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Find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Monica, CA

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

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111 available last-minute babysitters in Santa Monica, CA

Families in Santa Monica use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
99 available today | Avg hourly rate: $26.97/hr

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

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Lisa
Booked by 58 repeat families
53 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 98 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I’m Lisa - thank you for visiting my profile! I’m a UCLA graduate and worked full time for many years in politics and civil rights. I’m now in a Master of Clinical Psychology program at Pepperdine and currently see patients for mental health treatment as a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee. I specialize in adolescents and seniors while offering affordable rates via telehealth, so feel free to reach out about that as well! When I’m not seeing patients, I love to babysit in the evenings and I am also available to provide companionate care and transportation for seniors. I’m fully vaccinated, including the latest COVID shot from Fall 2025. For over 20 years, I’ve been babysitting, nannying, and tutoring children of all ages. During that time, I’ve had the pleasure of working with several sets of twins, one set of triplets, and children with asthma, food allergies, ASD, behavioral challenges, and diabetes. In my younger years, I coached a competitive cheerleading squad (ages 11–14), taught at cheer and dance camps (ages 3–14), and worked at a gym teaching dance, cheer, and children’s fitness. I also spent five years as a lifeguard on a Naval base supporting their Search & Rescue training, so CPR and First Aid are second nature to me. When I’m with the kiddos, I love activities that spark creativity and laughter. Arts and crafts, puzzles, impromptu plays, Lego masterpieces, and board game strategy sessions are all personal favorites. If the weather cooperates, I’m also game to get outside to play sports or just burn off some energy. I lean toward a gentle-parenting approach, utilizing kind but clear communication while keeping things fun and warm. With infants and toddlers, I know how important routines are: play, eat, sleep, repeat! I’m also able to read cues and adapt when a little extra comfort or flexibility is needed. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I look forward to meeting you and your family! Policies Cancellation Policy: Barring extenuating circumstances, cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice require full payment of the scheduled booking. Health Policy: Out of respect for the medically vulnerable older adults I also work with, I’m unable to care for children who are sick. Thank you for understanding and helping keep everyone healthy!

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Tiara
Booked by 208 repeat families
205 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 415 families in Santa Monica, CA

*I am fully vaccinated and boosted.* - I do not mind working at late hours into the night and for you to extend your hours if needed. - I have been with UrbanSitter for 9 years and have babysat for children ranging from infant to 10 years old. I used to also volunteer at a child care, consecutively for 4 years, over the summer where I looked after 5-7 children at a time and helped with play and reading time, arts & crafts, snack and lunchtime, and naptime; these children's ages ranged from 6 months to 4 years. - I enjoy caring for children and engaging with them through reading, baking and going on outings such as the park or beach. I also do not mind having animals in the home while I am babysitting. POLICIES: -RATES: I negotiate my rates based on the expectations and requirements of the job. My rate stays the same whether or not the child(ren) is/are sleeping or awake. -MINIMUM: I have a three-hour minimum for bookings. This can be flexible for certain situations. -EARLY RETURNS: I plan and budget around the number of hours booked so I do request to be paid the full amount even if you may arrive early. -LATE RETURNS: I always try and be flexible with parents on timing, especially with date night bookings. If you need any extra time please let me know beforehand.

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Susanna
Booked by 73 repeat families
96 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 139 families in Santa Monica, CA

Unavailable for full-time nanny positions Hi! I’m a dependable, warm, and experienced caregiver with over 15 years of childcare experience and 67 repeat families since joining this platform in 2016. I work full-time as an HR Generalist in Los Angeles during the week and provide babysitting support for families seeking consistent, reliable care from someone they can truly trust. As the second oldest of seven siblings, caring for children has always been second nature to me. While I have experience with children ranging from 6 weeks through 15 years old, I especially enjoy working with toddlers and preschool-aged children (approximately 1–5 years old). I’m patient, attentive, and nurturing, and I focus on creating a calm, structured, and engaging environment through age-appropriate play, outdoor time, routines, and gentle guidance. Families often describe me as dependable, communicative, and easy to work with. I’m comfortable managing bedtime routines, light meal prep, transitions, and following household preferences to ensure continuity of care. Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering in the community, traveling, hiking, Olympic weightlifting (which emphasizes focus, discipline, and safety), running, and unwinding with a good book. I typically respond to booking requests within a couple of hours during the workweek. I look forward to building long-term relationships with families and being a trusted part of your child’s care team. Important note: At the time of booking, please let me know if your child is currently ill, recovering from an illness, has special needs, diabetes, or requires any specific care considerations. This helps ensure I can provide the best care possible and avoid any last-minute misunderstandings.

“Susanna was great with my 2yr old daughter! She was warm and friendly. I look forward to hiring her again!”

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Magdalena
Booked by 31 repeat families
48 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 62 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hello! I'm Maya. I have over 13 years of experience working with children of all ages. I am punctual, caring, patient, energetic, clean, and organized. I enjoy spending time with kids outdoors, whether it's taking them to the park or going for walks. Thank you for your time and consideration! :)

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Allison
Booked by 14 repeat families
16 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 39 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi families! My name is Allison, and I am currently a TK Special Education Teacher. I earned my Special Education teaching credential through CSUN, and when I am not teaching, I am available for babysitting and childcare support. I have over 18 years of experience working with children of different ages and needs, including children with disabilities and developmental delays. I am CPR certified, fingerprinted, and have completed background clearance through LAUSD. I am also bilingual in English and Spanish, have my own car, and am comfortable helping with routines, play, learning activities, and creating a safe, caring environment. I truly enjoy working with children and supporting families, and I would love the opportunity to help with your childcare needs.

“Allison was so great with our kids! We were visiting from out of town and needed a sitter for one night we were going to a concert, so finding a sitter in a town that we didn't know anyone was super important that we felt confident. Allison was so sweet and even brought stickers for our girls to play with. She had great communication leading up to the day she came and we would absolutely hire her again when back in LA!”

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $26.97
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $31.96
  • Typical job length: 4.6 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Santa Monica, 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.

1,103 sitters background checked in Santa Monica, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 7,578 reviews in Santa Monica, 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

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Find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Monica

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why Santa Monica 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 Monica families

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

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 Monica

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

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

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Santa Monica is $26.97 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Santa Monica.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

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

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