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

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

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hillary
Booked by 4 repeat families
4 reviews
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 families in Washington, DC

I have over 5 years of experience with caring for children of all ages whether new borns or teens. It started with taking care of family members being a first- born daughter in my big family and expanding to neighbors and friends. With a degree in business management and training in psychology, I bring patience, understanding, and the ability to engage children of all ages in age-appropriate activities. My experience as a certified HCA caregiver, including a year of live-in care, has further developed my ability to ensure safety and wellbeing. I follow parents' guidelines for discipline and respect each family’s preferences. Additionally, I can assist with light housework, keeping tasks within the home. I prioritize clear communication with parents to provide the best care possible for their children. Can’t wait to meet future families 😊

“Hilary was great! She very quickly connect with my toddler and handled the bedtime routine perfectly. She was so kind and professional. We’ll definitely have her back.”

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Kate
Booked by 5 repeat families
5 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 8 families in Washington, DC

Hi! I graduated from the University of Michigan as a Master of Social Work candidate, where I specialized in working with children and families. I have been babysitting for 10 years now, and have experience with all ages, including newborns

“Kate had great questions beforehand, arrived early, and was so warm + personable with the kids. Would certainly hire her again!”

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Myka
Booked by 1 repeat family
2 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Washington, DC

Hi, my name is Myka! I’ve always had a passion caring for children ever since I could remember. I’ve gained several years of childcare experience, caring for ages newborn to school-age in various settings such as daycare, in-home nanny and being a school nurse. Being a mother myself has also given me further knowledge and experience in caring for newborns to school-age.

“Myka is wonderful to work with! She is reliable, punctual and most importantly she is so kind and loving with our two energetic boys and we came back to two very happy kids who asked when she could come back again. ”

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Olivia
Booked by 2 repeat families
4 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 6 families in Washington, DC

Hi, I’m Olivia! I’m a reliable sitter with 10+ years of experience caring for children of all ages. I’ve worked as full-time nanny, supported kids with special needs, and managed twins and larger groups of children. I have helped over 50 families with their childcare needs, so I have managed a large variety of circumstances! About a year ago, I relocated to the area from Denver, CO, where I spent a lot of my free time caring for kiddos whose families I built great relationships with.

“Olivia immediately connected with my kids. She was calm, confident and played the entire time. ”

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Mary Beth 4 reviews
$29 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 4 families in Washington, DC

I’m available for weekends and weekend overnight care too. Friday 7PM to past midnight. Saturday 8AM to past midnight. Sunday 8AM to 4PM Check availability on my calendar. From newborns to teens, I can provide focused, worry-free care so you can enjoy your time out. I provide transportation to sports practice, games, friends' homes, and extracurricular activities. I’m an accomplished cook who can cook according to your family's dietary requirements. I have: College degree My own transportation Current, excellent references Current clearances and background checks from: -FBI Criminal Background History -FBI Fingerprinting -DOD Army Clearance Clean driving record No drinking No smoking I love doing creative, age-appropriate activities with children. Reading, tummy time, music, and more for infants. The list of activities grows as the children grow.

“I got stuck in DC because of flight cancellations and ending up with my 3 year old daughter and prep meeting with clients for an important next day meeting. Mary Beth arrived at the hotel promptly (in advance) and with only a request that afternoon. My daughter loved her. Indeed, she was able to do things with Patina that are hard for me -- get her to draw, tell stories, get her PJs on, and get into bed on time. Terrific.”

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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.

1,347 sitters background checked in Washington, DC

4.9 average star rating from total of 5,930 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.

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