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

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

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Melinda $25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Santa Monica, CA

Safety is ALWAYS my first priority. My passion lies in providing dependable support to families and your loved ones. I've had the privilege of working with infants to seniors over the past years. I hold a college degree and maintain a current CPR/First Aid certification. Additionally, I am resourceful, creative and calm under pressure, with the ability to think on my feet when challenges arise. A good sense of humor is an approach I use to help navigate various situations with ease. I’m more than happy to help with light housekeeping, driving children to and from school, activities, etc. (I have a safe SUV that holds 2 car seats easily). I'm also very flexible with yours/my schedule. I work hard and always have a smile on my face 😊

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Sophia $30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I’m Sophia 🌿 I have twenty years of experience working with children in a variety of settings—supporting kids on the autism spectrum (ages 2–18), working as a summer camp counselor teaching kayaking, and spending summers working at a beach camp in Santa Monica with kids ages 3–13. As well as an away camp working with kids of all ages for a summer when I was 18. I’ve also assisted in a Montessori classroom for ages 3–6 and have two sweet nephews (Ray Ray, 12, and Theo, 8) whom I adore and have helped care for regularly. I have been babysitting for different families since I was 12 years old. I studied psychology at the University of Colorado Boulder, where I developed a deep love for the outdoors. Whether I’m hiking, biking, or surfing, being in nature is a big part of my life. I love working with children because it brings out my playful and nurturing side. I’m known for being calm, kind, and grounded, and I bring a lot of presence and care into the spaces I hold with kids. Friends and colleagues often describe me as genuine, patient, and full of heart. Fun facts about me: I love swing dancing, singing circles, and playing the ukulele. I’m also a certified Reiki Master and integrative health coach and run a coaching business focused on healing and personal growth. I bring emotional attunement, nervous system regulation and loving presence into my childcare. I’m currently looking for a summer position and am available until mid-September. Looking forward to connecting with you and your family!

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Linda
Booked by 107 repeat families
116 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 256 families in Santa Monica, CA

AVAILABLE FOR BACKUP CARE TRUSTLINE REGISTERED Not too long ago it was a tradition for an extended family member to step in as a caregiver for working parents. Now, there are many families who have moved to a new city for a career without a family member nearby. I specialize in taking loving care of children in my role as caregiver. I strive to prepare healthy kid-friendly meals and snacks for children. And I make use of other sites to find activities for little learners. I can keep your child engaged with reading books aloud and other fun and educational activities. I am very resourceful and patient with a sense of humor! For the past couple of years, I have worked as a nanny in share, and with one child alone. Those parents are very willing to be a reference for me. And I had a very successful run in Washington DC with many families from the region. Maybe I have cared for your family or friends in DC; I have more than 400 bookings there. I really look forward to working with your family!

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Monique
Booked by 73 repeat families
82 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 114 families in Santa Monica, CA

** DUE TO A WRIST PROBLEM, I AM ONLY WORKING WITH CHILDREN AGES 4 AND UP** Hello! My name is Monique, and I was a stay-at-home mom of two (now grown) children. After my kids grew up, and I thought about going to work, I couldn't think of anything I'd enjoy more (or am better at) than caring for children! I have lots of experience entertaining children with vastly different temperaments and energy levels. I love children of all ages- including the ones that are old enough to think they're smarter than you! I genuinely find all kids interesting and enjoy talking with them and exploring their interests. I love being silly and kids like me - seriously, they really do! I'll be down on the floor, in the grass, whatever it takes, to interact with and to engage your child. (Obviously, older children may not need/want that kind of attention.) I am nurturing, loving, patient, fun, silly, physically fit, experienced, and professional. - Adult & pediatric CPR and First Aid certified (American Red Cross) -Background checked through the California Trustline Registry and through the company Urban Sitter uses. If your child needs help with school work, I might be able to help. I do love teaching. I home schooled one child for nine years, 4th-12th grade). I'm college educated, have a Masters degree from NYU, and have professional tutoring experience. My SUV seats seven, I can assemble nutritious meals, and I love dogs. I'm fine with other animals, too. I am absolutely responsible, completely reliable and punctual! Thank you for your interest in me :) **BOOKINGS ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS: 24-hour cancellation policy, $60 charge, which is not intended as a penalty, but a small amount of the loss I incur from missing out on filling a premium spot.

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Leanna
Booked by 46 repeat families
83 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 124 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi! My name is Leanna! I’m originally from New Yorker but have been in Los Angeles over a decade. I work a full time 9-5 job in marketing & love to babysit occasionally in my free time. I have 15+ years of babysitting experience and love kids! I am comfortable with all ages and have three siblings of my own, so can handle a large family. I have experience night nursing with infants as young as 3 weeks and have nannied part time with multiple families. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

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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.

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