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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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Mandy
Booked by 39 repeat families
30 reviews
$28 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 59 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I’m Mandy, a caregiver with almost 20 years of experience under my belt. I work with kids, seniors and pets of all kinds! I have a film/TV degree from LMU and work in entertainment professionally. I love working with kids and parents and providing peace of mind. Highly communicative and organized, happy to do check ins and updates so you feel comfortable that all is well. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions and I look forward to meeting you!

“Mandy was so wonderful. The kids loved her and we were able to enjoy our night knowing they were well looked after”

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Bailey
Booked by 4 repeat families
11 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 14 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I’m Bailey 😊 I’m a UCSB alum (BS in Psychological and Brain Sciences), EMT certified, and currently in registered nursing school. I have 8+ years of experience caring for children of all ages. I worked at the UCSB Child Care Center throughout my undergraduate years, including in the infant and toddler rooms where I regularly cared for multiple children at once. I also previously worked in Labor & Delivery as an OB/Surgical Tech, where I assisted in deliveries and C-sections and gained strong exposure to newborn care and hospital safety. I’ve worked as a paraeducator supporting children with special needs and currently work as a substitute teacher (TK–12 + SPED), so I’m very comfortable with a wide range of ages and needs. I’m warm, reliable, and truly love caring for kids—it’s a big reason I’m pursuing nursing. I enjoy creating a safe, engaging, and fun environment where children feel comfortable and supported. I have my own car, am CPR/First Aid certified, vaccinated, and happy to provide references. I’m also very comfortable with pets! I’d love to connect and see if I’d be a great fit for your family!

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Ariana
Booked by 85 repeat families
125 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 197 families in Santa Monica, CA

I have extensive experience caring for children of all ages, and I specialize in applied behavioral analysis. Currently, I work in a school setting, supporting autistic children and children with disabilities in their development. I create a fun, engaging, and safe environment that fosters both learning and growth. My approach emphasizes structure and developmentally enriching activities, using play-based techniques to make learning enjoyable. For instance, I might turn toys into counting tools or transform everyday moments into skill-building opportunities. I am a compassionate, patient, and dedicated caregiver who genuinely loves working with children. Since the age of 15, I have cared for children, including those with autism, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and empowered. My goal is to provide a nurturing and educational space where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively in the classroom and at home, ultimately building productive individuals who contribute positively to society.

“Ariana was awesome! She planned a fun day with my two daughters 5 and 2, was communcative, on time, and very sweet and reliable! Highly recommend!”

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Angela
Booked by 15 repeat families
19 reviews
$40 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 26 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I am an Event Planner, Personal Assistant, House Manager and Lifestyle Manager. I have extensive food, wine, and hospitality experience and love to cook and create memorable dinners and party experiences. I have also been a Placement Consultant for domestic roles and work with families to find the best fit for nannies, housekeepers, chefs, and assistants. If you’d like to connect, please reach out.

“Angela is great! Super trustworthy, responsive, flexible and really good with my cat, always stays with him for a while and he likes her so much. Follows instructions perfectly, even if a bit more complicated than usual as my Ziggy is a senior cat”

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Crystle
Booked by 4 repeat families
7 reviews
$22 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 8 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hello families! My name is Crystle and I’m a recent graduate from CSU Northridge. A few things I’d be more than delighted to do is childcare, pet care, and household services. I have 7 years of experience through summer camps and caregiving for the elderly. I have worked with multiple wonderful families and their children, with whom I have developed great relationships with and had the most rewarding experiences with them. I’ve cared for beloved pets as well! I would be more than happy to accompany your children and/ or pets, as I have a pet myself, and I understand the responsibility that comes with caring for and loving them. I'd be delighted to complete household services as well, including driving the kids to any extracurricular activities or events they might have, looking after pets or running errands. I take initiative in doing work that may need attending to and will ensure that everything required of me is completed thoroughly and efficiently. I understand that finding the best caregiver or babysitter for your loved ones is a top priority, in which I have made it my priority to ensure that I will provide the best outcome. I take pride in any work I do, and I’d love to have the opportunity to work with you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out for any questions or concerns!

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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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