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

I love cats and have two of them myself! I’ve grown up with cats and have a lot of experience looking after them. Would love to help take care of your fur baby!

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Paula 2 reviews
$38 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in San Mateo, CA

Hello! My name is Paula (children call me Lala/Yaga) and I’m a fun and caring 30-year-old with over 10 years of experience working with children. Throughout the years, I’ve worked as an au pair, live-in nanny, full-time nanny, co-teacher at a Reggio Emilia inspired school in Brazil, and most recently as a teacher at a nonprofit organization supporting families at risk and children with diverse medical needs. I also spent four years as a family consultant/caregiver for an amazing family in San Francisco, supporting them through infancy and toddlerhood while helping create a safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive environment. I’m currently a master’s student at SF State for Early Childhood Education with concentration in Special Needs. Caring for children has always been my passion. I love seeing their excitement as they learn something new and the way they view the world with such imagination. I’m proactive, responsible, and have wonderful references from my past positions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. I’d love the chance to share my experience and work with your family! Warmly, Paula

“I can't recommend Paula enough! Her background in Early Childhood Education truly makes her exceptional. She isn't just a caregiver—she's an active teacher who cares both about the child and the family as a whole. She brings so much intentionality to our days. She plans fun, age-appropriate activities that make learning feel natural. Her knowledge of child development is clear in how well our child has developed into a thoughtful and curious young man. She's calm, professional, and I completely trust her. I also consider her language skills with Spanish and Portuguese to be an huge plus. Any family would be incredibly lucky to have her as a partner!”

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Natalie 1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child

Hello my name is Natalie and I offer child care services.😊 Child Care: I have experience with taking care of both children and babies. I've taken care of babies 6 months+ and also older kids 2 yrs -16 yrs. In addition to babysitting, I help kids with their homework and provide school pick-ups and drop-offs, along with errands/shopping for parents. My experience includes play activities, going to the park, making meals, story time and bedtime routines. For babies bottle feedings, bathing, and changing diapers. I've also worked with special needs kids, having helped raised my godson who is autistic, and my prior experience in Special Education training courses. I can assist with homework in subjects including math, English, science, history, and art. I have an excellent driving record, with no tickets or accidents in over 30 years. I'm happy to work with families on a one-time or part-time weekly schedule and also can provide references.

“Natalie has been working with our family and 3 boys (5-8-10) in San Mateo four days a week. She helps with all the boys after school activities, driving, and short term babysitting. She's reliable, has a good work ethic, trustworthy, and consistently demonstrates patience and good judgment in supporting and navigating the boys’ different personalities and everyday ups and downs.”

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Jhanine $30 per hour for 1 child

Hi everyone! My name is Jhanine, I’m 22 years old and currently a nursing student pursuing my passion for caring for others. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for working with kids. There’s something so genuine, energetic, and joyful about being around children that really inspires me and reminds me why I chose nursing in the first place. Although I haven’t officially worked in a pediatric setting yet, I come from a big, loving, and caring family where looking out for one another is just part of who we are. Being surrounded by cousins, siblings, and family gatherings has naturally helped me develop patience, warmth, and a nurturing personality. Through babysitting, I’ve been able to bring that same positive, supportive energy and create a safe, fun, and caring environment for kids. I’m excited to continue growing in my nursing journey and hopefully work with children in the future, combining my education with the genuine care and compassion that comes from my family roots.

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Andee 1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in San Mateo, CA

Hi! My name is Andee, and I bring over 10 years of childcare experience working primarily with children ages 4-12, along with 7 years of experience as an educator. After working as a special education and elementary school teacher, I am now earning my credential in mathematics to become a middle school teacher. I love incorporating learning into everyday moments and am always happy to support with homework or provide math tutoring during our time together at no extra cost. I’ve led summer enrichment programs including science and cooking camps, so I enjoy creating engaging, structured activities. I also greatly value the importance of unstructured play and giving kids the space to relax, explore, and be themselves. I strive to find a thoughtful balance between fun, creativity, and gentle structure. I have experience working with neurodivergent children and take on a collaborative, individualized approach, partnering closely with families to understand each child’s unique needs so they can feel supported, comfortable, and confident. One of my personal passions is financial literacy, and I love finding age-appropriate ways to introduce simple money mindset concepts through fun, optional activities (only if this is something your family is interested in!). I’m a big animal lover and grew up with pets: currently I have two cats, Dougie and Mac (named after rappers), and a sweet dog named Mila, so I’m very comfortable in homes with animals. I also have a reliable car and a clean driving record. Above all, I aim to create a warm, positive, and dependable environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to spend time together. Due to my full-time work + school schedule, my availability isn't as open as I would like. However, I do occasionally have weekend or night openings when schedules align, so feel free to reach out. I’d love to connect and see if I might be a good fit for your family! 😊

“Andee was an absolute joy! She came prepared with arts and crafts, was a great communicator, and immediately connected with both of our kids. They absolutely raved about her afterward. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would happily have her back!”

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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

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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