"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
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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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.
Alana
Booked by 1 repeat family
$20 per hour for 1 childBooked by 1 family in Washington, DC
Lots of experience with dogs and cats (walking, feeding, administering medicine, playing, cleaning litter boxes, etc.). I love animals and am generally very flexible.
Sonya $23 per hour for 1 child
20 plus years experience working in the childcare industry. My passion is partnering with parents to help develop the next generation. I believe childhood should be about experiences that are not only fun but also developmental. I love crafts, being creative, reading and learning about different cultures. I have worked in preschools, learning centers, as a nanny, household manager, and even general manager of an indoor children's playground before COVID. I worked as a full time nanny during COVID. My post COVID experience has been as a Behavior Technician working with children between the ages of 2 - 11, and as a head start preschool teacher. I am dual CDA certified (infant/toddler & Preschool) and hold CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
Elizabeth 1 review
$20 per hour for 1 child
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC
Hi! My name’s Elizabeth and I recently graduated from AU. I have been babysitting since I was 13 and have experience with kids of all ages! I also have worked as a math tutor for middle and high school students. I love animals and am happy to work in a household with pets! I am able to work as a household assistant as well with grocery shopping, cleaning, and cooking.
“Elizabeth was incredibly warm and wonderful with our daughter. Would highly recommend her!”
Danielle
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC
Hi! My name is Danielle and I'm an elementary teacher assistant for Arlington Public Schools. I am offering child care during after school hours and weekends. I love being a babysitter and have been caring for children preschool-aged and older since middle school! I also have a few years of experience with infants and toddlers, and have worked in several childcare centers. I have my own car, am First Aid and CPR certified, and happy to share proof of my COVID vaccinations and background check clearance. Pricing is negotiable :)
“Dani was great with the kids and we will definitely work with her again and will recommend here to others.”
Nina $20 per hour for 1 child
Hi! I'm Nina! I graduated from Catholic University in 2024 and have spent the last couple of years working in government relations and Congress. I'm currently taking a break from the Hill and am excited to spend some of that time getting back to something I've always loved—babysitting! Over the years, I've worked with kids in lots of different settings. I've been a camp counselor, tutor, driver, and babysitter, and babysitting has always been my favorite childcare job. I love getting to know the kids I babysit and getting to be a part of their activities, whether that means helping with homework, driving to activities, making dinner, doing crafts, or just hanging out and having fun. Outside of work, I love cooking and baking and tackling fun DIY projects. I'm very comfortable driving in the city, have my own car, and love pets—especially dogs! I'm currently based in D.C. and have flexible availability for babysitting. I'd love to connect with families looking for a responsible, experienced, and engaged sitter!
Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college
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
"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
"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
Find a last-minute babysitter in Washington
Submit a request to hear from available sitters.
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Find a last-minute babysitter in Washington
Submit a request to hear from available sitters.
We use email to send essential communication regarding your account.
To sign up with Facebook, we need permission to use your email address.
Sharing your friends list is optional, and allows us to connect you with sitters they book and recommend. Nothing will be shared or posted.
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.
Resources
Tips for finding last-minute child care
Ideas and strategies for when your plans change and you need a sitter.
How much does a babysitter cost?
See average babysitting rates by city and across the country.
Free printable emergency contacts card
A quick printable card to leave with your sitter in case something unexpected comes up.
