"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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311 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.
191 available today | Avg hourly rate: $23.35/hr
All babysitters shown here are background checked every year. Learn more.
Kathleen $21 per hour for 1 child
Hi! I'm Kathleen and have had sitting gigs/volunteer gigs with kids on and off since high school. I have eight nieces and nephews, so I am super comfortable with kids & there's not much I haven't seen!
Michelle $20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Washington, DC
Hello! I am a sophomore university student attending Howard University on the prelaw track. My background in childcare is deeply personal to me, as I was raised by a mother who attended school for child development and currently works as a postpartum doula, and I myself have years of experience caring for children as the oldest in my family. I love caring for my family and children. I have babysat in the past, as I am extremely passionate about making a comfortable, fun, safe, and enriching environment for any child I look after. I have experience assisting postpartum doulas in infant care. Currently, I work as a part-time children's art educator at Kid Create Studio in Virginia, working with kids ranging from 3 to 13 I can help with homework in Art, English, and Social Studies. I can also help with Spanish homework as I speak conversational-level Spanish. I look forward to meeting you and supporting your household's needs!
Marielle $15 per hour for 1 child
Hello! My name is Marielle and I am a Sophomore Psychology major, French and Biology double minor at Howard University. I've been taking care of all of my little siblings and cousins since I was 8 years old, and I've worked as a special education teacher's assistant for elementary and high school students since my freshman year of high school. I love working with kids, and I aspire to be a child and forensic psychiatrist in the future. I hope to meet you soon!
Ashlynn $15 per hour for 1 child
I worked as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) in a hospital with a pediatrics ward. I would work with kids often, also volunteering at a local middle school to teach kids about home alone safety. I am certified in BLS, CPR, and First Aid along with Stop the Bleed. I had to help kids through tough times and hard news, along with celebrating the small victories. I also worked with newborns at our maternity ward.
Brennan $18 per hour for 1 child
Hi-My name is Brennan and I am available for caregiving of all ages, household errands, and pet-sitting. I have been a registered nurse for 6 years, and I am finishing up school for my Nurse Practitioner. I am CPR certified and live in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC. I love working with children, and I have babysat for children of all ages since I was in high school. Please let me know if I can help you or your family!
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How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in Washington, DC?
- Average hourly rate for 1 child: $23.35
- Average hourly rate for 2 children: $28.02
- 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.
1,347 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
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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 $23.35 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.
