Family with caregiver

Find a last-minute babysitter in Washington, DC

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

Looking for jobs? Apply here.

309 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.
187 available today | Avg hourly rate: $23.34/hr

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

Profile photo
Maeve $20 per hour for 1 child

Hi Families! My name is Maeve, and I am a first-year law student in DC. Prior to law school, I worked as an English teacher and have always enjoyed spending time with kids. I’ve taught at the high school level and regularly volunteered with middle and lower school students. I have experience caring for children of various ages. Throughout college, I babysat regularly for a family with a 1-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a dog. I am available Friday through Sunday evenings, with additional flexibility depending on my class schedule. I would love to find a family to assist on a regular basis—whether for weekend date nights, occasional coverage while you work or evening help. I am responsible, dependable, and attentive. In my free time, I enjoy checking out estate sales, testing new recipes and running. I am also able to provide references upon request.

Profile photo
Ashley $20 per hour for 1 child

Hello I’m Ashley; a 5th grade teacher offering child care, tutoring,and household services while public school is closed for the summer ☀️ I’ve been a babysitter since I was 15 years old. I’ve babysat children as young as 8 months to 12 yrs old. While in college, I worked at a daycare serving children as young as 1 yr to 3 1/2 years old. I helped students develop motor skills, social skills, practice sight words, and did lots of arts & crafts! After graduating with my degree in elementary education I started teaching in Arlington, VA public schools. I specialize in elementary English language arts, science, math, and history. I have a drivers license, vehicle, and willing to drop off and pick up kids to and from school/camp. I also offer cleaning services, please have cleaning supplies available.

Profile photo
Karla $20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

Hi im a student at American University studying International relations. I am certified in First Aid and CPR, I have taught after school programs for varying ages, and worked as a camp counselor. In my free time i enjoy dancing, playing string bass, and bass as well as singing.

Profile photo
Emilia
Booked by 1 repeat family
$23 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC

I am an elementary education major and going into my second year of college. During the year I work with pre k after school as an extended day teacher. I have experience with infants and children up to 10 years . I am open of course to providing you more information about myself and my work experience upon request including my references .I am CPR / First Aid certified as well .

Profile photo
Ebony $20 per hour for 1 child

Hi, my name is Ebony! I am offering care for both children and pets. I'm a Native Washingtonian with much experience in childcare. Over the course of 19 years on and off, I have provided care for several families via an agency, and independently for a non-profit organization, events, friends, and family (as the cool auntie). I ran an afterschool program at a local high school during my AmeriCorps term, providing my students a safe environment for enrichment and growth. My late father worked as a teacher's aide at a DC middle school and would take me to work with him. Helping his students was a complex job and I was trusted with it! Having the chance to help children with special needs as a teen taught me how quality care could help a child thrive. That experienced sparked my interest in childcare. Children of all ages deserve safety and attentive care. I bring a positive attitude, creativity, kindness, nurturing, and patience to care I give others. My talents include making still-life drawings with oil pastels. Also, I love animals and have enjoyed pet sitting for friends here and there. Though I am allergic to cats, I adore them and will have my own Zyrtec ready to go for those biscuits. I am open to walking and playing with your animals, no matter the size. I spend my days working full time, volunteering, getting lost in a book, and studying.

Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college

Children playing together

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.

1,345 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

Family with caregiver

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.

More ways to find care near Washington

As seen on