Finding a babysitter online is similar to shopping for most items and services. There are pictures, descriptions, testimonials, ratings, references, and sometimes videos. After you narrowed down your search to your neighborhood, the next step is finding a sitter with a background check. From there it is time to start calling sitters and interview.

The process varies, but typically parents pay a membership fee for access to wide variety of sitters. You can start here by entering your ZIP code in the search box to the right of this article for a list of sitters in your area.

It happens to every family: the always reliable, loved-by-the-children babysitter isn’t so reliable anymore. Maybe it’s school, maybe it’s age, maybe it’s a boyfriend or a new job, but for whatever reason, “old reliable” has become “not available” and you need another sitter… fast!

There are a few tips sure to make everyone a little more comfortable with the idea of a new babysitter, so before you invite a stranger into your house and head out for the night, take these measures into consideration:

Make the first visit a short, casual stay.

Ideally, this would be a middle of the day meeting at your house, possibly without you even leaving or maybe just for a walk around the block. Your children are the important thing here, so you want to see if they connect with the new sitter and how the sitter reacts to your children’s personalities. Make it no longer than an hour or two, and overpay a few bucks if you’re happy. The sitter will immediately respect you and put you high on her list when you make that last second phone call for help down the road.

Make a surprise “drop-in” shortly after leaving the next time.

A well placed forgotten wallet or purse will give you reason to find out if your sitter gets on the floor to play games with your children or just stares at her phone texting her friends the minute you leave. If this seems a little underhanded, remember: it’s your house, and you are welcome to come and go as you please. The sitter is being paid to watch your children, and you are simply checking on the situation.

Be upfront about the payment.

Don’t leave your sitter worrying if those six hours with your crazy kids is only going to net her a sawbuck. Let her know your hourly rate, and if it’s a special situation (an overnight), give her a total amount upfront. For example, if you pay $8/hour but need a sitter from 7pm to 7am when the job will be primarily housesitting, you might offer a lower total. Whatever the case, make the offer on the phone so your sitter can reserve the right to politely refuse. Your sitter has a life too, and just because you want to go out doesn’t mean she must accept if she’s not busy.

Overpay a good babysitter.

Are you happy with your sitter? Did you come home to find your kids happily sleeping, well fed,with all of their homework done? Skip that latte tomorrow and give a few extra bucks to the person watching your children. Rates vary based on neighborhood, number of children, financial situation, etc., so naturally only give what you can afford. Just remember, though: the cost to find another good babysitter because your old one doesn’t come around as much could be a lot more expensive than rewarding a good sitter an extra dollar an hour. Be smart: round up, occasionally give a few extra bucks if you know it was a difficult night, etc. She’ll appreciate it and you’ll be happy when she answers her phone on the first ring the next time you need her.

Get home on time.

Just like you don’t want your sitter showing up late, you shouldn’t get home much later than you specified. Your sitter might have plans afterward, so getting home two hours later than expected on a Saturday night might earn your sitter more money but it might also earn you some dirty looks. If you’re going to be late, call.

Maintain the relationship.

The relationship with your babysitter is one of the most important relationships you have because it involves your children’s care. Keep it friendly but professional. Don’t be afraid to ask for her services, but also don’t be offended if she can’t always make it.

These tips should help the transition with a new sitter. If you find one that isn’t a good fit, the tips will help you know immediately, and when you find a “winner,” the tips will help you keep her around until your own kids are ready to babysit. Either way, now you’ll be prepared.