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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Margaret $23 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Maggie and I am a 26yr old NC native that’s been in LA for 1.5 years. I’ve worked with kids of all ages my whole life as a tutor, nanny, summer camp counselor, lifeguard, babysitter, and aunt of 4 toddlers. I have a full license and clean driving record. I love arts and crafts, cooking and doing anything outside.

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Katherine 1 review
$99 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Monica, CA

Mom to 10- and 12-year-olds. Love kids, host neighborhood friends, and care for them all. Active, creative, responsible, and patient. Warm, dependable presence who creates a welcoming home. Enjoys art, movement, and meaningful connection, balancing fun with structure and thoughtful guidance.

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Leah $18 per hour for 1 child

hi - i am currently a student at santa monica college and i am offering child care as well as pet care services. I have always enjoyed babysitting and watching children. I love how their creative minds work and think. I find children to be an important part of society. Through every mess and mistake , i will be patient and gentle with them. Children respond well with kindness and being well understood. I would watch two children from time to time and they were four and seven. They enjoyed how i had interacted with them as i was constantly playing with them whether it was barbie or if we were mermaids in the ocean. When you are a child your mind will believe anything and i want to help be the magic in your childs life. I am a very sweet and kind individual who cares for all and is very empathetic I have had two pugs so i have some experience with caring with smaller dogs but larger dogs i do not have experience. I also am allergic to cats

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Kimberly
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$23 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Monica, CA

Hi! My name is Kimberly. I am currently offering childcare, errands, senior care, and pet care. I am 28 years old and I have 12 years of experience caring for children from newborns to teenagers including being a camp counselor, babysitting/nannying, theatre teacher, and program coordinator at a children’s theatre. I'm upbeat, outgoing, and love having fun with kids! I am vaccinated and boosted against Covid and CPR/First Aid certified. I was also a foster and adoption agent with an animal rescue, so I have experience with all animals and can give your pet the care it needs. I'm also experienced with puppies and older dogs so no matter how old your pup is, I'll be there to help. I can't wait to get to know your family! Please see below for experience. EXPERIENCE Lawrence Family JCC -JCompany Youth Theatre | San Diego, CA May 2018 - August 2021 JCompany Program Coordinator JCompany Youth Theatre | San Diego, CA January 2018- May 2018 Teaching Artist Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center | San Diego, CA June 2014 - August 2017 Camp Jaycee Unit Leader San Diego Junior Theatre | San Diego, CA June 2009 - January 2014 Aide Private Nanny | San Diego, CA August 2014 - March 2018 Multiple Families Choreographer| San Diego, CA January 2018 - April 2018 University City High School Director | San Diego, CA March 2018 - June 2018 Sage Canyon Elementary School Foster/Adoption Agent | San Diego, CA March 2020 - November 2020 Amazing Strays Rescue EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management | San Diego State University Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, Minor in Event Planning/Production | Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ Graduated Summa Cum Laude, Presidential Scholar, & Leadership Scholar. Certifications: First Aid & CPR CA Licensed Driver

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Celeste
Booked by 1 repeat family
2 reviews
$26 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 4 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi my name is Celeste and I received my bachelors in Elementary and Special Education at Grand Canyon University. I’m fully bilingual and I’m really passionate about making an impact on children and helping them grow. I have many years of childcare experience, including four years in elementary school settings. My specialized skills are in special education, caregiving infant, toddlers, and elementary school children and specialized tutoring in Spanish, but have worked with all ages. I’m allergic to cats, but would be ecstatic to work with families with dogs and willing to cook, clean and run errands.

“Celeste did a great job when I needed a last-minute sitter for my eight-year-old. I’m always very reluctant to hire last-minute sitters, but she made us feel right at ease from the beginning. She was attentive, and my son really liked her. She’s also an awesome person. My sisters and I really enjoyed talking to her while we were getting ready for our night out! ”

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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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