With flu and other illness going around this time of year, it is bound to happen. The babysitter you hired for the day or for a holiday party will call at the last minute to say that she is sick.

What do you do? Cancel your plans?

Smart parents are learning that it is best to always find back-up babysitters to use in case of emergency. This can be the neighbor next door, parents or other family member who are willing to step in when you are in a pinch.

But not every family has that option. So are there other choices?

Now there is another option that parents are choosing. They are using online matchmaking sites that match parents to potential babysitters in their local area. Looking at several local towns and cities near you will produce a whole list of names of babysitters no matter where you are located.

Most of these sites allow you to search my zip code to see available babysitters before signing up for their service. You can look at babysitter photos, their work and educational histories, and their hobbies and interests. It is easy to find a good match for your kids.

Once you sign up for a membership, you have access to background checks, babysitter profiles and even parent reviews.

Why get stuck staying home next time the babysitter cancels? Go online to get back-up sitters and interview them now.

Then the next time your babysitter cancels, you can just call then next one on the list.