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.

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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: $23.33/hr

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

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

Hi! I’m Sofia and im 21 years old. I’m a full-time student at the University of Maryland, College Park (Class of Fall 26'), and I absolutely love working with kids. I offer childcare along with light household help like cleaning, cooking, and tidying up, and I’m also comfortable driving kids to and from school, activities, and appointments when needed. I’ve been caring for children since 2018, working with kids ranging from infants to teens. Over the years, I’ve supervised multiple kids at once, helped with homework, prepared meals, organized fun and age-appropriate activities, and made sure kids feel safe, supported, and happy while their parents are away. I’m also currently a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), where I support children and youth ranging from 1 month to 21 years old. I’ve worked as a Teacher Assistant at a Montessori school, helping plan lessons, support classroom routines, and give extra attention to children who needed it. Additionally, I’ve been a camp counselor, leading groups, running games, and creating a positive and energetic environment for kids to learn and have fun. I’m patient, dependable, and very attentive, and I truly enjoy building warm, trusting relationships with the families I work with. I would love the chance to support your family and be someone your kids feel comfortable and excited to be around. I can’t wait to meet you.

“Sofia is always early, patient and so sweet with our 2.5yr old. We are so lucky to have found her! ”

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Gayatri
Booked by 6 repeat families
5 reviews
$13 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 12 families in Washington, DC

Hi! My name is Gayatri and I'm a babysitter with ~10 of experience with children ages 1 - 14. I have a bachelor's degree in Economics and Creative Writing from UNC Chapel Hill (class of 2014) and currently work in Georgetown in branding / communications for non-profits and foundations. In my free time I like to read, write fiction, and cook! I love babysitting because it's fun -- I love getting to know children over games, arts and crafts, homework, and playing with their friends. I have experience working with boys and girls and enjoy babysitting actual babies as well as older school-age children :) I'm looking forward to meeting your family!

“Our nine-year-old son had a great time with Gayatri! We'd definitely hire her again.”

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Bryn
Booked by 6 repeat families
8 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 14 families in Washington, DC

Hi! My name is Bryn, I’m 25 and a registered nurse in the ICU at Georgetown Hospital. I’m CPR certified and previously volunteered as an EMT. I have a car and clean driving record, passed a background check and drug test for work, and of course am fully vaccinated. I grew up (and still live) in Arlington and I have been babysitting in this area since high school. I joined Urban Sitter since all those kids are older now! I spent two summers as a nanny here, working with a 3 year old and then a set of 6 year old twins. I was also a lifeguard and have coached youth basketball and ultimate frisbee. I have a younger brother with ADHD and have spent many hours tutoring him. I have a math background (majored in statistics at UVA) but also love reading and writing, so I’m always happy to help with any homework. While babysitting, I enjoy doing crafts, reading, board/card games, and playing outside when the weather is nice. I adore all pets and don’t mind helping out with walking or feeding. I also always make sure to clean up after meals, activities, etc. Let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to hearing from you!!

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Maria
Booked by 2 repeat families
2 reviews
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 4 families in Washington, DC

Hi, it is Maria.... i'm asian from Indonesia. I have an experience with kids from infants to preschoolers. Currently I work at childcare and i have studies from Early Childhood Education and lots of training around children. I love to take care kids , I enjoy teaching them, singing to them, reading stories, and playing them. I as well have my own child, she is currently a teenager

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Angela
Booked by 3 repeat families
5 reviews
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 12 families in Washington, DC

Hello! I am fun, caring, and dependable and have 3+ years of experience working with preschool and elementary age children in different childcare, after-school, and classroom settings. I currently work as a tutor at an elementary school in DCPS. I love getting to know and spend time with kids-- playing games, doing arts and crafts, reading, exploring, and more! I strive to ensure all kids feel safe, loved, and supported as they learn and grow. I am happy to help with homework, chores, and other housekeeping tasks. I am patient, empathetic, and creative, and will go the extra mile to ensure your children are well cared for!

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $23.33
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $28.05
  • Typical job length: 4.8 hours
  • Most requested times: Evening

As of October 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.

1,344 sitters background checked in Washington, DC

4.9 average star rating from total of 5,704 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 October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Washington is $23.33 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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