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.
99 available today | Avg hourly rate: $26.97/hr

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

Profile photo
McKenna $17 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is McKenna, and I have a strong passion for working with children and supporting families. I worked at Build-A-Bear Workshop for a little under a year, gaining hands-on experience creating fun, engaging, and positive experiences for kids of all ages. I love being a positive role model and bringing a warm, encouraging presence into every environment. I am very energetic and naturally adapt to each child's personality and energy level. Whether that means keeping up with active play or creating calm, structured moments, I can meet kids where they are. I am also very patient, understanding, and attentive, which helps me build trust and strong connections with both children and parents. I have experience working with a wide age range, from 1 to 17-year-olds, and I value open communication with families to ensure the best possible care. I am currently in school studying to become a child therapist, so I am especially passionate about emotional support, development, and helping children feel safe and understood. I am very creative and imaginative, and I love coming up with fun activities, games, and ways to keep kids engaged and happy. I am also more than happy to provide a reference from my time at Build-A-Bear Workshop!

Profile photo
Andrea $25 per hour for 1 child

I have a history of caring for people throughout my entire life. I started babysitting and doing art projects with my neighbor's children at the age of 13. I was the kid who taught all the other kids to draw, waterski, and help with chores. I was a traveling nanny for five children, moving around with the family during the summers for their vacations and working at home with them for one full year. I cooked for them, took them to events, and entertained them; I drove them all over for sightseeing outings and managed all their needs. It was a big job and I was only 18. I went on to house-sit and provide child care for many friends and neighbors over the years. I also house-sit and pet-sit for many clients. I started my own pet-sitting service while working at a pet store when I was 19. I became a gallery salesperson at the age of 19 and soon began attending community college, where I completed my general ed towards my BFA. I then moved to Paris, France, for a year to further my studies. After graduating with my BFA, I pursued a career as an art center director, curator, and exhibitions coordinator. I raised two sons, one from birth and the second I adopted when he was 15. I was the carpool parent, the extra special event parent, the yummy snack parent, and the art and museum experience parent. I also directed an art center for 11 years, during which I created an after-school arts and academic education program serving elementary through high school at-risk youth. I went on to direct non-profit museum spaces, work as a college professor with community college students, and freelance as an exhibition coordinator and curator for a U.S. exhibition touring, serving a world-renowned artist. I continued to help elderly friends in need, care for children, and house- and pet-sit. I am the friend most people call on for choices, errands, childcare, help when someone is sick, rides, fun, adventure, hikes, house repairs, or care, and help in general. I enjoy helping people, and I am very good at it. I am 57 years young and have spent my life caring for people, as my career and life have blossomed.

Profile photo
Katherine $22 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My personal background is a paralegal but before I became a paralegal I was a TK - 5th grade afterschool teacher for 3 years. If you have pets, I can assist too, I have a dog and a serval cats!

Profile photo
De Fracia $26 per hour for 1 child

Aloha families - I am a semi retired credentialed teacher - elementary through middle school. I am currently substitute teaching -on call- LAUSD at my discretion a d we are on summer break. I also nanny for one wonderful family - two boys 3 and 5 years old one day a week on Tuesdays - for summer camp and on school days. I drive and take my charges to parks and - extra curriculum activities - As a teacher play and hearing are hand in hand. If I can support your family with childcare I look forward to meeting you. -

Profile photo
Bridget $28 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hello. My name is Bridget and I am new to Urban Sitter although I am a lifelong caregiver. I’ve worked with all ages, including babies, children and seniors. I’ve worked in many different settings, including the mainstream Kindergarten and First grade as academic and classroom support, as well as a Paraeducator in special education supporting one specific student throughout their school day, ages 5-12. Both of these were at Elementary School level for the past 10 years, Also, I’ve worked many summers in the district campus daycare with babies aged newborn to two years old, as well as in the preschool with ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old. I’ve also tutored middle school students, both mainstream and special needs, in the home setting during distance learning. Prior to this, I’ve worked in the theater and stage setting as an actress working with oral deaf children learning to use their voices with confidence and breath control. We used the stage as a tool for projection. These children were aged 4-12 years old, and I worked with them after school and on weekends, on and off, for years. Personally speaking, although I am a single mother of two young adults and one about to be, my earliest and greatest on the job experience came when I was 10 years old, and was older sibling to a to a one-year-old baby sister, and newborn baby brother. Real hands-on learning while carrying the most precious cargo. I would also like to add that I think and act in real time in every situation. Over the years I’ve had to utilize emergency life saving techniques five times, such as the Heimlich maneuver, and CPR, all with life-saving results. On one occasion even stabilizing a stroke victim while waiting for medical help to arrive. I take everything very seriously, but I also like to have fun. I love to make people laugh, and kids and the elderly love to laugh with me. I also housesit, do housecleaning, and pet care as needed. Thank you very much for your time. Sincerely.

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: $26.97
  • 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.

As seen on