What you need to know about child-proofing your home

Safety is something you don't want to take any chances on, but you don't need expensive equipment. Here are some easy ways to keep your child safe in your home, without facing a hefty price tag.

Many people get by without stair gates and cupboard locks, but the success of this depends on your child and it's better to be safe than sorry. The best method is to deal with situations as they arise, while keeping an eye on the obvious dangers.

Here are some potential dangers to think about:

• Fire: If you have an open fire (real or gas), you will need a fireguard as soon as your child becomes mobile. Look out for second-hand guards, ask friends who have an older child and check out catalogue and DIY stores.
• Toxic Substances: Ensure that dangerous substances, such as cleaning materials and medicines, are kept well out of reach.

If your child is into everything, or you want to take every precaution, look out for special packs of safety devices in DIY stores that include plug covers, cupboard locks and door stops.

• These starter packs work out much cheaper than buying individual packs of safety devices.

Whether it's new or second-hand, before you buy equipment for your baby, you want to be sure it has not been recalled.

• Contact one of Health Canada's regional product safety offices. You'll find a list of local addresses and phone numbers on the organization's website, as well as a list of children and baby furniture, clothes, toys, car seats and strollers that have been recalled.

The leading cause of death and disability for Canadian children is injury. The good news is it doesn't have to be that way.

• The Children's Safety Association of Canada at www.safekid.org offers child safety information, including fact sheets on everything from poison prevention to playground or farm accidents, as well as safety bulletins on issues like the West Nile virus.

Keeping your child safe doesn't have to be a costly process. Follow these tips to create a safe environment and make sure you are well-versed on the latest recall and safety information.