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

I love being a grandmother and taking care of my grandkids. I love doing arts and crafts with my kids. It makes me happy to see them creating and thriving in this way.

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Jordan
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in San Mateo, CA

Hello! I am a Bay Area animal caregiver. I started walking and then boarding & sitting. I love bonding and delivering the best experience curated around your dog’s needs and interests. Looking forward to meeting you!

“Jordan has been walking our dog for quite a while. Roger loves her and she's consistent, friendly, and professional. Highly recommended!”

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Ysabella $30 per hour for 1 child

Hi- My name is Bella. I work Monday- Thursday and am looking for a babysitting job for Fridays. I am the oldest of 3 and started babysitting when I was 15. I have 10+ years of experience with ages 4 months and up. I have 7 yrs of experience working with children with Downs Syndrome as well. I am comfortable with kids going through periods of being fussy or having a hard time being away from their parents. I like to keep them engaged with whatever fits their developmental stage whether that be reading books, singing, going to the park, or playing games around the house. If the kids have chores or responsibilities around the house I will make sure they get done if needed. I am CRP and first aid certified and have had experience with medical emergencies. Those moments showed me the importance of being trained in life saving procedures. I am proud to say in those moments my training helped me stay calm and take appropriate action. I have a Honda Civic and don’t mind taking kids places or running errands. I am open to light house keeping like dishes, laundry, and cooking. I grew up in Petaluma and am very close with my family. In my free time I enjoy exploring the city, hiking, and hanging out with friends.

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Bruna $32 per hour for 1 child

I have 5 years of experience caring for children from 3 months to 12 years old, always with love, patience, and reliability. I am fluent in English, a native Portuguese speaker, a pharmacist in Brazil, certified in First Aid and CPR, and trained in child care for lab tests with experience in hospital routines. I also have volunteer experience in daycare centers for low-income families, knowledge of sleep training and baby-led weaning, excellent references, and I’m fully vaccinated. I own a car, have insurance, and a clean driving record.

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Nehir $30 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m Nehir, a Biology student at San Francisco State University with several years of childcare experience. I’ve worked with Diabetes Youth Families at summer camps for children with Type 1 diabetes (ages 7–18), supporting kids and helping create a safe and fun environment. I’ve also worked at the Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula with middle school students and currently teach after-school tennis, pickleball, and volleyball at an elementary school as well as at preschool. I have experience caring for infants as well, who are 6 months old to 10-month-old. I’m patient, responsible, energetic, and I have a driver’s license. I enjoy hiking and traveling in my free time.

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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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