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Find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Ana, CA

Need a sitter on short notice? Santa Ana families find trusted, background checked babysitters on UrbanSitter.

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58 available last-minute babysitters in Santa Ana, CA

Families in Santa Ana use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
73 available today | Avg hourly rate: $24.90/hr

All babysitters shown here are background checked every year. Learn more.

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Mary-Jo
Booked by 2 repeat families
1 review
$27 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Santa Ana, CA

Hi! My name is Mary-Jo, but I usually go by MJ! I graduated from CSULB in 2023 with a double major of Child Development and Family Studies as well as Family Life Education. I am offering child care and pet care services. I love caring for kids and I have been babysitting for over five years now. I am currently working as a Behavioral Technician and I have experience working with kids on the spectrum. I've babysat kids of ages ranging from newborn - 14 years old.

“She came on time and was so kind and caring towards my son. I could tell my son had so much fun with her!”

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Lindsey
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Ana, CA

I’m currently a college student at USC with 4 years of tutoring experience, working with students of all ages to help them grow academically and build confidence. For the past 3 years, I’ve also babysat part-time for multiple families, primarily caring for children ages 1 and up. I’ve handled infants on several occasions and would love to gain more hands-on experience with younger babies as well. I’m calm under pressure, very organized, and always prioritize creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for kids. Whether it’s helping with homework, preparing snacks, playing games, or managing bedtime routines, I’m happy to support families however I can. As a student, I bring energy and strong communication skills. I truly enjoy building meaningful connections with both kids and parents, and I’m committed to making your family’s day a little easier.

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McCall
Booked by 1 repeat family
2 reviews
$22 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Ana, CA

I’m a responsible, caring, and dependable babysitter who genuinely enjoys spending time with kids. I have experience babysitting children of different ages, working at a gymnastics facility, and assisting with special education students during high school. I love creating a fun, safe, and positive environment where kids can learn, play, and feel comfortable. I also enjoy cooking and would be happy to help prepare meals or snacks when needed. I have my own reliable transportation, making it easy to arrive on time and help with school pick-ups, activities, or errands if needed. I look forward to getting to know your family and providing dependable care you can trust.

“McCall has been with us for about 6 months now. She’s one of the sweetest, kind, caring girls we know. She’s great with our girls and pets. Shes never once been late and is available for our date nights as well. I highly recommend her.”

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Nakisa $1 per hour for 1 child

I recently moved to California from Toronto, Canada, for my new role as a Principal Systems Engineer at a prestigious medical technology company. While I love my career, I also really enjoy spending my free time with children and being around their energy, curiosity, and creativity. I have experience babysitting for about three years, and I’ve always naturally enjoyed caring for and playing with children. I’m a very patient, responsible, and playful person, and I love doing activities with kids rather than simply watching them. One of my dream jobs has actually always been to work in a daycare or spend my days caring for and interacting with children. Babysitting gives me a wonderful opportunity to do something I genuinely enjoy while also helping a family who needs a trustworthy and caring person for their little ones. My work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM, so I’m available for babysitting after 5 PM on weekdays and anytime on weekends. I’d be happy to work with your family’s schedule and help whenever I can . Note: I am doing this job as volunteer work to help families.

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Emily 2 reviews
$20 per hour for 1 child

Hello! Caring for children and babies is what I do best. As a natural empath and caregiver, I feel it's a skill that just kind of exists for me organically. I think children deserve to be seen and heard, and their feelings matter. I love to have fun and be silly, but am also very calm. I've had parents describe me as their child's "first friend" (let me grab a tissue), which I think is a lovely and fulfilling role to have.

“I chose “other” because my answer is “all of the above”! I’ve known Emily for many years and we’ve worked together, we’re friends, she’s helped me with my kids, all of it! She is amazing with kids and though we are not related, she will always be “Auntie” to my kids. She’s very gentle and kind, but knows when to tell kids no. She’s really patient and understanding with kids and the different emotions they go through. She is very neat and always on time and I would recommend her to any family who needed help with their child care needs!”

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How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in Santa Ana, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $24.90
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $30.39
  • Typical job length: 5.3 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Santa Ana, 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.

456 sitters background checked in Santa Ana, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 2,084 reviews in Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents at your child's school, preschool, or neighborhood in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana

How do I find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Ana?

Sign up on UrbanSitter, enter your zip code, and submit a request with your timing and care needs. Babysitters near Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana?

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Santa Ana is $24.90 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Santa Ana.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check. You can also read reviews from Santa Ana families and see shared connections before you book. See what's included in the background check.

Can I find a same-day babysitter in Santa Ana?

Same-day requests are common on UrbanSitter. Submit a request with your timing and care needs, and available sitters in Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana can respond, and you can review profiles before choosing.

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