Find Babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA

The average rate for babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA on Care.com is $24.09 per hour as of January 2026. Rates can vary depending on the babysitter’s experience, the ages of your children, and the types of responsibilities you need help with. Duties like preparing meals, handling bedtime routines, caring for infants, or supervising multiple children may influence the overall rate. Many families also find that evening, weekend, or last-minute care can be priced differently. For a broader look at typical pricing, you can explore how much babysitters cost and use the Care.com cost calculator to help estimate your total expenses.

Finding a babysitter in Santa Cruz, CA often starts with asking people you trust, such as friends, relatives, or neighbors, for recommendations. Many families also look in local parenting groups or community forums where other parents share their experiences. On Care.com, you can browse 105 babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA, each with information about their background, availability, and reviews from nearby families. Taking time to compare profiles and understand each sitter’s experience, age-group comfort, and approach to childcare can help you find someone who fits your family’s routine and expectations.

Babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA offer a range of services to support different family schedules and childcare needs. Many caregivers focus on afternoon routines, including after-school sitters who help with pick-ups, homework, and evening transitions. Families who need extended coverage can look for overnight sitters who stay through the night and assist with bedtime care. You can also find sitters who specialize in caring for infants, such as infant babysitters experienced with feeding, naps, and developmental routines. Many babysitters are available for weekend help or general childcare, and some can take on tutoring responsibilities if your child needs academic support. Reviewing each sitter’s profile can help you understand their experience, availability, and the types of care they are most comfortable providing.

When choosing a babysitter in Santa Cruz, it’s helpful to consider their experience, comfort with your child’s age group, and familiarity with common childcare duties. Many families look for babysitters who communicate clearly, arrive on time, and have positive reviews from other parents. It can also be useful to understand the typical responsibilities of a babysitter so you know what to expect during each visit. For a broader sense of the qualities families value most, you can explore what makes a good babysitter, especially if you’re hiring someone for infants, bedtime routines, or after-school care.

Babysitters typically provide occasional or part-time care, such as evenings, weekends, or short-term help when parents are away. Nannies usually work more consistent hours and may take on additional responsibilities like planning activities, helping with children’s schedules, or supporting daily routines. Understanding the differences can help you decide which type of caregiver best fits your family’s needs in Santa Cruz.

How early you should book a babysitter depends on when and how long you need care. For busy times like weekends, holidays, or evenings, it can help to reach out several days in advance. If you need ongoing or recurring help, contacting sitters ahead of time gives you more options and allows you to schedule interviews and meet-and-greets. For last-minute care, many babysitters in Santa Cruz offer flexible or same-day availability.