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.

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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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Catherine 4 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child

Hello! My name is Catherine, and I’m so excited to be here! I’ve been a childcare, senior care, and pet care provider for over a decade, and I believe that a caregiver is most effective when they act as a partner to the family, which is why I see us as a team in supporting your family member/s in good communication, attentiveness, and safety. Although I do not have as many reviews as others, as I am new to UrbanSitter, I am not new to caregiving, and I am qualified. I invite you to have a meet & greet, either by phone, text, virtual, or in-person, to see if I fit your agenda. *My approach is rooted in positivity, kindness, trustworthiness, and a calm demeanor, thereby creating an atmosphere of awareness and a safe space. *Lastly, I am happy to transport (excellent driving record), do errands, light housework, laundry, prepare meals/snacks, activities, and tutor homework. Experience: Day Care Center-11 years Independent Caregiver/Baby Sitter-8 years Tutor Online-7 years (Reading/English/Writing) Psychology Degree-Online Counselor/Coach for Couples & Self-improvement CPR Certified *Baby Sitting, Childcare, Tutor, Pet Care, Special Needs Children.

“Catherine is one of those rare people you can always count on. She’s trustworthy, gentle, genuinely kind-hearted and her reliability gives such peace of mind as a babysitter. I would never hesitate to hire her or recommend her.”

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Sonia
Booked by 1 repeat family
3 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi, I’m Sonia I have a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development with a focus on Elementary Teaching at San Francisco State University. I’ve been working toward a career in education for over five years, and I truly enjoy supporting children as they learn and grow. I have strong hands-on experience working with infants and young children, and I’m especially confident in caring for babies and supporting their early development. I’ve worked as a lead teacher in an infant classroom, where I was responsible for maintaining routines, supporting feeding and diapering, soothing, and creating a calm, safe, and nurturing environment. Along with my infant experience, I’ve also worked with children up to age five and as a substitute teacher in a variety of classroom settings, which has helped me adapt to different needs and personalities. In my current role as a teacher, I create engaging and supportive environments where children feel comfortable exploring and learning. I enjoy activities like sensory play, reading, music, and simple crafts that support early development in a fun and meaningful way. I value clear communication with families and believe every child deserves patience, attention, and care. I’m also fluent in Spanish, which allows me to connect with a wider range of families. Outside of work, I love spending time with animals and have experience caring for dogs of all sizes.

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Courtney Paige 4 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child

Hello! If you’re looking for someone who is fun, energetic, loves to laugh, and will make sure your child is cared for in a positive way-you’ve found the right sitter! I promise to make your child’s days filled with memories to cherish. I provide activities like board games, arts & crafts, story times, and more. I have 8+ years of experience, reliable safe transportation, and can promise you your child is in the best care when they are under my care as a sitter. Also very comfortable with pets, I have 3 cats of my own. I look forward to meeting your little!

“Courtney took care of my two children for two full weeks while I was away on vacation, and I genuinely cannot say enough good things about her. Leaving your kids for that long is never easy, but she made the entire experience completely stress-free. From day one, she was attentive, patient, and incredibly organized. She kept the kids on their routines, made sure they were engaged and happy, and handled everything with such calm confidence. I always felt informed and reassured, she communicated regularly, sent updates, and truly went above and beyond to make sure my kids felt safe, supported, and loved. When I came home, my children were not only well cared for, but genuinely happy and thriving. That says everything. Courtney is responsible, trustworthy, warm, and incredibly capable. Any family would be lucky to have her. I would 100% trust her again without hesitation, she is truly exceptional.”

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Madison
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi, my name is Madison and I just graduated from American University. I was in Girl Scouts for all of my K-12 education, volunteered at a preschool, and also worked at a ballet studio for younger kids so I'm very comfortable working with children. I also worked as a tutor/mentor at a middle school in D.C. I also love animals. I have a dog of my own and this past summer I also helped nurse kittens at Best Friends Animal Society!

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Nia
Booked by 1 repeat family
2 reviews
$24 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hello! My name is Nia and I have 15 years babysitting newborns, infants and children. I have professional experience at a daycare for ages 1-4 as well as in my 6th year working through a private babysitting company. I also have experience coaching 6 year old basketball I am also comfortable watching and helping the elderly with basic tasks such as cooking, cleaning around the house and also just providing company. I can keep them quite entertained with my stories. I used to work at the local animal shelter and prior to that was a successful dog walker so I am very comfortable with all animals. I’m very energetic and nurturing so I do really well entertaining my 3 year old perfect nephew when I babysit him weekly.

“Nia was great! She was very cool, down to earth, and our girls really liked her - we would totally have her back!”

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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

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 $26.97 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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