Family with caregiver

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.

Looking for jobs? Apply here.

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.
100 available today | Avg hourly rate: $26.99/hr

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

Profile photo
Elise
Booked by 6 repeat families
11 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 14 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi! My name is Elise. Please feel free to read the following that highlights my experience and talents as a sitter. **Background** . I was born and raised in LA . I graduated from USC with a bachelors in Org Chem, GCU with my bachelors in Sciences in Education. . I’m now currently working on my masters degree in Ed at UCLA. **Experience** . I love imaginative play, board games, arts & crafts, painting, reading, baking, & always open to kids teaching me something new! . I have over 10 years of experience working with kids. . I started working with kids at 15 for neighbors and family as well as doing some volunteer work with my local library and babysitting small children there. . I worked in an after school program right after high school. I taught several classes such as; dance, arts & crafts, basketball, Girl Scouts, and cooking/baking. . I transitioned into a teaching role at a(n) elementary/middle school as an Instructional Aide & then as a full time SpEd teacher. I focused with students with special needs, disabilities, and IEP’s. ** Nanny/Babysitting Experience & Current Commitments** . I’ve worked with a total of 7 families full-time/part-time throughout the past 8 years. . I’m well experienced with children from ages 18mo-15years of age. . I’m committed to 5 families as an occasional sitter (for date/work nights). . I currently work with a total of 2 families throughout the week (school aged children). **House Sitting** . I have also house sat for a few families already, including looking after their pets. . I can help with light cleaning, carpool, cooking, running errands, grocery shopping, etc. **Vaccinations** . I’m Covid vaccinated & triple boosted [NOTE: I routinely take a Covid test (weekly) to ensure your health and the health of other families I work with] . As an educator I am required to take all and any necessary vaccines as required by the California Health and Safety Code Sections[removed]75 including: - TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) - MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) -TB clearance (this is a continuing one that I take routinely) - Influenza vaccine **Transportation** . I drive a 2024 Nissan Sentra . I am insured . I have a clean driving record . I keep a very tidy environment that includes my car. I sanitize common surface areas daily. Thank you for reading! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out! :)

“Professional, punctual and a great communicator! ”

Profile photo
Deborah
Booked by 14 repeat families
17 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 23 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hello! Looking for a caregiver who naturally connects with your little ones and furry family members, and who brings years of trusted, loving experience? That’s me! My name is Deborah, and caregiving has long been something I’m deeply drawn to and truly passionate about. I’m currently working as a full-time nanny for a wonderful family through UrbanSitter, and I’m so grateful that this has become my professional career. Friends, families, and clients have consistently trusted me with their most precious children and beloved pets, knowing they’re in caring, responsible, and attentive hands. I focus on creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children feel happy, supported, and secure. Whether it’s imaginative play, helping with routines, or simply sharing calm, comforting moments, I’m dedicated to being a positive and reliable presence in your child’s day. Although I’m committed full-time during weekdays, I’m available for evening care and Saturdays, and I’d love to support your family whenever you need extra help. Please feel free to reach out for date nights, weekend coverage, or special occasions. I understand the deep trust families place in their caregivers, and building a strong, respectful partnership with your family is very important to me. I’m a dedicated listener, quick learner, and someone who always strives to provide dependable, high-quality care. If you’re looking for someone who feels like a natural extension of your family, I’d love to connect! Please send me a message, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. If I don’t respond immediately, I’m likely caring for a precious little one. 😊

Profile photo
Silmara
Booked by 76 repeat families
99 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 158 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi Parents, I'm Sil, a multilingual babysitter with experience working with children of all ages and also with special needs. I love playing games, telling stories, and doing indoor/outdoor activities. My goal is to add value to your child's life, keep them engaged and safe at all times. I simply adore animals and often find myself lost in conversation with them for hours on end. It's truly amazing how much love and joy they bring into our lives. 💜 Can't wait to meet your family :)

“Sil provided a very professional and thorough cleaning service. Would definitely recommend.”

Profile photo
Ely
Booked by 12 repeat families
17 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 25 families in Santa Monica, CA

Babysitter with 10+ years of childcare experience and a parent myself, so I truly understand the needs of both children and parents. I hold a BA in Psychology, I am fully vaccinated, and certified in adult and pediatric First Aid/CPR. I’m passionate about creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for children of all ages. I’m available for occasional job opportunities and would love the chance to support your family’s needs. I’m also comfortable around pets. 🐶

Profile photo
Mary
Booked by 1 repeat family
10 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 13 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi I am a career nanny of 30 years. I have been described as honest, fun, loving, reliable and dependable. I love my job and am so lucky to work with all ages. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education but have worked with infants to teens.I hope to get the chance to interact with one of yours.

“Mary helped me out in a pinch when daycare got canceled. She was very responsive, showed up on time, great energy, wonderful with my 9 month old. Would definitely hire her again.”

Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college

Children playing together

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $26.99
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $31.99
  • 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.

1,107 sitters background checked in Santa Monica, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 7,528 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

Family with caregiver

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 $26.99 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.

As seen on