"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
Find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Maria, CA
Need a sitter on short notice? Santa Maria families find trusted, background checked babysitters on UrbanSitter.
Looking for jobs? Apply here.
Experienced last-minute babysitters in Santa Maria, CA
Families in Santa Maria use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
Avg hourly rate: $26.58/hr
All babysitters shown here are background checked every year. Learn more.
Sally $20 per hour for 1 child
Hello my name is Sally, No sitter training, just year of real time life experience. Raised 3 children. Sitter for other family members. Sitter for 9 grandchildren.
Samantha $20 per hour for 1 child
I am a compassionate, highly organized caregiver and former small business owner with a Master of Science in Nutrition. My background as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Registered Dietitian allows me to bring a high level of awareness and safety to every home. Whether I am managing specialized dietary needs for children or providing expert care for your pets, I pride myself on being reliable, communicative, and deeply attentive to the unique needs of those in my care. Childcare & Early Development - Infant & Toddler Specialist: Specialized in working with children aged 6 months to 3 years through my work as a swim instructor, focusing on water safety and early motor skills. - Clinical Pediatric Support: Triaged 25+ patients daily at a pediatrics clinic, supporting medical teams in providing optimal patient care. - Medical Needs Advocacy: Led recreational activities at Seattle Children's Hospital summer camp, adapting play for children with diverse physical and cognitive abilities. - Nutrition & Meal Planning: Expert at preparing whole-foods-based meals and managing complex dietary requirements, including food allergies and diabetes. Pet Care & Household Management - Professional Pet Sitter: Former owner and operator of a dedicated pet-sitting business in Seattle, managing all aspects of pet safety, exercise, and client communication.
Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college
How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in Santa Maria, CA?
- Average hourly rate for 1 child: $26.58
- Average hourly rate for 2 children: $35.84
- Typical job length: 3.4 hours
- Most requested times: Afternoon
As of October 2026
Recent babysitter activity in Santa Maria, 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.
14 sitters background checked in Santa Maria, CA
5.0 average star rating from total of 128 reviews in Santa Maria, CA
"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
"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
Find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Maria
Submit a request to hear from available sitters.
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Find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Maria
Submit a request to hear from available sitters.
We use email to send essential communication regarding your account.
To sign up with Facebook, we need permission to use your email address.
Sharing your friends list is optional, and allows us to connect you with sitters they book and recommend. Nothing will be shared or posted.
Why Santa Maria 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 Maria families
See which babysitters have been hired by parents at your child's school, preschool, or neighborhood in Santa Maria.
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 Maria
How do I find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Maria?
Sign up on UrbanSitter, enter your zip code, and submit a request with your timing and care needs. Babysitters near Santa Maria 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 Maria?
As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Santa Maria is $26.58 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Santa Maria.
Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?
Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check. You can also read reviews from Santa Maria 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 Maria?
Same-day requests are common on UrbanSitter. Submit a request with your timing and care needs, and available sitters in Santa Maria 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 Maria can respond, and you can review profiles before choosing.
Resources
Tips for finding last-minute child care
Ideas and strategies for when your plans change and you need a sitter.
How much does a babysitter cost?
See average babysitting rates by city and across the country.
Free printable emergency contacts card
A quick printable card to leave with your sitter in case something unexpected comes up.
