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Find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Barbara, CA

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

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7 available last-minute babysitters in Santa Barbara, CA

Families in Santa Barbara use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
6 available today | Avg hourly rate: $25.67/hr

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

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Nicole 1 review
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Barbara, CA

I’m a happy, fun-loving, detail oriented mom of 3 teenagers. I own a children’s resale boutique in town and one of the things I like best about it is interacting with the kids and their families! I work in my shop only part time and now that my kids are older I’ve found I have extra time and love to give to families who need a little extra help or a date night or just a break! I love animals and so pets in the home are a bonus for me. I’m also very happy to help with meal prep or tidying up if I’m at your home. I love the park and the beach and am always willing to take kids for walks or on outings or even help with homework. I love board games and drawing or coloring and playing dolls or building legos or any imagination games kids enjoy. I’m fit so I can keep up with them on bikes or scooters or racing around outside! I truly enjoy being silly with kids of all ages and enjoy having fun and engaging with them at their level. Newborns to teens… I love all the stages. I was a full time nanny before and during my tenure at UCSB and started babysitting as soon as I could as a young girl. I think it’s because I have a lot of love to give and my family of origin is very small so I have enjoyed being part of the families that I work with. After UCSB I worked in both educational and residential facilities with severely emotionally disturbed teenagers and learned so much about behavior management and caring for children who need extra support. That was truly an educational experience for me and has positively impacted my relationships with children and as a parent myself. What else? I’m punctual, thoughtful, I have a strong work ethic and I do what I commit to doing. I have a positive outlook on life and that shows in all I do! Let me know if you think I could be of help to you and your family ❤️☺️

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Elizabed $20 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Liz, and I have over three years of experience caring for children from infants to 8 years old. I've worked with multiple families, including children with autism, and I truly enjoy creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment where every child feels comfortable and cared for. I'm patient, dependable, and love keeping kids engaged through crafts, outdoor play, reading, educational activities, and imaginative games. I'm also happy to help with meal preparation, light housekeeping, homework, and maintaining daily routines. I speak both English and Spanish, which allows me to communicate with a variety of families. I understand how important it is to find someone you can trust with your children, and I always strive to provide reliable, compassionate care while building positive relationships with both parents and kids. I'd love the opportunity to support your family and help your little ones learn, grow, and have fun!

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Brittney $27 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Brittney, and I'm a current third-year student at UCSB and also work at Trader Joes. I absolutely love working with kids and animals, and I've always been the person friends and family rely on for babysitting, pet sitting, and helping around the house. I'm patient, responsible, and very easy to communicate with. Whether it's homework help, creative activities, outdoor play, or keeping a consistent routine, I'm someone who makes sure kids feel safe, supported, and engaged.

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Nina $22 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Nina, and I’m a responsible, patient, and energetic college student with experience working with children through tutoring, babysitting, and helping families with daily routines. I enjoy creating a fun, safe, and positive environment for kids, whether that means helping with homework, playing games, preparing simple meals or keeping them on schedule. I’m reliable and comfortable communicating with parents about expectations, routines and any needs their children may have. I have experience tutoring kids in English and math, so I’m happy to help with schoolwork as well. I am also fluent in french. I’m comfortable with pets and light household tasks when needed. I would love the opportunity to support a family and make their day-to-day life easier while making sure their children feel cared for and safe.

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Audrey $20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Barbara, CA

Hello! My name is Audrey and I’m a current junior at UCSB. I am an environmental studies major and I’m hoping to eventually get my teaching credentials. I have been working with children since I was 16 working as a camp counselor and choreographer for children’s theatre (ages 5-14). I have also worked for Goleta Unified School District an after school leader with kids in TK-6th! I can manage a class room of 20 students, drive, cook, clean, and run errands! When I’m back home I take care of my grandpa, handle his medication, take him to a from appointments, and even play poker (and lose) with him. I love animals and the environment and more than happy to work for a family with an array of pets and plants!

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $25.67
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $30.82
  • Typical job length: 5.8 hours
  • Most requested times: Evening

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Santa Barbara, 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.

24 sitters background checked in Santa Barbara, CA

4.9 average star rating from total of 261 reviews in Santa Barbara, 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 Barbara

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why Santa Barbara 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 Barbara families

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

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 Barbara

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

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

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Santa Barbara is $25.67 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Santa Barbara.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check. You can also read reviews from Santa Barbara 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 Barbara?

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

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