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Find a last-minute babysitter in Washington, DC

Need a sitter on short notice? Washington families find trusted, background checked babysitters on UrbanSitter.

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308 available last-minute babysitters in Washington, DC

Families in Washington use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
177 available today | Avg hourly rate: $23.34/hr

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

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Carolina $25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

Hi! My name is Carolina 👋 Here's a little about me : I have more than 5 years of experience working with children of different ages. Since high school, I’ve been helping elementary school children with their homework and taking care of my neighbors’ kids. Later, I moved to the United States in 2022, and now I have experience caring for newborns up to children aged 12. I consider myself patient, kind and respectful. I enjoy doing crafts and practicing sports. I love creating a safe, fun, and structured environment where children can be happy and feel loved.

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Mary Elizabeth $20 per hour for 1 child

Hello! My name is Mary Elizabeth, and I am a recent college graduate who just moved to Washington, DC. I grew up babysitting for families in my church and was a camp counselor for many years. I also grew up on a farm taking care of dogs, cats, and horses! I am a dependable and responsible person with great attention to detail. I have experience with all ages. I was a cross country and track runner in college, so I love being active and I have plenty of energy to play with kiddos! I have experience tutoring as well, and would love to help out with homework.

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Bet $20 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Betsabe, but everyone calls me Bet 🙂 I'm a loving, patient, and responsible caregiver. I might be a little shy with adults at first, but I'm completely silly and fun with children! I have 10 years of extensive childcare experience, including 1 year of professional caregiving here in the USA. My experience spans all age groups, from newborns to teenagers. My primary language is Spanish, so I'm happy to help children practice their Spanish language skills! Also, one of my personal goals is to improve my English, which makes me even more motivated to communicate clearly and engage. I truly enjoy making little friends and creating warm and loving connections with children. I focus on providing a safe, nurturing, and happy environment where children feel supported, cared for, and comfortable being themselves. I use my diverse skills in Photography, Arts and Crafts, Cooking, Sports (Running, Cycling, Soccer, Swimming), and Dance to encourage creativity, healthy habits, and fun learning in every interaction. I am also happy to provide homework assistance and tutoring. I have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record for safe transportation, if needed. I’m also a huge animal lover and am happy to help care for family pets (dogs, cats, etc.) as needed. Professional Credentials: • Red Cross - Advanced Child Care Training Course Certificate. • First Aid and CPR Certified. • Childcare Accident Prevention Promoter. Specialized Training: • MIDO expert for girls and adolescents. • Focus on boys and girls growing up healthy. • Integrating Arts and Science into children's lives.

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Yanis $20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

Hi there! I’m Yanis, a Cornell grad and current Georgetown Law student offering child care and household help. I’m the oldest of 12 cousins, so babysitting has been part of my life since childhood, and I’ve been babysitting for friends and family ever since. I’ve also tutored pre-K through high schoolers and taught Sunday school, always mixing in creative approaches like drawing, board games on Greek mythology, and pillow-fort adventures. I’m tidy, comfortable cooking and prepping snacks and meals, happy to accommodate dietary preferences, and totally comfortable with cats and dogs too!

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Jane 1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

I am a grad student here in DC. I have been babysitting regularly since middle school. I am CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard certified. I’ve worked with various families with kids under one year old through high schoolers. I have two younger siblings as well, who I often watch and take care of. I have lots of experience with pets - I have two cats, who I am the primary caretaker for, and I have experience dog-sitting. In the summers I work as a sleep-away camp counselor. I am friendly, patient, and responsible. I can speak both English (native speaker) and Spanish (proficient).

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How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in Washington, DC?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $23.34
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $28.01
  • Typical job length: 4.8 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of November 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Washington, DC

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.

1,346 sitters background checked in Washington, DC

4.9 average star rating from total of 5,926 reviews in Washington, DC

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

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Find a last-minute babysitter in Washington

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why Washington 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 Washington families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents at your child's school, preschool, or neighborhood in Washington.

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 Washington

How do I find a last-minute babysitter in Washington?

Sign up on UrbanSitter, enter your zip code, and submit a request with your timing and care needs. Babysitters near Washington 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 Washington?

As of November 2026, the average babysitting rate in Washington is $23.34 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Washington.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check. You can also read reviews from Washington families and see shared connections before you book. See what's included in the background check.

Can I find a same-day babysitter in Washington?

Same-day requests are common on UrbanSitter. Submit a request with your timing and care needs, and available sitters in Washington 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 Washington can respond, and you can review profiles before choosing.

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