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Find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Cruz, CA

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

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66 available last-minute babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA

Families in Santa Cruz use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
8 available today | Avg hourly rate: $29.93/hr

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

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Gabrielle $29 per hour for 1 child

Hi families! I am a passionate, patient, and highly communicative caregiver who truly loves being a part of children's growth and daily milestones. I believe in creating a joyful, structured, and engaging environment for little ones. One of my favorite things is planning creative activities both indoors and outdoors. I love introducing music to children’s routines—I’ve been playing the keyboard since I was 12 years old and enjoy using music for learning and fun! I also love cooking healthy meals, diving into the magical world of Disney and cartoons, and planning special surprises or themed activities for holidays and celebratory dates to make their childhood memories extra magical. Open communication is very important to me. I love connecting with parents at the end of the day to share updates, talk about the children's daily routine, and ensure we are always aligned. I look forward to bringing safety, creativity, and lots of smiles to your home!

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Yesenia $25 per hour for 1 child

Hi there! My name is Yesenia, and I’m so excited to offer child care this summer to support your family. With over 10 years of experience working with children from 6 months to 12 years old, I bring a warm heart, a creative mind, and a lot of energy to everything I do. I’ve worked as a babysitter, in daycares, after-school programs, and summer camps, and I’ve even performed in children’s shows at California’s Great America—so keeping kids smiling and engaged is second nature to me! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science (Preparation for Teaching) from San Jose State University and a Master’s degree in Teaching from Santa Clara University. I’ve also taught in bilingual classrooms for students in TK through 6th grade. Education is a huge passion of mine, and I love helping children grow, explore, and learn in fun and meaningful ways. I am passionate about working with kids because they keep me young at heart! I’m constantly inspired by their natural curiosity, joy, and honesty. From DIY art projects to story time to nature scavenger hunts, I believe in keeping kids busy in ways that continue to spark curiosity and creativity. Through it all, I lead with patience, positivity, and consistency. I believe children learn best by example, and I aim to show them how to be kind, respectful, curious, and confident in themselves. I’m caring, dependable, communicative, and always ensure I create a safe, supportive space where kids can be themselves. Outside of work, I love arts and crafts, reading, hiking, beach days, and staying active—especially with my dog and bearded dragon by my side. If you’re looking for a sitter who is responsible, nurturing, and genuinely passionate about working with kids, I’d love to be a part of your family’s summer!

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Viktoriia $30 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Viktoriia. I currently work in a daycare with children aged 1.5–5 years old. I am caring, patient, and attentive, and I always make sure children feel safe, comfortable, and happy. I enjoy doing arts and crafts, especially drawing, and engaging kids in creative and age-appropriate activities. I pay close attention to cleanliness, hygiene, and safety, and I always follow routines and parents’ instructions.

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Manuela Maria $28 per hour for 1 child

Hello, my name is Manuela, I am 26 years old, I am from Colombia therefore my language is not English, I speak Spanish and I am in a progressive process of learning English, I have already worked with people who do not speak Spanish and they have given me the opportunity to give them my services without any problem, only a little patience. I'm looking for someone to share time with, I can after 4:00pm ... I have experience with children from 6 months to 10 years old ... I am a very charismatic person with children, loving and understanding ... I can give full attention to the needs of children, I like to play, and teach them new things that help them in their development depending on the age, in the middle of my care I can teach slightly Spanish and get good results if that is what you want as parents, I also have CPR certification.

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Paloma $50 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m a 29-year-old Speech and Language Therapist with a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy and a genuine love of working with children. I have experience working with children of different ages and abilities, including children with additional needs, and I’m patient, caring, responsible, and creative. I enjoy keeping kids engaged through play, activities, reading, and outdoor time. I’m also fluent in English, French, and Spanish, so I’d be happy to speak any of these languages with your child. I’m currently looking to babysit alongside my work as a therapist and would love to help families with their childcare needs!

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $29.93
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.03
  • Typical job length: 5.8 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Santa Cruz, 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.

206 sitters background checked in Santa Cruz, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 1,127 reviews in Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why Santa Cruz 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 Cruz families

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

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 Cruz

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

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

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Santa Cruz is $29.93 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Santa Cruz.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

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

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