passed away, which further strengthened my patience, compassion, and sense of responsibility. I have experience caring for infants, toddlers, and young children. I currently babysit a 2½-year-old on a consistent basis and have been part of his life since he was a baby. I’ve also volunteered at Stanford Children’s Hospital in the Newborn Hearing Screening Unit, an experience that gave me additional exposure to newborns and families. I’m nurturing, patient, attentive, and responsible, and I enjoy creating a safe, positive, and engaging environment for children. I’m happy to follow your family’s routines and preferences and understand the importance of keeping parents informed and comfortable while they’re away. I would love the opportunity to meet your family and learn more about your childcare needs. Please feel free to reach out with any questions—I’d be happy to tell you more about myself and my experience!

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Amanda 2 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 4 families in San Mateo, CA

I recently moved to San Mateo and I’m currently looking for a nanny position closer to my new location. My name is Amanda and I have over 8 years of experience caring for children of all ages.

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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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